AMI is reviewing aspects of its nationwide network of retail stores as customer preferences change.
Alex Geale is Executive Manager of AMI’s Retail Network.
“AMI has the biggest retail network of any insurer in New Zealand and that is not going to change.
“We are increasingly finding that our customers across New Zealand are preferring to contact AMI through other means, rather than visiting their local stores.
“We are seeing strong growth in digital engagement, including through social media and our website. The phone also continues to be a very popular way of contacting AMI.
“This means the number of customers visiting some stores has reduced significantly.
“As a result, we are considering closing our stores in Alexandra, Feilding, Hawera, Motueka, Porirua, South Dunedin and Thames.
“While it is disappointing that we might have to close a small number of stores, AMI will continue to be there for New Zealanders, whether they live in urban areas or smaller communities, by providing service in the way they want it to be – conveniently, efficiently and effectively.”
If this happens, the AMI retail network will still include 51 stores in every region of New Zealand, from Invercargill to Whangārei.
It is expected that these changes will result in few job losses. All affected customer-facing staff will be offered other employment in the organisation, including allowing them to work remotely from home or in other locations.