JB Hi-Fi chief executive Nick Wells has made his first public comments explaining the retailer’s decision to end its Narta group membership on 31 December 2026 after 25 years. His remarks addressed supplier questions about the timing and about how functions such as buying and data services previously managed by Narta would be handled.
Wells said both JB Hi-Fi and Narta considered the current point the right time to conclude the membership. He linked the decision to the size of JB Hi-Fi’s organisation today and said it would allow Narta to focus on supporting its members in the future. He described Narta as an important part of JB Hi-Fi’s growth and thanked its team.
The CEO said the companies would work closely in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Until the membership ends, he characterised the arrangement as business as usual. After 31 December, JB Hi-Fi will bring in-house some of the services that Narta previously provided.
Wells also addressed the status of the decision for investors. He said that while the exit was significant news for suppliers, it did not warrant an announcement to the ASX. According to Wells, the move was not about gaining more money; it was intended to let both parties focus on their futures, and he did not consider it material for the ASX.