OfficeMax is shutting down all of its retail stores as it transitions to an online-only business.

The office supply company sent an email to its customers on Wednesday saying it will transition to an online-only business when its 14 stores close in October.

The decision comes after a retail review, which found the need for the business to adapt to the challenging economic conditions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement, OfficeMax managing director Kevin Obern says 55 roles would be lost as a result of the closure.

"This has been a very difficult decision as the stores have been part of our business and local communities for many years, and our priority at this time is to support our team - particularly those team members directly impacted.

"A retail review reflected the need for us as a business to make some really difficult decisions now, in order to position ourselves better for the future. The trend to increasing online purchasing, as well as changing office and work practices that have been compounded by Covid-19, means we also need to change and evolve to remain relevant to today's market."

He says the company was now working through a consultation process with the impacted staff to discuss the implications of the announcement.

OfficeMax has 14 retail stores nationwide in, Tauranga, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Hastings, Invercargill, Nelson, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Wellington and Whangārei.

RNZ.