Staff at more than 50 ABC stores, including the one in Wollongong Central, were told on Wednesday night the ABC planned to close all its bricks and mortar stores.

It is understood the Wollongong store employed at least four people.

While it is one of the stores that will close, no date has been set for the closure.

A spokesman for ABC said they would not comment on individual stores, as negotiations with landlords and consultation with staff were  under way.

The decision to close the stores and move to  an online shopfront was in keeping with the ‘‘changing retail environment’’, the ABC said in a statement released on Thursday morning.

The broadcaster said it was no longer possible for it to sustain a large network of leased stores reliant on the sales of DVDs and CDs.

The ABC’s retail revenue has traditionally been reliant on products like DVDs, music, books, magazines, toys, novelties and clothing.

While the national broadcaster will continue to manage a branded presence in other retailers like department stores Myer and David Jones, a revised retail strategy will focus largely on its online shop.

The head of the Australian Retail Association described the loss of 300 jobs as extremely disappointing. 

‘‘I accept that this is partly a result of disruptive technology and that retailers have got to reinvent themselves to ensure their longevity,’’ association president Russell Zimmerman said.

‘‘However consumers should have a choice (between physical and online stores).’’

The director of ABC Commercial, Robert Patterson, stressed the necessity of the decision and said it had not been taken lightly.

‘‘The ABC shops have been an important part of the ABC’s relationship with its audiences for the past 35 years,’’ he said.

‘‘However, this strategy will create a more cost-effective, nimble and flexible approach to servicing customers.’’

The broadcaster’s retail arm said the welfare of the  affected staff would be its primary focus over the coming months.