Vodafone is hanging up on budget mobile brand Crazy John’s, closing down the company on its 100,000 customers in September.
The decision to shut down the budget retailer represents the final step in a rebranding effort that has seen nationwide Crazy John’s stores transformed into Vodafone outlets since its acquisition in 2008.
Crazy John’s customers will be given the opportunity to transfer over to parent company Vodafone.
Vodafone purchased 75 per cent of Crazy John’s in a deal worth around $150 million a year after founder John Ilhan passed away in 2007. Last year 40 of 60 Crazy John’s retailers were closed in a move which saw the company decide to primarily function as an online operation.
”It is a sad day and it’s certainly the end of an era in name but his pioneering spirit is alive here,” Vodafone Australia director of sales Ben McIntosh said Tuesday. ”We look forward to welcoming those Crazy John’s customers who are coming over to Vodafone, and we say goodbye to those who are leaving and thank them for their loyalty and support over the years.”
Crazy John’s customers have until September 30 to shift across to Vodafone with systems being cut off after that date.
The Vodafone decision to cull Crazy John’s mirrors Optus’ decision to cut loose Boost Mobile, however it appears other telecos still believe there is business in budget brands. Telstra acquired the Boost licence after Optus cut ties with the brand in late 2012 and has also reportedly sought to acquire low-priced ISP Adam Internet.
