Not sure what this means. A three-store chain of clearance outlets for the Bay and Home Outfitters? (although I seem to recall an article three or four months suggesting that one of the planned outlet malls on Toronto's outskirts was courting an HBC outlet store - can't remember where) HBC's answer to H2/Nordstrom Rack? (doubtful, I suppose, if they are keeping the Zellers name) Something else entirely? It doesn't sound like it will be Zellers as we've known it.
Zellers will stick around Canada’s three biggest cities after Target arrives
Marc Weisblott
Published: January 8, 2013, 10:30 am
Canada.com
Zellers has spent the past two years preparing to wind down operations after the discount store owner Hudson’s Bay Co. sold 220 of its leases to U.S. chain Target.
The process included a series of successfully self-deprecating social media promotions that played off the downmarket image of the brand name — on the assumption that it would disappear entirely by March.
But stores in the areas of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver will remain open after all.
Zellers will remain open for the long haul in spaces that Target didn’t find desirable and weren’t among the 39 leases handed off to rival Walmart.
The locations in Montreal North, the Queensway in Toronto and the Semiahmoo Shopping Centre in White Rock, B.C. will carry on with a modified selection this spring and beyond.
“Zellers will redefine the store format to focus on fashion apparel and a refined home product offering with a shared merchandise mix with other HBC banners,” confirmed communications manager Tiffany Bourré.
The survival of the name contrasts with the scene at the other remaining Zellers stores across the country, which are in the process of liquidating their merchandise, through a process that has met with some criticism on social media. Some prices have been reported as higher than they were before Christmas.
Liquidation company Hilco has also used the opportunity to attempt to move merchandise that wasn’t stocked by Zellers to begin with.
But shoppers will presumably complain less as discounts increase closer to the date when the doors close for good — except in the places where the Zellers flag will still fly.
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Zellers store to stay open at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre
By Christopher Poon, Now
January 10, 2013
The Zellers at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre will stay open until further notice.
That was the news this week following a decision by the Hudson's Bay Company to keep the store open beyond the previously-announced closure date of March 2013.
The decision to close the store had been made following U.S. retailer Target's purchase of many Zellers stores across Canada. Those not purchased by Target were slated to be shut down.
"After a review of the site locations not acquired by Target, Zellers has decided to continue to operate three stores beyond March 2013 under the Zellers name," said Tiffany Bourré, senior manager of external communications with HBC.
In addition to the South Surrey location remaining open, two other Zellers stores - one in Montreal and another in Toronto - will also remain open.
According to Bourré, the stores were chosen "based on opportunities in the market."
As for how the store will change, Bourré said they would be redesigning the current Zellers model from as it stands currently.
"Zellers will redefine the store format to focus on fashion apparel and a refined home product offering, with a shared merchandise mix with other HBC banners," she said.
The store will remain open during the transition period, and Bourré said there would be no disruptions to operations once the change is underway.
Current staff positions may be redefined, meaning those hoping to remain at Zellers may have to re-apply for those positions.
"The majority of associates will be given the opportunity to apply for a new position, based on the store business model," said Bourré. "Those who remain will continue their service without disruption to seniority or other benefits."
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