LAVAL, Que. – Hart Stores Inc. (TSX:HIS) says president and chief executive Michael Hart has stepped down effective immediately and will be replaced by the company’s founder for a temporary period.
The discount retailer, based in the Montreal area, said Friday that executive chairman Harry Hart, who also founded the company, will oversee operations to ensure an orderly transition of the responsibilities to a new leader.
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Hart Stores did not say if it has a replacement in mind for the leadership position.
“The company thanks (Michael Hart) for his many years of service and the valuable contributions he has made to the growth of Hart Stores Inc.,” it said in a release.
“We wish him well and continued success in all his future endeavours.”
Hart Stores has 92 discount stores in Eastern Canada, including a new store in Pembroke, Ont., operating under the Hart, Bargain Giant and Geant des Aubaines banners.
In April, the company posted a $1.7-million net loss in its most recent financial year as it felt a financial impact from updating its systems.
Full-year sales were down to $174.7 million in 2011, compared to $179.5 million in fiscal 2010.
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