CALGARY- A popular American department store is getting ready to open its first store in Calgary, which could have a ripple effect on local retailers.
Marshalls says it sells brand name products at a fraction of the price charged at department and specialty stores. Owned by the same company that operates Winners and Homesense, the store located in Kingsland Village is one of many planned across the country.
“There have been 33 stores across the country for Marshalls starting in 2011, and we’re expanding our footprint with five more stores including Calgary this fall,” explains Theresa Quick from Marshalls.
Retail experts say that for the chain to do well, it has to learn from the mistakes discount retailer Target made when trying to expand into Canada. That starts with making the stores look and feel like their American counterparts.
“If we can find the bargains at Marshalls it will be a good business for them and for us,” says Mohammed El Hazzouri from Mount Royal University. “If not, then I expect them to face the same thing that Target faced.”
U.S. retailer Nordstrom is also coming to Calgary, with its Chinook Centre location slated to open in September. Analysts expect the stores will bring more competition to the city, and predict retailers like Hudson’s Bay to match prices.
The Calgary Marshalls location opens to the public on Thursday.
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