TORONTO – Poor sales and a lacklustre holiday shopping season have led to the demise of Target’s Canadian expansion. The U.S. retailer announced Thursday it will discontinue operations in Canada and close all 133 stores across the country.
Poor sales plagued Target Canada, which launched in March 2013, as it struggled with merchandise stocking issues and perceptions about its prices being higher than what Target charged in the United States.
READ MORE: Target pulls plug on Canadian stores
Reaction to the news was divided online. Fans of the company reacted strongly, defending Target’s price structure and unique products.
Fashion lovers mourned the loss of Target’s famous designer collaborations, which did draw big lineups at Canadian stores.
Others used the announcement as a way to bargain with the retailer – one user suggesting Target offer Canadian shipping through its website instead.
But, many used the opportunity to poke fun at Target and rally to bring back Canadian retailer Zellers. Target purchased many of the lease agreements for Zellers stores when Hudson’s Bay Company liquidated the discount chain.
But some are just looking forward to the deals.
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