Big Lots, Liquidation World stores to close as company leaves Canada

Big Lots, parent company of Liquidation World, announces its leaving the Canadian marketplace. Photo taken by Carina Sledz/CTV Kitchener on Sunday, December 8, 2013.

Another retailer is leaving the Canadian marketplace to focus on strengthening stores in the United States.  Big Lots, the parent company of Liquidation World, announced Friday it is closing 78 stores across the country and its head office in Brantford.

It operates 73 stores under the Liquidation World or LW Brand names, five stores under the Big Lots brand name, two distribution centres and an office.

About 1,600 workers will be affected across the country; of that number 150 workers will lose their jobs in the Telephone City.

Brantford Mayor Chris Friel tells CTV News every job loss is concern for his city with an unemployment rate is at 4.1%.

“We will work with the company to ensure that the employees are treated fairly and have every opportunity possible.”  Friel says.

There are 13 LW or Liquidation World brand stores operating in Southwestern Ontario including Arthur, Brantford (as mentioned), Cambridge, Ingersoll and Paris.

About 25 workers will be affected by the closure at the Cambridge location.

Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig says he’s disappointed by the news but hints Canderel, the owner of the plaza, has a possible announcement coming soon.

Craig stresses when anybody loses a job, he doesn’t take it lightly. But he’s also confident that this will be a temporary situation.

In a news release, the company says the Canadian market has been “unprofitable” and has not been able to gain the “necessary traction. “

“This place is always full, I don’t understand,” Peggy Foley says about the Cambridge store location.  “More people are gonna be out of work.”

“It’s just a great place for people with larger families to, you know, get a bargain.” Dan Regier says.

Big Lots specializes in selling overstocked warehouse items like furniture and electronics at discounted prices.

The American-based company says it can focus on “bold steps forward” including introducing “e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities,” rolling out coolers and freezers to stores, launching a furniture financing program and “significantly realigning merchandizing organization.”

The company plans to close all its stores in spring 2014.