Target’s liquidation letdown

Target store in Lindsay, Ontario (PHOTO: Reuters)

Clearance sales happening inside Target store in British Columbia (PHOTO: Reuters)

After 22 months of being in Canada, department store giant Target is closing down its stores. Bargain hunters are jamming the stores for the liquidation sale that started today across the country.

Student Justin Le Blanc says he is a frequent Target shopper who likes the selection the store offers.

“It’s sad to see Target leave after its short two year period of time with us. I enjoyed shopping there. It’s more enjoyable than other discount department stores,” says Le Blanc. “The liquidation sale will definitely be my final farewell.”

According to the CBC everything from electronics to apparel will be on sale for up to 30 per cent off. The store is also trying to sell off its in- store furnishings including shelves and rolling racks.

Target was faced with competition like Walmart when it entered the Canadian market. Many hoped that Target Canada would be a carbon copy of its stores in the United States.

Terrence Tulshi lives and works in Toronto but says he is an avid cross border shopper.

“I’ve shopped at Target in both New York and here in Toronto and they couldn’t be more different. I will be going to the sale but most likely when the hype dies down,” says Tulshi.

According to an article by CBC, more than 17,000 Target employees will be jobless following the close. The article also says this sale is being compared to Black Friday, the deal filled shopping day that follows Thanksgiving in the United States.

A follow up article by the CBC reported that a small line had formed outside of stores. Shoppers said they were disappointed because they expected bigger discounts.

“To be honest I’ve never really been a huge fan of Target mostly because I found their prices higher than Walmart. As a new mom getting the best bang for my buck is important. I will be checking out some of their sales before they shut down,” says Oma Arshad.

The sale will continue from today until the stores close for good sometime in May 2015.