The closure of Zellers' first store signals the end of an era and the start of a new one. As Zellers’ No. 100 store in Guelph closed down last Saturday, October 13, the closure swayed the emotions of many past employers and patrons who had worked and shopped there throughout the decades. Printing services of local companies have helped make the last weeks of Zellers' stores sell out most of their inventory and fixtures before closure, through extensive printed sales promotions.
Like the No. 100 store in Guelph, most existing Zellers locations will turn into future Target stores, with a few of the remaining stores not being converted to the new brand sold by March 2013. Demands for future printing services will no doubt be evident in the coming months as Target promotes its acquisitions.
Local printers may be asked to heavily market the new Target brand from the outset through large banner printing of store openings and detailed flyer printing of grand opening specials and sales. With analysts estimating that the large retailer will edge out $865m worth in sales from Canadian Tire and $397 million from Sears Canada, shoppers can expect extensive printing advertising and promotions.
Target purchased the leaseholds rights to 189 of Zeller’s stores and will keep 135 of its existing locations, with some being sold to Wal-Mart and a few more returned to the existing landlords. Target will need to sell uniquely Canadian products in its new stores in order to open in Canada.
