Better days ahead for Pen Centre

Recent articles headlined ‘Walmart planning big expansion at Pen Centre’ and ‘Sears closures: 122 Niagara jobs to be eliminated’ have portrayed an uncertain future for the Pen Centre and jobs in the region.

Change often causes people to fear the worst. Though current changes occurring in the Pen Centre are feared, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The declining sales facing Sears, which has resulted in the coming store closures, illustrates how Sears is not providing products that are of value to Niagara consumers. The declining demand for department stores may be attributed to consumers looking for a more specialized boutique-style shopping experience.

The vacancy Sears will leave in the Pen Centrewill result in more space for boutiquestyle stores that are in higher demand — better serving the community.

Even though unemployment is a large fear associated with the Sears closure, it is likely not a long-term issue as the opening of Walmart and other stores will result in new jobs to make up for the losses. These changes, though feared now, will likely result in a better Pen Centre for the future.

Domenic Alfieri St. Catharines We want to hear from you. Send us opinions, comment and other feedback.

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