Last Christmas at Zellers
Customers brace for closing in March
NEW GLASGOW – Walking into the Zellers in Aberdeen Mall, you can’t help but notice the number of signs stating, “Sale,” “Liquidation,” and “Everything must go.”
It’s a sign of the times as Zellers across Canada close their doors for good. Many of the stores will soon be replaced by Target, the American-based discount department store. For the Zellers location in New Glasgow, a Giant Tiger looms on the horizon.
With the Christmas shopping season upon us, it will be the last holiday rush for this store as it will be closing in March 2013.
“It’s really sad,” said one woman from Westville. The Zellers has been a mainstay for many shoppers for over three decades.
“I’ve been doing my Christmas shopping here for 35 years. I’ve always loved Zellers.”
Maureen O’Hagan from Westville is sentimental and nostalgic when the closure of the Zellers is mentioned.
“I’ve been a customer here for many years. I’ll miss (the store) for sure. I’m just hoping that the Zellers staff will be able to keep their jobs.”
For some in the community, however, the Zellers closure is just part of business as usual.
“I’ve been to Zellers about 10 times in the last 30 years,” says Kelly Ryan of New Glasgow. She is looking forward to the opening of Giant Tiger. “(The new store) is going to be a good thing for the community in the long run.”
Julia Myles of New Glasgow feels the same way. “(Zellers) definitely wasn’t my favourite store,” she said. “Today’s visit will probably be the last time I shop there but I’m just hoping that something better is coming along.”
The Zellers’ popular Skillet Restaurant was officially closed on Dec. 15.