It is common knowledge to most Canadians that Target, a super power American retailer, is setting up shop in Canada sometime early next year. Many consumers are patiently awaiting its arrival with mixed emotions. Some are saddened to see a foreign retailer scoop up the remnants of another failing Canadian company, while others are thrilled to welcome a little competition. Most are neutral on the subject, simply patiently waiting for their turn to check out the latest discount store that wants people to “Expect More, Pay Less”
However, behind the wall of calm consumers there are very anxious Canadian retailers. Yes, the giant Target approaching from the south has local businesses scrambling to find their very best arsenal to take aim (and possibly fire) at the powerful retailer who is anticipated to change the Canadian retail industry forever. Why, some might even say Target has local retailers shaking in their winter boots.
Many stores have already started to make significant changes in order to stay competitive. A few have decided a renovation is in order, others are buying out struggling companies, some are specializing in certain products and others are going to expand. In a nutshell, all have made the decision to change some aspect of their business to stay on top of their game.
So what does this have to do with you? Well, as a Canadian consumer you will notice sleeker, more modern stores, better customer service, a wider selection of products and most importantly, price drops. The most significant changes will happen this year and even more next year as Target starts to root itself in Canadian soil. A store down the street from you will likely expand, another store who previously sold everything will now only sell select goods and hopefully your grocery bill will seem a little less than usual. Who knows? You may even notice cashiers smiling at you more frequently or there will be fewer questions when you try to return a product. Alright, perhaps these scenarios are a bit idealistic, however they are based in the reality that change is on the horizon.
According to recent news, Canadian retailers may need a little “Target” practice. Ever hear of a little store called JCPenny? They have been stretching their feelers north and are seriously considering opening stores across Canada. And they are in good company. Kohl’s, Nordstrom, The Container Store, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Saks Off 5th have also considered expanding north of the border. Of course, we must not forget the stores that are already here including the world-dominating Walmart.
What do you think of Target coming to Canada? Do you think there will be significant changes in the Canadian retail industry? Do you hope more foreign retailers move into Canada? Please comment below!
PS ZELLERS really has to go, I got reamed out by a snotty little twerp the other day for trying to pay for an item at the CUSTOMER SERVICE counter (God forbid)
Actually Barbara Tim Horton’s became Canadian again in 2009. http://www.thestar.com/business/article/658256–tim-hortons-canadian-again
And yeah, Zellers/anything HBC is owned by Americans now so Target is just one American company taking over another.
I’ll always remember the mentality of our local shop owners. I overheard some saying, “Hope it snows again soon so everybody stops going to (Next town) to shop.“
Yes, “Hoping” seems to be the Canadian merchants strategy of staying competitive. Bring it on USA!
I live near Amherst Nova Scotia, and I was glad to hear that Target took over Zellers. Then I find out we’re not getting a Target here. Walmart is good but will have no competition in this town.
I’ve been rattling stupefied since I got to Canada how knowledgeable Canadians are of which companies and products are Canadian, and how often that influences their purchases.
Awesome thread. A close split between indifference to Target and excitement. I’ve only been in Targets in Tampa, Port Huron and Charlotte and, well, they are Zellers. Same brands, same layouts, same colour scheme, same dirty stores, same mix of helpful and indifferent staff. Not sure where these lovely, different Target stores are that other posters have been talking about! Pretty much, we’ll have more of the same as Zellers I suspect. Over-priced, guessing they’ll maintain the Cherokee brand which is currently at both Zellers and Target, and have the odd deal that will draw you into the store.
I for one am excited to see Target come to Canada, but I do0n’t expect the prices to be the same as in the US. I am just sick of the poor shopping available at the local Zellers store(selling expired food is the norm at my local store). I would be interested in JCP coming here since I love there linens, but again, it will probably be more expensive then just hoping across the border for the day.
Just something to consider for those complaining about the customer service at Zellers — if you think that Zellers is such an awful place to shop, imagine what it would be like to work there right now. Your store is a mess and customers are nasty and complaining to you all day, and on top of that you are inevitably going to lose your job. This does not give them the right to be rude but try to put yourself in their position, and maybe take it easier on them. I’m sure that they get treated awfully by customers who are continually being disappointed by a store that is quickly going downhill; it’s not the easiest thing to deal with every day. I’m sure I would get a bit surly once in a while if I worked there too.
Every time we go to Bellingham , Target is my first stop. Good selection, reasonable prices, organized store, and helpful staff. I know the Canadian Targets probably won’t measure up (prime example — WalMart) , but anything is better than what we have to deal with now. i just hope they bring their regular stock.
I for one am delighted to see some new competition coming here. I am so sick of Zellers and getting excited after seeing some interesting things in their flyer only to be terribly disappointed when none of the items I want are in stock or available at all, as well they have not put out in notices about zellers card holders points and what will happen to them. I have over a million and feel badly that I could potentially lose them. I was very happy to see Marshalls open their doors here & have been very pleased with some newer styling. I do feel badly when companies do come here though & it doesn’t work out for them on their bottom line and they close up shop, such as Linens & Things.
I hope that Target will do us the honour of charging the same prices as in the USA. That would be a game changer.
I think Katie makes some valid points(her comments below). If we don’t strengthen our own economy by supporting our own companies and producers what do we expect? It certainly won’t help them become more competitive. Personally, I make huge efforts to buy at Canadian retailers…Canadian Tire, Ma and Pop stores, The Real Canadian Superstore, farmer’s markets and the like. I will rarely buy at stores I know to be owned by another county but when I do I check labels and buy the items they carry that are make in Canada (just picked up a few tops at Costco that were all Canadian made). If I buy a jar of sauerkraut its the one produced in Canada and not Poland. This just makes sense to me, not only economically but environmentally as well.
Oprah did a show some time back where they evaluated an American family and only one major item in their home was American made. They went on to give stats on the positive impact to the American economy if families shopped at home. That program was an eye opener.
Katie says…
February 28, 2012 at 10:59 pm
I think everyone missed my point. We’ll never have the same prices as the States in everything…yet some of our prices are lower (eg. my sister paid more for produce in Texas than we did in Ontario). Our prices will never be as low due to a greater area to ship to, smaller population, higher minimum wages, and higher taxes that business owners have to pay out. Yet, these things (esp higher minimum wages and taxes) benefit our society. I would far rather live here than the States. I work in retail and am so tired of people complaining about paying a bit more and yet we have more benefits. Get over it! Go and spend the insane amount of gas to go shopping in the States and don’t complain when your local retail landscape looks like crap because stores go out of business.
I can’t believe this is what it is going to take to get better customer service in Canada.
Thanks Joan for recognizing what I was trying to say! I didn’t use to be so forceful about this, but my parents own a small business and I work at that as well as another locally owned business. I see the difference that shopping local makes. I know there are things that companies need to improve upon, but I don’t think throwing up your hands and shopping elsewhere is the answer. Plus, we have to recognize what that extra dollar or two on a book (or whatever we’re buying) is going towards in Canada. I know this website is about saving, but I believe you can save money and shop locally. And if I end up spending an extra dollar or two I know it’s going right back into my own neighborhood and the people who live there.
I suppose anything is better than Zellers, but Target is not too impressive either. I live near the border so we have the opportunity to shop there if we want to but I do not bother. It will be a change of scenery don’t set your expectations too high. When I am on a US shopping trip, I skip Target altogether.
This would be awsome, money is tight in our family and any help around here in Halifax NS would definetly be used by me and several dozen of my family and friends. realistic deals and prices is all we ask…hope somebody listens!
I’m always going to be excited about getting new stores in Canada regardless of what they are like, because every new store will equal better sales within your’s and my cities..
Thanks for reading!
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