Staples to close 225 stores in U.S. and Canada
Source: CBC.ca - http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/staples-to-close-225-stores-in-u-s-canada-1.2562302Date: March 6, 2014
Although businesses must do whatever they have to in order to stay in a profitable standing, sometimes their decisions impact the lives of hundreds of people. This most certainly is the case when it comes to stationary supplies giant Staples. Due to a drastic decrease in company shares, profit, and half of their sales moving online, Staples have decided to cut $500 million in annual costs by 2015 by closing 225 stores across North America.
This is clearly a decision that had to be made in order for the company to stay profitable and in business; however, hundreds of people are going to be out of jobs and communities are going to be out of the benefits of a big box store.
Staples has not disclosed the information as to which stores will be closing or how many people will be out of work, but it is safe to assume that with 225 stores closing, the numbers will be high. It is already hard enough to find work in the current economy; it seems as though more businesses are closing and putting more and more people out of work.
One can only hope that the Staples locations that will be closing are not in smaller communities. In a big city with many options, one stationary store closing will not have as great as an affect as on small cities. Imagine if the staples here in Miramichi were to close; we have a small community here with very little shopping options. Not only would the city have less options as consumers, but attraction from outlying areas, which businesses and our economy depends on, would decrease.
In the end, Staples has made the decision and we can only hope the impact will not be too harsh.
This is a great choice of article Christie. Staples in Bathurst and Miramichi employ an average to 40+ full time employee's and many more part time. This would have a great effect on many people's livelihoods. Also other business' would suffer as if Staples is not longer an option in one area such as Miramichi it would draw consumers to another community where it is available. Business need aside, I hope that Staple recognizes the impact on the smaller communities and make strategic and responsible decisions on which locations to close.
ReplyDeleteSad to say but often these stores do not select store closure locations due to the best community impact/outcome. Unfortunately, it is always about the almighty dollar! I was an avid Staples shopper for years, but have been very disappointed in the quality of products as of late. Many products are of dollar-store quality - VERY DISAPPOINTING!!! Let's hope that NB communities are not affected; however, I don't want any community affected!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope that it is not the Staples in Miramichi. We have finally begun to have stores in the our already dwindling malls. It would be a shame to lose Staples too, with the recent loss of Zellers in Canada, it would be sad to see Staples go too.
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