One of the country’s major department stores is leaving Burlington next month.
Hudson’s Bay says it will close up at the Burlington Centre at 6 p.m. on Feb. 9.
The location has been earmarked for closure for some time with original plans calling for the store to shut down last summer.
However, its stay at the mall was extended, much to the delight of shoppers who have been impressed with the close-out prices.
“Sad to see the Bay go, but the sales have been great,” said Monica Zalenski of Oakville. “I liked coming to this location but I guess this time they are really closing.”
A company spokesperson said there will be no last-minute reprieve this time and the doors of the store will definitely close for good come Feb. 9.
A new tenant is still being sought for the giant retail space that will be left behind at 777 Guelph Line.
Some believe the space may never be filled by the likes of Hudson’s Bay or similar-style department stores because of the changing habits of consumers.
Shopping consultant Dorothy Ramirez said that people are too willing to shop online because of the convenience and the friendly return policies.
“It’s not like before where you had to go to a store to try something on to make sure it fits,” Ramirez said. “Now you order it and if you don’t like it you can just send it back. It doesn’t matter what the item is.”
Some have suggested the space may be carved into smaller stores but a person familiar with the mall’s operation said the hope is that another large tenant will fill the space.
Ramirez, however, said that may be hard to do.
“Eaton’s, Simpson’s, Zellers, Target…none of them are left,” she said. “Those types of stores seem to be gone for good. Walmart? Maybe. Possibly a large specialty shop will give it a try.”
Hudson’s Bay will continue to operate at Mapleview Mall.
Simpson-Sears was the original anchor store for the Burlington Centre in 1969 but it sold its store lease and fixtures to The Bay in 1991.
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