The year 2015 delivered a crushing blow to Target which came to Canada, spent billions and utterly failed. Some of those details of computer problems, logistics, empty shelves and overpaying for property are only coming to light now.
Winnipeg has fared better than some cities who had their Targets closed in that two out of the four properties will re-open with strong retailers. The Grant Park store will become a Canadian Tire in several months. The Southdale store has already been converted over to a Walmart Supercenter which will open next week January 28.
It is obvious that Walmart believes that the southeast quadrant of the city is undeserved and that their nearby location at St. Vital Centre will hold its own just fine. The takeover also blocks competitors save as Save On Foods or Real Canadian Superstore from getting a foothold in the area.
On Thursday, Walmart opened a Supercenter in Winkler as part of their plan to move to 400 stores across Canada.
The Polo Park location of Target, bought by Polo Park, remains without a new tenant. Kildonan Place is also awaiting a new tenant.
The opening of a new Walmart is sure to keep up some competition in the area of Southdale especially in food.
This has been a guest editorial by John Dobbin.
To read more from John, visit his blog Observations, Reservations, Conversations
