The retail collapse that existed before the pandemic continues even as stores slowly re-open across Canada. Reitman’s, which owns Addition Elle and Thyme Maternity stores, will be closing on of them coast to coast before end of summer.
In Winnipeg, there are two Addition Elle’s: the Kenaston Smart park location and the location across from Polo Park on Empress. Thyme Maternity has a location in St. Vital Centre.
Walmart is closing its Tire and Lube Express locations across Canada. The only one that appears open in Winnipeg is at the St. Vital Walmart. Others appear to have already closed and some Walmart seem to have never had them in the first place.
There is little doubt Walmart will be able to re-purpose the space but this should show that even the mighty merchandiser has a tough time competing in this market.
The total number of lost jobs is unknown. However, it’s the spaces left by Reitman properties that might be hard to fill. The power centre at Kenaston hasn’t been fairly quiet recently. Could they be the one to start converting to residential complexes first in Winnipeg?
This has been a guest editorial by John Dobbin.
To read more from John, visit his blog Observations, Reservations, Conversations
