Sears outsources customer contact centre operations to IBM

The move to a third party will enable Sears to realize significant capability upgrades which will result in better processes, controls and tracking and an overall improvement in the customer experience. The transfer of responsibility, designed to be seamless to customers, will take place over the next nine months and affect 1,345 associates.

"The changes we are making to our Customer Contact Centres will allow us to streamline the support structure of our organization while enhancing the overall customer experience," said Doug Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sears Canada Inc.

"Our partner will bring tools and technologies that will allow us to operate more effectively without the ongoing investment in and maintenance of legacy proprietary systems. This will provide our customers with the benefits of up-to-date technology and enable us to focus on our core retail business, the area where we believe we have the greatest opportunity to maximize the value of the Company."

For those who are leaving Sears, career transition support will be provided to assist in preparing for and obtaining their next role outside of Sears.

The Company is also initiating reorganization and simplification of its logistics organization intended to drive optimal performance by leveraging tools and technology that will streamline business processes, which will result in an additional staff reduction of 283 associates effective immediately.

"These types of decisions are not made without considerable thought and deliberation," added Mr. Campbell. "We are planning for the future of Sears Canada and taking steps now that will allow us to continue serving customers as a viable national retailer coast to coast in stores and through our Direct channel now and in the future. In this case, we firmly believe that these changes are necessary and will allow us to better serve our customers. I thank those leaving Sears for their contribution to the Company and wish them all the best in the future."

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network that includes 181 corporate stores, 241 Hometown stores, over 1,400 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, 101 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide repair and service network.

Sears