Sears Canada modifies store employees structure

The Company will eliminate primarily a mid-tier level of leads within its full-line stores, resulting in an average reduction of five associates per store. There will also be an alignment of the regional and head office structures to reflect the new store model, and also to improve efficiency in Sears other formats and to align with the size of the business. This will result in a staff reduction of 624 associates.

"The changes we are making in stores will not affect the number of front-line associates, and service to our customers will not be impacted," said Doug Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sears Canada Inc.

"Our current structure results in inefficiencies and barriers to effective communication among store associates and the changes we are making are designed to result in better store execution and consistency of presentation and standards.

"We continue to plan for the future of Sears Canada and are taking steps today 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."

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 Canada