After over 30 years of business here in Merritt, the local Fields will be closing its doors along with 141 other stores across Canada.
The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) announced at the beginning of this month it would be shutting down all Fields department stores by fall of this year, though the company has not indicated a specific closing date for the local store.
“It was a strategic decision by HBC to focus on growing our other banner stores, which include The Bay, Lord and Taylor and Home Outfitters,” said Tiffany Bourré, external communications manager for HBC.
The process began this month in Ontario with 26 stores closing up shop. The remaining 141 Fields stores will close in phases throughout the year, said Bourré.
Local Fields associates were unable to comment on the announcement, however they estimate that the value-priced merchandise store located on Quilchena Avenue right in the heart of Merritt, has been around since approximately 1976.
Mayor Susan Roline said the closure will leave a void in the city’s downtown core.
“It will have an affect because Fields services a clientele downtown including those that walk and seniors,” said Roline. “You’ll still be able to buy the products in Merritt but you’ll have to go up the hill to Wal-mart or Canadian Tire.”
For many Canadian communities, Fields has been a one-stop shop to buy clothing, groceries, health and beauty products – anything from socks and underwear to canned tuna. Bourré said HBC recognizes this and added that the company was proud to have served the many communities where Fields stores were located.
“We want to thank our customers for their loyalty, but this was a strategic decision,” she said.
Bourré also thanked the associates for their dedicated service. There are seven associates working at the local Fields and most have been employed there between 12 and 22 years.
While unable to give the total number of employees that will be affected across the country, Bourré said that HBC will offer “comprehensive career training and transition services” to all of their associates.
The first Fields store opened in Vancouver in 1950 and over the years expanded across British Columbia. In July 1976 Fields acquired 50.1 per cent of Zellers, but by January the following year a reverse take over saw Fields become a subsidiary of Zellers. When HBC acquired complete control of Zellers in 1981, Fields became a division of HBC and in 2010 the company reported that Fields’ growth had been steady.
Now as the department store sees its final days of business, Bourré says it will be business as usual at the Merritt location until the store begins the liquidation process.
