EDMUNDSTON, NB, Jan. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Sears Canada is
opening a business services centre in Edmundston this spring, creating 180 new
jobs.
"We are seeing growth in the business services sector as we
partner with this well-known national brand," said Premier
Brian Gallant. "This is a sector
that will continue to create jobs for New Brunswickers in all
regions of the province and will have a positive impact on our
economy."
The jobs at the Edmundston
centre will include business services agents, team leads,
information technology support, human resources personnel,
administrative support and managers. Recruitment and training is
underway, with the centre scheduled to begin taking calls this
spring.
"Sears Canada is turning its
approach to retail inside out. We are in the process of a major
reinvention of our brand and what it means for our customers," said
Brandon G. Stranzl, executive
chairman, Sears Canada. "We are making significant investments in
technology and customer loyalty. Why? Because our customers will
always remember how we made them feel, and if we make them feel
great, they will become lifetime customers. We will bring amazing
products at amazing prices, and when customers use their products
or speak with us, whether in person, on the phone, or on email or
chat, we want to bring amazing experiences, emotions, stories, and
memories to their lives. By creating these emotional connections,
we will build lifelong relationships with customers.
"Today we are announcing the creation of a Canadian-domiciled
customer loyalty team, creating hundreds of jobs right here in
Canada, with 180 announced today,
and more in the works," said Stranzl. "The idea is that a local,
Canadian-based loyalty team will be able to build strong emotional
connections with our customers. So, here is our 'help wanted'
message to Edmundston: we are
looking for 180 people to deliver 'wow' experiences, create
positive emotional connections with our customers, and, in so
doing, reinvent and be the stewards of the Sears Canada brand. I
want to thank Premier Gallant and Opportunities NB for their help
in establishing this centre and I look forward to continuing our
positive relationship together."
"Sears Canada's decision to
open in New Brunswick speaks
directly to the quality of the workforce we have in the province,"
said Economic Development Minister Francine
Landry, who is also the minister responsible for
Opportunities NB. "The business services centre sector is expanding
in size due to New Brunswick's
bilingual workforce and our significant infrastructure and
resources."
Opportunities NB, which worked with Sears Canada to choose a
location for the centre, will contribute $2.2 million through a combination of payroll
rebates and loans. The Department of Post-Secondary Education,
Training and Labour will provide $458,000 through the One Job Pledge initiative,
and the Regional Development Corporation will contribute
$850,000. The government estimates
these 180 new jobs will increase the provincial GDP by $8.9 million annually.
Sears Canada has one the most
extensive retail networks in the country, including 140 corporate
stores, 71 Hometown stores, more than 900 online merchandise
pick-up locations, and a nationwide repair and service network. The
company has more than 17,000 associates offering products and
services to millions of Canadians. Sears Canada employs 418 people in New Brunswick through its four full-line
stores, four Hometown stores and 22 online merchandise pick-up
locations.
New Brunswick's business
services centres sector offers career opportunities with some of
the world's most-recognized companies, including RBC, TD Insurance,
WestJet and Medavie Blue Cross.
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract
and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It
provides support services for businesses across the province.
SOURCE Sears Canada Inc.