SAINT JOHN, NB, Jan. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - Sears Canada is opening a
business services centre in Saint
John this Spring, creating 350 new jobs. Combined with
Wednesday's announcement of a similar centre in Edmundston, the company is adding 530 jobs in
New Brunswick.
"New Brunswick is a world
leader in the business services centre sector. It is already an
important industry for our economy, employing thousands of New
Brunswickers, and we see it as an opportunity for growth moving
forward," said Premier Brian
Gallant. "We are proud Sears Canada has chosen to invest and
create jobs here in New
Brunswick."
The jobs at the Saint John
centre will include business services agents, team leads,
information technology support, human resources personnel,
administrative support and managers. Recruitment and training will
begin in early March, 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.
"This week we are announcing the creation of a
Canadian-domiciled customer loyalty team, creating more than 500
jobs right here in Canada," 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 New
Brunswickers: we are looking for more than 500 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 these centres 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 Saint John
centre, will contribute $4.3 million
through a combination of payroll rebates and loans. The Department
of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour will provide
$894,000 through the One Job Pledge
initiative. The government estimates these 350 new jobs will
increase the provincial GDP by $17.4
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.