Target's signature bullseye logo will be up in Saanich within the year.
The Zellers at Tillicum Centre began liquidating its inventory this week to make way for the installation of a Target store, set to open by April 2013.
While Zellers' final closing date is not yet confirmed, a spokesperson for Target says the space will undergo six to nine months of renovations, at a cost of $10 to $11 million.
"(I) can tell you that Target’s goal is to bring the true Target brand experience to Canadian guests," said spokesperson Lisa Gibson. "In order to achieve this, we will need to significantly remodel the facility. When the store opens you can expect a store that is bright, with wide aisles, clean and easy-to-navigate."
In January 2011, a $1.8 billion deal was announced by the Hudson's Bay Company to sell Zellers to the American retailer. By the end of 2013, 105 Zellers locations across Canada will have made the switch to become Target stores.
Each Zellers location currently employs between 100 and 120 associates, while each Target store will employ 150 to 200 workers.
Gibson said that Target has worked with Zellers employees to make it easy for them to apply for new jobs, and that any who apply for positions at any of the locations opening in 2013 will be guaranteed an interview.
The Zellers at Hillside Shopping Centre will also be renovated this year to become a Target, though that location has not yet begun selling off its inventory.
kslavin@saanichnews.com
