A portion of the former Target store in Fergus will become a Giant Tiger outlet next year.
Giant Tiger Stores Limited announced on Aug. 28 that it plans to open a 16,500-square-foot store in the Tower Street South building on May 14, 2016.
“We are excited to bring our outstanding value and fun shopping experience to Fergus, Ontario,” Thomas Haig, president of Giant Tiger Stores Limited, said in a press release.
“Residents of Fergus have been asking for a Giant Tiger for some time now. We are happy to finally break ground here and are looking forward to being part of the community.”
The Fergus Target store opened in March of 2013 and closed earlier this year after the corporation announced on Jan. 15 it was pulling out of Canada. The building, about 100,000 square feet in size, was previously a Zellers store. It is not known what will occupy the rest of the building, which has remained vacant since the Target closure.
Giant Tiger Stores Limited community and events associate Caitlin Farnham said the company plans to hire about 22 people. The process has already started, she said, adding, “Those interested in joining the Giant Tiger team can apply via the career sections on our website.”
When asked about the decision to move to Fergus, Farnham said “When deciding where the next community we will call home is, we look at what … do these communities need? How can the Giant Tiger brand enhance their shopping experience?
“We are a unique place to shop and discover, and we aim to deliver outstanding value to families all year round. We are excited to be part of Fergus, and look forward to being connected and committed to the community for years to come.”
She noted, “We are always looking to move into new communities and expand. At this time, we are focusing on serving the residents of Fergus.”
Established in 1961 in Ottawa, Giant Tiger has more than 7,000 employees at over 200 locally owned/operated stores across Canada.