NEW GLASGOW – Uncertain and unsure. That’s how many staff members at Zellers are feeling as the store closed its doors for good Thursday. The discount department store, which was opened in 1972, will soon be replaced by Canadian discount chain Giant Tiger.
But the question of what the 55 employees losing their jobs at the Aberdeen Zellers will do has yet to be answered. Many have skills well suited for this particular store chain, but with the Zellers name soon to be gone from the Canadian shopping landscape, many are left asking, ‘where can I go?’
Karen Stensrud, an employee with 33 years of experience, has done it all in the store. “I worked in ladies wear, the fashion department, stock room and electronics – pretty well every department,” she said with pride.
She’s not sure what’s next. “I plan on working again, that’s for sure but right now, I’m taking things one day at a time,” said Stensrud.
“Almost the entire staff has been upbeat considering what’s happening. There’s nothing we can do.”
When store closures like this occur, workforce educator Robin Jardine kicks into high gear. She works for the Department of Labour and Advanced Education, which can be a resource to those seeking retraining or education after losing a job.
“The management at Zellers has been amazing,” Jardine said. “They fully co-operated with the planning of our workshops and sessions held in New Glasgow.” She said as a result, more than half the staff are participating in a 40-hour computer skills course or GED preparatory course.
“Many will be working with Career Connections to retrain or perhaps take fall courses at NSCC in Pictou.”
Career Connections offers a job bank, job search techniques, career counselling, resume and cover letter writing assistance.
Donna Munroe, a human resources manager at Zellers, has 32 years of experience but is finding difficulty transferring those skills to other jobs. “I’m looking for a new place to work,” she said. “I’ve sent out a few resumes but haven’t heard back yet.”
Jardine said staff of Zellers are facing challenges but so far have been forward looking. “Everyone is very eager to get back to work and Giant Tiger may be an opportunity as well,” she said. “Closures of this kind are emotional and stressful but this group is keen and positive. I hope they do well.”
john.brannen@ngnews.ca
On Twitter: @NGNewsJohn
.jpg){kind=small}
