The company recently announced plans to close 59 of its 144 branches across Canada, including the Pictou County location located on MacGregor Avenue in Stellarton.
Acklands-Grainger has operated in Stellarton since 1998, and will continue serving customers through local sales representatives.
A release from the company in response to questions about the closure states that as Canada’s largest industrial distributor they are evolving to meet customers’ changing expectations.
“Today, the company takes an increasing number of orders online and by phone, and ships a majority of orders to customers directly from major distribution centres,” the release states. “With these changes, Acklands-Grainger is able to provide a high level of service without a storefront in many communities.”
The closure of the branch in Stellarton affects four team members, some of whom have been offered other roles within the company. Those leaving Acklands-Grainger will be offered assistance transitioning to the next step in their career.
“For the past several years, despite a challenging operating environment, we have continued to invest in systems, distribution capability and talent. Closing branches, while exceptionally difficult, is part of our plan to reduce cost in the channels customer use less frequently, while capitalizing on investments that allow us to serve customers the way they have told us they want to be served,” stated John Kaul, president, Acklands-Grainger in a release.
