Sudbury Future Shop permanently closes

Sudbury's Future Shop is one of 66 stores across the country that have permanently closed after all of the store's Canadian locations were suddenly shuttered March 28, according to a spokesperson for the company.

Another 65 Future Shop locations will be temporarily closed for one week as they're transitioned into Best Buy stores (the brand is owned by the same company). However, Sudbury already has a Best Buy store.

The company said in a press release it has reviewed its real estate footprint to address the fact that a significant number of its Future Shop and Best Buy stores are located close by.

“Of the two stores we have in Sudbury, ON, we are closing the Future Shop store as part of the 66 Future Shop locations closing,” said Best Buy Canada communications manager Elliot Chun, in an email to NorthernLife.ca.

“The Best Buy store at 1099 Marcus Dr. remains.”

Chun said he didn't have any information about how many employees work at the Future Shop, and whether or not they're losing their jobs.

A press release from the company said that as a result of the consolidation, roughly 500 full-time and 1,000 part-time positions will be eliminated.

The affected employees will receive severance, employee assistance and outplacement support.

A sign posted March 28 outside of Sudbury's Future Shop — located alongside the New Sudbury Centre — read “This store is permanently closed. We thank you for your support and look forward to serving you at your nearest Best Buy store, located at: Silver Hills Centre, 1099 Marcus Drive, Sudbury.”

Saturday-morning shoppers who hadn't heard the news showed up at Sudbury's Future Shop only to be greeted by the sign, as well as a security guard, who relayed information about the closure.

Beverley Speck, a regular customer at the store, said she feels bad for the employees.

“There was some nice people in there,” she said. “It was good service all the time. It's very shocking.”

Providing a seamless customer experience to all Future Shop and Best Buy customers is a key focus throughout this transition, a press release from the company said.

All Future Shop gift cards will be accepted at any Best Buy Canada location and at BestBuy.ca. Existing product orders, service appointments and warranties will continue to be honoured and Future Shop purchases to be returned or exchanged will also be accepted at any Best Buy.

Customers with any questions can visit BestBuy.ca/questions or call 1-866-BEST-BUY (1-866-237-8289). Customers who visit FutureShop.ca will be guided to BestBuy.ca.