Some underwhelmed by deals as Sears Canada liquidation sales begin

BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – Sears locations across Canada have officially started liquidation sales and that means some line-ups for those of you heading to check them out.

But shoppers are finding the deals underwhelming. While signs suggest discounts of 20 to 50 per cent off — with a note that exceptions apply — relatively few items appeared to be offered at half off.

Craig decided to look around with his mother, but isn’t all too pleased with what he saw. “I was in Sears a few days ago and I saw a few prices that had been marked up. So, when you mark it up and then offer 20 per cent off, it’s not a bargain.”

Others agree, saying they expected better deals, given this is a liquidation sale.

Dora says the prices aren’t the only problem. “The line-ups are much, much too long for me to stand in. I couldn’t possibly do it.”

Not everyone walked away empty-handed or underwhelmed; Maria says she did better than expected, but as Sears has been a staple in many Canadian homes, the whole situation is bittersweet.

“I’m actually a little bit worried for my mom because I don’t know where she’s going to buy her clothes,” she tells us.

Many shoppers are looking for appliances. Some big-ticket items such as snowblowers and treadmills are only 10 per cent off today.

“I’m hoping that it’s going to be good, but I’m not expecting too much for the first time around. I’m thinking maybe in the next two to three weeks, it’ll get better. But we’ll see what happens,” another shopper tells us.

Related article: Retail consultant warns shoppers real Sears deals may not come until later on

A joint-venture group — which includes Hilco Global, Gordon Brothers Canada, Tiger Capital Group and Great American Group — is running the liquidation sales at 74 remaining department stores and eight Home stores.

Discounts are available on all Sears’s own brands, including Kenmore, as well as brand name men’s and women’s apparel, and a variety of other categories including home decor, toys, furniture, and major appliances.

Sears Canada has said stores will no longer honour extended warranties and only those who bought protection agreements in the 30 days leading up to yesterday will get refunds for extended coverage.