Local price-conscious consumers could soon find themselves in familiar surroundings.
Liquidation World Inc. (TSX: LQW) plans to return to Red Deer early next year.
“We’re going to plan on taking possession in January, and at this point in time are looking at a March opening,” said Nelson Neves, western region vice-president for the discount retailer.
Liquidation World operated at 2410C 50th Ave. — space now occupied by Peavey Mart — for about 10 years. That store closed in January 2006 after the company was unable to negotiate an acceptable lease with its landlord, a Liquidation World official said at the time.
He added that the company wanted to remain in Red Deer and was looking for alternate space.
Another Liquidation World store at Village Mall closed in 1997.
Neves said he couldn’t identify the location of the new store.
“We can tell you it’s extremely close to where it used to be,” he said, referring to the former south-side store.
The premises will consist of about 18,000 square feet, added Neves, and operate as LW — Everybody’s Outlet Store. That’s the name that new format Liquidation World stores are opening as or being converted into.
“It’s an upgraded look,” he said, describing the style as cleaner, brighter and better marketed.
“The presentation is superior to what people in (Red Deer) have seen before,” said Neves, adding that customers will also notice improved service.
Merchandise will be much the same as before, with food, clothing, linen, housewares and hardware among the products offered. And low prices will remain an emphasis, he said.
“Our strategy is still to be the lowest street retail, so in terms of assortment and pricing it should be as good or better than it was before.”
Liquidation World is expanding rapidly, said Neves, with its store count approaching 100 Canada-wide. A half dozen new outlets are scheduled to open in the next six weeks, he said, and 10 Liquidation World stores are expected to convert to the LW — Everybody’s Outlet Store format by Christmas, bringing that total to about 36.
“We’re in expansion mode and Red Deer’s a perfect fit. We were there before and I’m sure we’ll be successful there again.”
The company has enjoyed increased business during the current economic downturn, said Neves, but discounted prices attract consumers anytime.
“People are always looking for value. Even when the economy’s great, people are looking for exceptional value.”
Based in Brantford, Ont., Liquidation World buys discounted merchandise from the financial services industry, insurance companies, manufacturers, wholesalers and other organizations. It opened its first store in Calgary in 1986.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com