KAWARTHA LAKES-Retail chain Things Engraved has announced it has closed all 73 stores across Canada due to lack of operating funds.
Kawartha 411 broke the story of the company’s troubles and the closure of the Lindsay and Barrie locations last week.
Read more here:Â https://www.kawartha411.ca/2020/01/10/things-engraved-store-at-lindsay-square-mall-closes/
In an email to Kawartha 411 today company officials blame a challenging retail market.
“It is no secret that the current brick-and-mortar retail marketplace has not been a thriving sector of the Canadian economy, and this has unfortunately rung true for Things Engraved.” Shawn Brock, CEO told Kawartha 411. “Because of this, it is with great sadness that we have regrettably been forced to shut down our stores due to a lack of operating funds, ending a multi-decade long journey with our customers.”
The company was founded in 1982. The move puts hundreds of people out of work and will leave an empty space in a number of malls.
Employees we talked to say they were shocked by the closure and were not given advance notice.
“With every day in operation at this point costing more money than we were making, time was of the essence in addressing this loss quickly so that we could ensure the availability of funds to meet our statutory obligations to our employees, notably pay in lieu of notice requirements. Our employees remain a priority during this trying time.” Brock explained.
Customers with items left to be engraved and outstanding orders who have not had communication from the company are asked to email [email protected] with a description of the item and which location it was left at. Officials will work with mall management to try to retrieve your item for you.
