Sears Canada began its liquidation sales at its remaining stores across the country Thursday, but many shoppers found the deals to be underwhelming.While signs suggested discounts of 20 to 50 per cent off — with a note that exceptions apply — relatively few items at a Toronto store appeared to be offered at half off. Some big ticket items such as snowblowers and treadmills were only 10 per cent off.“For a close-out deal, I would have thought the sale would be a bit higher. And maybe it will be, as closing time approaches. And maybe by that time everything will be gone!” said 86-year-old Madeline Cameron, who said she had been shopping at Sears for 60 or 70 years.Read more: What to expect in a liquidation saleAfter looking at the dozens of shoppers braving long, slow checkout lines she decided to leave without buying anything.“I can’t stand in lineups for a long time ... I might come early tomorrow morning. I’d say the lineups are maybe half an hour, an hour long.”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, a step toward Sears Canada closing its doors for good after 65 years in business.“It’s rather sad. Sears could always be counted on to be a good competitor, and certainly I think the Kenmore brand is very reliable, and has been a staple in the Canadian market. It’s going to be a loss,” said shopper Karen Ottmann.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.“Selected fixtures, furnishings and equipment in the closing stores will also be for sale,” said the joint-venture group.Sears Canada gift cards will be honoured ...
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