By David George-Cosh
TORONTO--Sears Canada Inc. (SCC.T) said Wednesday that it has
struck an outsourcing deal with International Business Machines
Corp. (IBM) to help manage the retailer's customer support
business.
The transfer is set to take place over the next nine months and
affect 1,345 employees, the retailer said in a statement.
Additionally, 283 employees at Sears Canada's logistics arm will
be laid off effective immediately, the company said.
Sears Canada is 51%-owned by Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD).
"These types of decisions are not made without considerable
thought and deliberation," said Doug Campbell, president and Chief
Executive of Sears Canada, in a statement.
"We are planning for the future of Sears Canada and taking steps
now that will allow us to continue serving customers as a viable
national retailer coast to coast in stores and through our Direct
channel now and in the future."
In November, Sears Canada said it would cut nearly 800 jobs in
its head office and its repair services and parts business as it
sheds assets that do not align with its core retail operations.
The company has also scaled back on some of its retail locations
across Canada, including some of its Toronto stores.
According to Sears Canada's website, the company employs more
than 25,000 people.
Write to David George-Cosh at david.george-cosh@dowjones.com
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