A major retail change is coming to the east end of Timmins, as Giant Tiger has confirmed it will close its store at the Porcupine Mall, located on Highway 101 East, on July 4. While the company declined an interview, it said in a statement the decision to close was not taken lightly. “(It) was made with careful consideration and thorough analysis,” said the statement from Jessica Charbonneau, manager of external communications for Giant Tiger. “Our priority is ensuring that staff and customers are supported, and we are working directly with impacted employees.” Local officials are urging the company to reconsider. Timmins city councillor John Curley said the store may have suffered financially due to road construction in front of the mall last summer and fall, which could have impacted customer access and sales. Curley is asking Giant Tiger to delay the closure for at least a year and is inviting company representatives to meet with municipal leaders to learn more about upcoming development plans in the area. “Construction’s coming to an end and that area will be all cleaned up,” he said. “The new sidewalk we put in so people will be able to walk to the Porcupine Mall. So when you start seeing positive happenings and then you get a negative, unfortunately, the negative overrules the positive and that’s what we have to reflect on.” Charbonneau is encouraging customers to continue shopping at its other Timmins location, located about 15 kilometres west of the Porcupine Mall.
