The Source stores rebranding as ‘Best Buy Express’, closing 100+ locations

Bell Canada and Best Buy Canada have initiated a partnership leading to significant changes in the retail landscape of The Source stores. Here are the key developments:

• The Source Store Rebranding: 165 The Source locations, previously known as RadioShack, will be rebranded as Best Buy Express in 2024 as a result of the partnership between Bell Canada and Best Buy Canada.
• Store Updates: Investments will be made to renovate and expand the product offerings and services at these locations.
• Many Locations Closing: More than 100 The Source stores not included in the rebranding effort are slated to close by the end of 2024.
• Product and Service Offerings: The revamped Best Buy Express locations will feature a range of consumer electronics, with exclusive Bell services including wireless, internet, TV, and home phone options.
• Operational Management: Bell will oversee the operations of the rebranded stores. Staff will be Bell employees, and will receive training from both companies.
• Strategic Implications: The partnership aims to utilize Best Buy’s reach and Bell’s services to enhance the consumer electronics market presence in malls and community centres across various regions.

The Source was acquired by Bell Canada in 2009 when the chain had 750 stores.

Understanding Employee Severance Rights at The Source During Store Closures

With several stores of The Source closing due to a major rebranding by Bell Canada and Best Buy Canada, it’s crucial for employees to know their rights about severance pay.

If you’re an employee at The Source and your job is affected because your store is closing, you’re entitled to a severance package. This rule applies to all non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C., whether you work full-time, part-time, or on an hourly basis.

LEARN MORE:
• Employment rights when a company closes
• 11 ServiceOntario centres closing, locations opening in Staples
• Layoffs by company in Canada

Calculating Your Severance Pay

Your severance pay is calculated based on several factors. These include your length of service at the company, age, position and responsibilities, any bonuses or benefits you receive, and the ease or difficulty of finding new employment.

These factors contribute to determining the size of your severance package, which, in some cases, can be as much as 24 months’ pay. It’s essential to note that the specific amount can also vary based on the terms of your employment contract.

LEARN MORE
• Severance Pay in Ontario
• Alberta severance packages
• Understanding severance in B.C.

Don’t sign on the dotted line!

Do not accept any initial severance offer, termination papers, or exit agreement that your employer provides you with.

Once you sign back these documents, you eliminate your ability to negotiate your severance package.

If an employee does not receive the proper amount of severance pay when they lose their job, they have been wrongfully dismissed. An employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can analyze your situation and explain how much compensation you are truly entitled to.

Talk to an employment lawyer

The knowledgeable team of employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals across the country.

In addition to severance package negotiations, our lawyers have experience securing solutions for the following legal matters:

If you are a non-unionized employee in Ontario, Alberta, or B.C. who needs help with an employment issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.