Canadian Retail Sales Are In Good Shape
Almost all the recent decline in total retail growth is due to lower gas prices, while other retail sectors are performing within or better than their normal range of variation. Gasoline stations account for about 12.5% of total retail, so a major sales decline in this subsector is a significant drag on the overall total. Excluding gas stations however, the rest of retail was up 4.2% in January year-over-year, and up 4.9% for the 3 months ending January.  retail-insider.com

16 Target Stores closed - 30 more closing April 1st - Last 87 by mid-May - The Target impact on LP jobs - Simple Law of Supply & Demand regretfully  With Target hiring well over 300 LP positions over the last two years and paying top end for the executive levels it now causes a real problem for those now losing their jobs. With the LP industry being rather small to begin with once all of those folks left their last employer those jobs were either filled or eliminated. Now going back to the market, a small one at that, what many of them will find is that there's too much supply and little if any demand in this tight market. The one saving grace is that the Canadian Push is still happening and their biggest retailer Loblaw is growing and opening over 50 stores this year alone. However, there won't be enough jobs and some will have to transition out of LP. So if you hear from one of these unfortunate individuals please take the time to offer your advice, your guidance, and even take the time to call them back - as you don't know how much that will mean to them. After all one day the shoe may be on the other foot. Just a thought Gus Downing

Wal-Mart Canada considering installing automated external defibrillators (AED) in stores - Cabela's AED Saves a Life  Last week, John Tomchuk, 60, went into sudden cardiac arrest while loading groceries into his car in the Saskatoon parking lot. A bystander reportedly entered Walmart looking for an AED, but was told there wasn't one. Eventually an AED was retrieved from the nearby Cabela's and was used to save the man's life. "Cabela's retail stores maintain AEDs on site for just such emergencies," said John Tramburg, the company's vice-president of Canada and outdoor services. "Our hope is to be prepared and able to provide care for our customers and employees in the case of any emergency." globalnews.ca

Canadian grocer Loblaw has announced it will tie up with footwear retailer Aldo on the shoe component of its Joe Fresh clothing offer  Joe Fresh was launched in 2006 to diversify Loblaw's offer and has since been extended to offer clothing, accessories and cosmetics. Until now, Joe Fresh's footwear offer has also been designed in house. The deal will mean Aldo takes over the design and production of Joe Fresh's footwear offer. Loblaw will debut a larger family footwear department in 54 Joe Fresh stores next year as it expands into the discount footwear sector.  retail-week.com

Paladin Security wins Best Managed Companies award for third straight year

Credit card skimming devices on pay-at-pump machines on rise over last couple of months, Calgary Police warn

Two arrested for theft at Walmart in Leduc, AB

Windsor police arrest suspect in Shoppers Drug Mart robbery at Tecumseh Mall
A Windsor man is facing charges in relation to the gunpoint robbery of the Shoppers Drug Mart at Tecumseh Mall earlier this month. Matthew Ronda, 27, was arrested around 11 p.m. Tuesday after a police effort that involved patrol officers, a police dog and members of the drugs and guns unit. Police credit information from the public for identification of the suspect. Ronda has been charged with robbery with an offensive weapon, wearing a disguise with intent to commit a crime, and breach of recognizance. windsorstar.com

Armed man tries to rob The Source store in Okotoks
Okotoks RCMP are asking for the public's help in finding a man who attempted to rob The Source electronics store with a firearm on Monday evening. Just before 9 p.m., a lone, armed man entered the store on Southridge Drive and demanded that the store clerk open the till. While the clerk was opening the till, RCMP say a suspected accomplice knocked on the store window. The man left the store and entered a waiting vehicle, which then fled. The store employee wasn't injured and nothing was taken from the store. calgaryherald.com

Chilliwack RCMP seek suspect in a string of Robberies
RCMP in Chilliwack are turning to the public for help finding an armed robber targeting small businesses. Police say between March 17 and 23, someone robbed more than half a dozen corner stores, restaurants and markets in Chilliwack, in the downtown area. The suspect carries a concealed weapon and often tries to cover his face, RCMP said. cbc.ca