Cherry Lane confident

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

General manager Judy Richards is confident Cherry Lane Shopping Centre will remain a strong and vibrant part of Penticton.

Her response comes after Comark Inc., parent company of Bootlegger, Cleo and Ricki’s, announced their protection from creditors as of March 26, 2015.

The three stores at the local mall are included in 56 under-performing stores that are closing across Canada.

"Shopping centres are always evolving and working with leasing agents to enhance the centre’s merchandising mix to improve customers' shopping experience," said Richards. "With Cherry Lane Centre’s sales showing increases in 2015 and the Okanagan market being strong, we have been talking to new and exciting retailers for the centre."

She added the mall's new owners, under the name Cherry Lane Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd., are committed to the centre, Penticton and the Okanagan. 

"They purchased the centre with a vision and will be investing in the shopping centre. Design plans for an exciting new renovation are already being reviewed for approval," she said.

According to a media spokesman for Comark, on top of three stores in Penticton, the Ricki's at Village Green Centre in Vernon will shut down as well. The Ricki's, Bootlegger and Cleo in Kelowna will remain open.

According to a rough estimate, six employees at Bootlegger, four at Ricki's and seven at Cleo in Cherry Lane will lose their jobs. The workers are part and full-time.

An estimated four employees will lose their jobs at the Vernon Ricki's, the spokesman said.

This leaves about 300 of the fashion retailers' outlets still open across Canada. Online shopping will also continue for all three brands.

The three stores at Cherry Lane are currently in the process of closing, with sales offered on remaining merchandise. 

They are expected to be fully closed by the end of the month.