Hudson’s Bay Company, Canada’s iconic retailer, is moving its information services office from Toronto to the U.S., transferring 130 positions and eliminating 80 others.

The 210 job losses are in addition to the estimated 22,000 Zellers workers being let go as Target and Walmart take over the store leases, which HBC sold in a $1.825-billion deal with Target in January 2011.

Target subsequently transferred 39 Zellers leases to Walmart for an undisclosed amount.

“Since the acquisition of the majority of Zellers locations by Target we have been adjusting our operations, both at corporate office and store level, to reflect a modified organization,” according to an e-mail from Tiffany Bourrée, HBC’s external communications manager.

“As we continue to review and assess resources, it is apparent that we must improve the cost effectiveness of the current IS (Information Services). . . . This transition will occur in phases over the next 12 — 18 months. Approximately 130 positions will move to St. Louis and an additional 80 positions will be eliminated.”

The move follows the closing of HBC’s purchase of Lord & Taylor Holdings LLC in January, 2012.

“It’s more Canadian job losses as a result of this deal that’s been made between Target and HBC,” said Kevin Shimmin, national representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which has 250,000 members.

The union is fighting to have Zellers workers in B.C. retained to work at a Target to be opened in Burnaby. The matter is still before the B.C. Labour Relations Board.

The battle is being fought in B.C., because the province has more favourable labour legislation.

Zellers merchandise is being liquidated and the stores are being closed. A current list is available on Facebook.

Target has announced plans to open 127 stores in Canada, beginning in the spring of 2013. Each store will employ 150-200 people.

At Shoppers Drug Mart, approximately 80 positions from various departments across Canada were eliminated on Thursday.

“In response to drug reform initiatives across Canada, we significantly reduced our new store capital program and have taken steps to address our cost structure,” according to spokeswoman Tammy Smitham.

Smitham said the move was made in order to continue to grow while still delivering acceptable returns for shareholders.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Government and private drug plan providers have been cracking down on costs by insisting that whenever possible, generic drugs be supplied to consumers instead of more expensive brand-name drugs. Government plans have also cracked down on the amount they will pay for generic drugs.

The changes have cut into pharmacy profit margins.