THUNDER BAY — The convenience store chain that dominates the Thunder Bay market and much of the Canadian market is doing a bit of downsizing in the city.
Two local Circle K outlets are being closed by Alimentation Couche-Tard, the Quebec-based multi-national operator of over 14,000 stores and gas bars in 24 countries and territories.
Signs announcing the closure are posted on the doors of the Circle K locations at the intersection of May Street and Northern Avenue and the intersection of Simpson Street and Pacific Avenue.
"Your business and support over the years is greatly appreciated," states a sign at the Simpson Street site.
The sign at the May and Northern location advises customers to go down the street to the store at May and Dease streets.
Circle K officials did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for comment on the rationale for the closures.
Despite the two shutdowns, it won't be hard to find a Circle K outlet in most Thunder Bay neighbourhoods.
There are still 13 stores scattered around the city.
So far there's no indication whether other parties may be interested in moving into the two vacant locations.
Alimentation Couche-Tard on Wednesday reported a healthy increase in earnings in the quarter that ended Oct. 9.
Net earnings totalled $810 million, an increase of almost 17 per cent, with higher revenue from gas sales being the biggest contributor.
