More than 100 ‘The Source’ stores to close, others rebranded

Best Buy Canada and Bell Canada say they will rebrand 165 of the 300 The Source stores across the country, with the rest closing this year.

The company’s website shows there are about 45 The Source stores in B.C., and it is unclear how many will be shuttered after the rebranding.

The companies say the remaining stores will be rebranded as Best Buy Express, with openings expected in the second half of this year.

A news release said the stores will offer “the latest in consumer electronics from Best Buy along with exclusive telecommunications services from Bell.”

The Source is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bell.

It has current outlets at the Village Green Shopping Centre in Vernon, the Orchard Park Mall in Kelowna and at the Piccadilly Mall in Salmon Arm.

Vernon Matters reached out to Bell to find out what the plans are for those local stores.

“This transition will take several months and we don’t have further details as we finalize the transition plan,” Rachel Jaskula, manager, public affairs, said.

(With files from The Canadian Press)