By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Wholesale Sports to liquidate merchandise as it closes operation

Sep 14, 2017 | 9:05 PM

LETHBRIDGE –   Wholesale Sports Canada, a subsidiary of United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative (UFA), announced Thursday it would begin closure of its 12 retail locations across the four western provinces. This includes locations in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, five stores in B.C. and five in Alberta, including the outlet on Mayor Magrath Drive in Lethbridge.

A visit to the Lethbridge location Thursday afternoon, found seven half ton trucks in the parking lot with their owners chatting about out the situation.  One man walked up and tried the locked front doors before reading a notification. When told what was happening, he held up a fishing reel –

“But, I just need line for my reel.”

He was told that if he returned the next day, he could probably get it at a reduced price.

Liquidation of inventory for all the stores will begin on Friday (Sept 15), and will be managed by asset management specialists, Gordon Brothers. The liquidation will not include firearms and ammunition.

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In a news release, UFA President and Chief Executive Officer, Carol Kitchen, said closing the business was made in the best interest of UFA and its members.

“There were numerous external factors that led to this decision including an increasingly competitive environment, the continued shift to on-line purchases and an overall slowing of consumer discretionary spending as a whole, including the outdoor industry. The orderly wind down of Wholesale Sports will allow UFA to focus on its core business of agriculture and petroleum.”

Merchandise sales at the 12 stores will continue until December 28, 2017.  While on-line orders placed before Thursday afternoon will be filled, the Wholesale Sports website will no longer offer further on-line purchases.   

Wholesale Sports has partnered with Northwest Atlantic (Canada) Inc. for certain retail lease locations in British Columbia.