The Sears headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, seen in this November 17, 2004 file photo. Kmart Holding Corporation completed its $12 billion acquisition of Sears, Roebuck and Co., the companies said March 24, 2005, creating the third largest U.S. r
IN PHOTO: The Sears headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, seen in this November 17, 2004 file photo. Kmart Holding Corporation completed its $12 billion acquisition of Sears, Roebuck and Co., the companies said March 24, 2005, creating the third largest U.S. retailer. Reuters/John Gress

The soon-to-be displaced 17,600 workers of Target Canada have received an unexpected assistance from competitors Walmart and Sears. Both offered the workers potential jobs as well as discounts in their respective stores, according to reports.

Sears urged Target Canada workers to visit its website for possible jobs. It will likewise be extending discounts to the group whenever they make purchases at Sears' stores, presumably up until such time they have new jobs and are financially stable again. Starting next Wednesday up for the next four months, Sears will give Target workers a discount of up to 25 percent whenever they purchase products at Sears.

In a statement over the weekend, executives from Sears said they have invited their counterparts from Target Canada to discuss potential job openings for the workers. The meetings will happen at the company's Toronto headquarters next Wednesday.

But Brian Sozzi, a retail analyst and chief executive at Belus Capital Advisors, finds the true intention of Sears' act dubious. "It's a vulture move," he told The Huffington Post. "You have Sears trying to swoop in and prey on the emotions of people who just lost their jobs." He made the declaration most specially because among Sears Holdings' units, Sears Canada has been one of the most troubled ones. Just in October, the parent company divested some of its stock and sold it to shareholders. Sears Canada is now only 51 percent owned by Sears Holdings.

Andrew Pelletier, Walmart Canada's vice president of corporate affairs and sustainability told The Star it will welcome applications from affected Target Canada workers. "We are always looking for great talent." Barely 2 years in the Canadian scene, Target Canada announced on Thursday it is already abandoning ship, closing all 133 stores within 16 to 20 weeks.

Target Canada employees interested in job opportunities at Sears Canada may visit the Sears Canada Careers site at www.sears.ca, and select the "Careers at Sears" link at the bottom of the home page under About Sears Canada. Beginning early next week, the site will publish information on special events being planned by Sears regarding career opportunities such as local job fairs across Canada, where Sears can help match candidates with their next career opportunity.

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