A pair of Giant Tiger Winnipeg stores are closing

Giant Tiger has announced it will close two of its stores in Winnipeg, saying the locations were difficult for the company's business model.

The retailer told CTV News Winnipeg in an email that its locations at 1441 Main St. and 305 McPhillips St. will close on July 3 and July 31, respectively.

Alison Scarlett, Giant Tiger's head of PR, communications and corporate social responsibility, said in an email that the decision to close the stores was not made lightly and was made after “careful consideration and careful analysis.”

When asked if retail theft or crime played a role in the decision, he acknowledged that the theft had affected Winnipeg stores, but was not the deciding factor in the closure.

“Please know that Giant Tiger will continue to work closely with our trusted partners at all levels and local law enforcement on solutions that best meet the needs and safety of our stores and customers,” he said.

CTV News Winnipeg tells regular customers who spoke on and off camera that they witnessed the theft.

“I've seen it happen here a lot,” said Carol Mann, who shops at Giant Tiger for competitive prices.

“People just walk out or some run away and some get kicked out.”

“People who can't afford it go to theft, it's unfair. It comes down to it. People are desperate,” said customer Mike Sprechert.

– With CTV's Jeff Kiley Files