Bellevue Business Depot has announced the closure of its Palmdale Shopping Plaza store. The news of the closure was announced to its 21 employees by Bellevue Business Depot’s President Robert J. Osborne who cited the sagging office supply retail market in the area and the widespread economic slowdown.
Mr. Osborne said that every measure possible was being taken by the company to ease the transition including severance packages that were immediately available to all staff. In addition, Abaco Markets Human Resource Manager, Mrs. Claudia Rolle, was on hand to provide information on other positions available in the company and to offer guidance to employees. “Our staff is so important to us – which made this tough decision so much harder. We are, however, doing everything we can to make this as smooth as possible for our staff. Where possible, employees here at the Palmdale location will be offered job openings at other locations within Abaco Markets, job search assistance and severance pay.” Osborne added. A Bellevue Hotline has also been established to provide customers and vendors with information on accounts receivables and payables. The customer service hotline is 242-356-7220.
Mr. Osborne stated, “Our office products business will be consolidated into other Abaco Markets divisions. The United Bookshops, Mall-at-Marathon will expand its product offering to include a broader selection of books, stationary and greeting cards. In addition, Cost-Rite Warehouse Club, Town Center Mall will be expanding its current Office Supplies Department to provide office supplies, machines and furniture at competitive prices.
This is all in an effort toward fully realizing our commitment to better serving our customers’ needs,” said Osborne.
Bellevue Business Depot, a subsidiary of Abaco Markets Limited, purchased Business Depot Limited and United Bookshop and Stationers in June, 2000. Abaco Markets President Mr. David Thurlow indicated that this move supports Abaco Markets recently announced three plank strategy to restore Abaco Markets financial health, raising new capital by a rites issue, the disinvestments of non-strategic assets and the reduction of the groups cost structure.
