VAUGHAN, Ontario (18 June 2012) - Corbeil Appliances has made its long-awaited debut in the Greater Toronto Area with a 6,800 square foot store in this northern suburb of this country's largest city. Three addition locations are set to open in other GTA communities later this year.

Sears Canada acquired Corbeil when it bought Cantrex Group back in 2005 and has always had ambitious plans for the major appliance retail specialist which was founded in 1949. Currently, Corbeil has 30 locations, mainly in Quebec with two units in Ottawa.

Late last year, Sears president and chief executive officer Calvin McDonald identified major appliances - as well as mattresses - has one of the categories the company was going to focus on it its effort to regain sales and customers lost since the onset of the recession in late 2008.

The exterior of the new Corbeil Appliance store in the Toronto suburb of Vaughan.

"The opening of Corbeil in the Toronto region reinforces Sears Canada's renewed focus on our core strengths and bringing exceptional customer service and value to our shoppers," McDonald said in a statement. "These new stores will allow us to provide our customers with an extended selection of high quality, durable appliances at competitive prices, everyday."

Currently the largest network of appliance specialty stores in Canada, Corbeil has traditionally positioned itself as a white goods expert offering a broad style and selection of energy efficient large and small appliances as well as kitchen design services, mostly in the better and best price ranges.

"Corbeil offers its clientele not only a large selection of quality products at guaranteed best prices, but also unbeatable service and exceptional expertise through its team of talented advisors," said Claude De Luca, Corbeil's vice president and general manager. "We are excited to introduce a new family of customers to the selection, service, and style that has made Corbeil a leader throughout Quebec and in Ottawa."

The newly launched store is located at 255 Bass Pro Mills Drive in Vaughan. The three other locations planned for the GTA this year will be located in Richmond Hill, Brampton and Mississauga.

Sears retained Corbeil after selling Cantrex to Nationwide Marketing Group at the end of April.

A look inside the first Corbeil store to open in the Greater Toronto Market. Sears plans to open three more outlets in the GTA this year.