TORONTO -- Target Canada says it will close 16 locations next week, the first wave of closures as the U.S. retailer winds down its operations across the country.

Employees at each store will be notified about 10 days before the final day of business, said company representative Molly Snyder.

The plans call for the closure of eight stores in Ontario, three in Alberta, two in B.C., two in Quebec and one store in Manitoba.

Target Corp., the parent company headquartered in Minneapolis, Mn., announced in January that it would shutter its 133 stores across the country after determining it would take years to turn a profit.

A list of the 16 Target Canada stores scheduled to close next week

TORONTO -- Target Canada is closing 16 stores next week, the first wave of closures as it winds down its operations. Here's a list of the stores:

Closing on March 18:

-- Edmonton (Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre)

-- Stratford, Ont.

-- Longueuil, Que.

Closing on March 22:

-- Chilliwack, B.C.

-- Cranbrook, B.C.

-- Calgary (5115 17th Ave. SE)

-- Medicine Hat, Alta.

-- Winnipeg (35 Lakewood Blvd.)

-- Chatham-Kent, Ont.

-- Kitchener, Ont.

-- Fergus, Ont.

-- Burlington, Ont. (2000 Appleby Line)

-- Niagara Falls, Ont.

-- Oshawa, Ont.

-- Smith Falls, Ont.

-- Saint-Georges, Que.