800 people have been thrown out of work, as Best Buy Canada closes 15 stores.

The company has shut down 8 Future Shop locations & 7 Best Buy Big Box stores across the country.

No Toronto locations are affected, but Barrie South, Erin Mills & Ancaster Future Shop stores have gone dark.

Workers got no advance warning of the shut downs.  They showed up to work to find the doors to their stores locked & security guards out front.

Best Buy says the employees affected by closures will get severance packages, access to assistance programs & career transition support.  They will also be given hiring priority if they apply to work at other Best Buy or Future Shop stores.

Best Buy Canada says the change was made to reduce costs, eliminate redundant operating systems and optimize its real estate.

In coming years, Best Buy says it will open Future Shop small concept web stores & new Best Buy Mobile shops.

(With files from Dave Bradley)