Abercrombie has come a long way in recent years. The brand that was once known for its lack of inclusivity and questionable business practices has slowly been earning back the trust of its customers since its rebrand. Now, Abercrombie & Fitch has once again become a go-to shopping destination to find fashion essentials that people actually want – ditching heavy logos and an overall “fraternity” aesthetic for wearable, more sophisticated closet staples. In 2021, it launched its famous Curve Love Fit, and a range of extended sizing, signaling that it was (finally) ready to embrace inclusivity. 

Now that Abercrombie has earned its way back into public graces, having established a large cult following on TikTok, specifically. It’s no secret that the brand has grown into a popular shopping hub for trendy styles and wardrobe basics alike. But before you fill your shopping bag and click “checkout,” – there are some tips and secrets you need to know to get the most out of your experience.

You need to know these Abercrombie & Fitch shopping secrets!

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Popular Items Sell Out Fast

If you’ve ever visited the Abercrombie site looking forward to buying an item you were recommended by your fave TikToker, chances are, it’s already sold out. Sizes of popular items are notorious for selling out fast. But they do almost always come back in stock, so be sure to check back often.

Curate a List

When shopping online (or in-app), you can add items to your list to keep tabs on them with ease. This is an especially useful tool for those sold-out items you want to keep an eye on! 

Check For Stackable Coupons 

You may remember a couple of years back, Abercrombie had a major viral moment with its stackable coupon “glitch.” Customers were getting hauls of clothing for mere dollars (guilty as charged). Although nothing with as significant of savings has seemed to happen since, there are still times when certain coupons are stackable. So it’s always worth a try! 

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Wait For A Sale

Abercrombie is no stranger to a promotion or sale. While some items you may want to act fast on so they don’t sell out – some pieces are worth waiting until they to go on sale. The brand’s sales are usually pretty great, too (and are held often)! 

Keep Tabs On Socials

As we mentioned above, Abercrombie has quite the social media following. Find social accounts that share sale updates and other valuable information to always have the inside scoop. For example, @influencedby_ on TikTok is always sharing sale alerts, and A&F is definitely on her radar. 

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Create A myABERCROMBIE Account & Subscribe To Emails 

As with any retailer or brand, you are going to want to subscribe to Abercrombie’s email list to get exclusive offers and stay up to date on new arrivals. Plus, if you make a myABERCROMBIE account, you’ll earn points as you shop and get exclusive member discounts from time to time. Members can earn up to 100,000 myAbercrombie points (or $400 value in Rewards) per calendar year. After spending $500 in a year, you automatically get VIP status – which comes with even more perks. 

Enjoy Free Returns

Whether you purchased online or in-store, you have 30 days to return your items in their original condition for a full refund. Just be sure to keep your receipt! 

Get Free Shipping When You Spend $90

Abercrombie seems to always be offering free shipping if you spend $90 or more. While you may not want to spend $90 in order to get free shipping, you’ll find it’s not all that hard to do. Wait until your cart hits the mark to press the checkout button to save some extra dollars!

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Explore Its Curve Love Fit

If you’ve ever struggled to find your perfect fit that provides room in the hips and thighs yet still hugs your waist in the right way, Abercrombie’s Curve Love is about to be your new best friend. The line features additional room (two extra inches) through the hip and thigh for curve-hugging comfort. The fit is great for curvy gals in standard or plus sizes. 

Get Your Perfect Hem Length 

One of Abercrombies saving graces is that it offers extra short, short, regular, long, and extra long sizing for its bottoms. We, as humans, come in all different heights, after all, so shouldn’t our pants, too? A&F says yes. 

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All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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The brand from which we buy some of our favourite jeans, sweaters, and trendy fashion items will now also be providing wedding attire! Abercrombie & Fitch just launched ‘The A&F Wedding Shop,’ a collection of over 100 uniquely designed pieces for brides, bachelorettes, and guests to wear for every wedding-related occasion (and beyond). 

“The A&F Wedding Shop’s pieces collectively tell the story of the modern wedding experience—from bridal shower and bachelorette party to wedding day prep, ceremony, reception, brunch, and even the honeymoon. It has it all.” says  Corey Robinson, Chief Product Officer of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

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Abercrombie’s Wedding Shop will include a wide array of dresses, from bold to elegant, as well as pieces such as bikinis, PJs, pantsuits, skirts, and more to cover all special occasion dressing needs that come along with the wedding season. 

“Abercrombie’s customers view weddings as multi-faceted experiences, which is why we designed this collection to be the outfitting solution for so many wedding-related occasions.”

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We all know how expensive weddings can be, for everyone involved, therefore it’s refreshing to see the approachable prices attached to The A&F Wedding Shop. You can find items anywhere from $35 to $223!

The best part? The collection is available in Abercrombie’s Fit-Inclusive Size And Length Range, So You won’t need to worry much about tailoring. 

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Shop our A&F Wedding picks:

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Abercrombie & Fitch started out as a luxury outdoorsy brand in 1892. It mostly sold camping and hunting equipment for elite, upper-class men.

The documentary, White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch, starts by describing how during its rebrand in the 90s and early 2000s, A&F became THE retailer for all-American teens and young adults.

By ‘All American’, they’re of course referring to upper class, boarding school, waspy white kids. The women were thin and blonde and the men were tall, muscular, and fit. Instead of just selling clothes, they were selling an idea: if you wear A&F, you too can be popular, beautiful, fit, and rich, just like the people in the ads. Instead of looking up to an unattainable celebrity, they wanted people to look up to these attainable faces in their campaigns.

This ‘idea’ was represented by the “Hot Naked White Men” that adorned the shopping bags that high school girls would later cut up and paste to the inside of their lockers. It was represented by the staff that worked at the stores – they were never judged on their sales or their politeness to customers, only by their looks and being white.

This was a company built on exclusion.

By 2015, discrimination of race and size was seen as a “stupid business decision”. Abercrombie & Fitch was getting terrible press for the exclusionary tactics they prided themselves on for so many years and even lost a case in court for refusing to hire a woman who wore a headscarf. Something here needed to change.

Fran Horowitz replaced the white male CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch in 2017. Her goal was to “wipe clean” the brand’s history and start fresh as a brand that embraces everyone, including plus sizes. The “cool kids” that A&F once went after were now described as “anybody and everybody”. Today, tons of plus-size and POC influencers now call A&F one of their favourite brands.

Whether this continues to be tokenism – a business decision to increase profit and reputation – or a true change in company values, remains to be seen.

“[Abercrombie & Fitch] didn’t invent evil. They didn’t invent class. They just packaged it.”

You can watch White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch on Netflix. 

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Leather pants have seriously become all the rage these days and for good reason. The versatility of these bottoms is exactly what you need as a staple piece in your wardrobe. Dress them up with a chic blouse or down with your best hoodie, either way, you’ll strut the streets in style.

Here are our fave leather pants to shop for under $200.

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From the instantly recognizable beaver logo, to the classic salt and pepper speckled sweatpants, Roots has become the unofficial uniform of Canadians. The wilderness-inspired casual athleticwear pieces are perfect for lounging around the house, or staying cozy next to a campfire. We’re willing to bet that you have at least one item from Roots in your closet, and if you don’t are you sure you’re even Canadian? For anyone who is obsessed with shopping at Roots, these brands need to be on your radar the next time you shop!

Here are 10 brands to shop if you just can’t get enough of the Cozy and laidback style of Roots! 

L.L. Bean

brand to shop if you love roots
StyleDemocracy

Launched over 100 years ago, L.L. Bean became popular from the sales of its Bean Boots, originally designed for hunters. Since the company’s launch over 100 years ago, the brand has grown to include clothing, footwear, outdoor equipment, and home goods. It’s effectively become a one stop shop for all your outdoor needs. L.L. Bean’s classic styles have stood the test of time and are a staple in outdoor wear. Now you can shop L.L. Bean at the retailer’s first Canadian location at Oakville Place! The store is filled with warm knits and soft flannels that will be perfect for fall apple picking or a brisk hike to see the changing colours of the leaves. 

Abercrombie & Fitch

@abercrombie

When you think of Abercrombie & Fitch, the brands preppy polos and denim jeans made popular in the early 2000s probably come to mind. Now the brand exudes effortless style that’s full of versatile, trendy, and relaxed pieces. Abercrombie & Fitch is definitely less outdoorsy than the other brands on this list but the brand focuses on creating casual and collegiate looks that are perf for everyday wear. A&F’s has a commitment to providing customers with lasting quality and exceptional comfort and that’s what really makes this brand stand out.

tentree

brand-to-shop-if-you-love-roots-2
@kalenemsley

It’s no secret that the fashion industry is incredibly damaging to our earth, but tentree is on a mission to change that and is planning to become the most environmentally progressive brand on the planet. This ultra-sustainable brand serves fashion with a conscience, creating styles that will have you looking good and feel good. All items are made from sustainable materials like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled polyester — even the buttons are environmentally friendly, as they’re made from coconut shells instead of plastic! In addition, everything is manufactured in socially responsible factories, plus, the brand plants 10 trees for every item sold and has a goal of planting one billion trees by 2030!

Levi’s

@ashgongiveit2ya

While Levi’s is probably most known for its jeans and super cool denim, the brand actually has a wide range of other items and has recently expanded to include accessories as well. Levi’s has the same laidback, comfortable feel as Roots does and we love how the brand manages to maintain a hint of a vintage inspo, while still feeling perfectly up to date. The quality manufacturing creates timeless, classic items that are designed to outlast the stressors of day to day wear. Like the brand tagline says, these products are meant to be lived in – not just worn.

The North Face

brand-to-shop-if-you-love-roots-3
@outlawshop

The North Face has been known and loved by hardcore adventurers for years now, but don’t let that intimidate you as the brand is suitable for everyone. Designed to survive on a mountainside, these pieces are made with great technical quality. The jackets and fleeces are sure the keep you warm during the unpredictable fall weather all the way into the thick of winter. Also, in line with the mission to preserve the outdoors, The North Face has recently re-released its most popular styles now made with sustainable materials.

Lands’ End

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For comfy and cozy wardrobe staples for men, women, and kids. Lands’ End apparel and outerwear is made using high-end materials that are designed to last. 

Columbia

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There’s a reason outdoor lovers are always sporting Columbia outerwear and apparel. If you love the timeless, outdoorsy styles of Roots, Columbia is a must-shop. 

Eddie Bauer

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Eddie Bauer has been producing designer outdoor wear for the past 100 years. For stylish pieces you’ll own for years to come, like Roots, this brand is a top pick. 

Fjallenraven

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Although they are known for their iconic backpacks, Fjallenraven designs a range of apparel and accessories that are perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Always look on-point with flannels, parkas, vests, sweaters, pants, and many more styles that rival Roots’ own designs. 

Patagonia

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Patagonia is famous for its iconic fleece sweaters and zip-ups, vests, jackets, and stylish high-end outdoor gear. Although the brand is definitely a pricier alternative to Roots, you’ll have these pieces for years to come.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many retailers are stepping up and taking preventative measures to put the safety of its workers and consumers first.

For a number of retailers, this means temporarily closing its stores — and in some cases, company-wide operations — to prevent the spread of Coronavirus across North America.

Here is a list of retailers who have chosen to temporarily close stores in response to COVID-19.

Note: This article will be updated as more stores and brands announce temporary COVID-19 store closures.

Apple

apple store
Instagram/@designersnocanada

Apple was amongst the first retailers to make the call on COVID-19 store closures. While shoppers can still visit the online store and the Apple Store app, all retail locations will be closed until March 27.

Patagonia

Yelp/Patagonia Toronto

Patagonia was also amongst the first retailers to announce the temporary closure of stores. The outdoor retailer temporarily closed its stores, offices, and other operations on March 13. At the time of writing, the retailer’s online store is closed as well and Patagonia plans on reassessing the situation on March 27.

Nike

nike clearance store mississauga

With the well being of teammates and shoppers at top priority, Nike made the decision to close stores in multiple countries including Canada and the U.S. to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The closures came into effect on March 16 and will run until March 27, though you can still shop online and through Nike apps.

Urban Outfitters

Flickr/Mike Mozart

Another retailer taking precautions in light of COVID-19 is Urban Outfitters. In a statement to the UO community, the company announced that it would be temporarily closing stores globally. Urban Outfitters noted that stores will not reopen until at least March 28 and all team members will continue being paid during this time. The online store and app are still open to shop.

Anthropologie

temporary store closures COVID
Instagram/@anthro_toronto

Urban Outfitter’s sister store Anthropologie will also be temporarily closing stores. In a statement released on Instagram on March 15, the retailer announced that stores will be closed until at least March 28. The online store and app will still be accessible to shoppers during this time.

Free People

temporary store closures covid
Twitter/@cfsherway

Another retailer in the Urban Outfitters family that announced COVID-19 store closures is Free People. The retailer announced via Instagram that effective March 15, all stores will be closed until March 28. The online store and app will remain open.

lululemon

lululemon most valuable
Flickr/Elvert Barnes

On March 15, lululemon announced that it will be temporarily closing stores across North America and Europe from March 16 to 27. In the statement, the athleticwear company noted that all employees will still receive pay for all hours scheduled to work and will have access to lululemon’s Global Pay Relief plan.

Reformation

covid-19 store closures

Reformation announced that it will be taking precautions and close stores until further notice. The statement, which was released on March 14, did not specify when stores will reopen but did reassure that retail staff will be receiving paid leave and that the online store will remain open.

Lush

covid-19 store closures
Flickr/AL.eyad

In a statement, Lush let shoppers know that all 258 retail stores across Canada and the U.S. will be closed until March 29. The company also noted that due to its made fresh by hand operations, that it will be significantly scaling down its manufacturing and distribution. For the time being, Lush’s online store will continue to run, though shoppers should expect digital orders to take extra time.

Abercrombie & Fitch

covid-19 store closures
Flickr/Phillip Pessar

In a statement, Abercrombie & Fitch announced that it will be closing all of its stores outside the Asia-Pacific region as of March 15. This includes abercrombie kids. Its online stores will remain open and the company will be extending its return policy to cover the period of store closures. There is no set reopen date for its physical locations as of yet.

Hollister Co.

covid-19 store closures
Instagram/@hollisterco

Hollister Co., which is apart of the Abercrombie & Fitch family of stores, will also be closing all of its stores outside of the Asia-Pacific region as of March 15. Like Abercrombie & Fitch, its online store will remain open with an extended return policy.

Aritzia

aritzia inclusive sizing covid-19 store closures
Instagram/@aritzia

On March 15, Aritzia released a statement on Instagram that noted all retail locations will be closed until further notice. In order to support its employees during this time, the Vancouver-based retailer set up a Community Relief Fund, stating that “all of Aritzia’s profits while we get through this challenging time, will go to the Aritzia Community Relief Fund to support our people and their families.” Aritzia.com is still accessible for those looking to shop.

Under Armour

covid-19 store closures

In a statement to Business Insider, Under Armour confirmed that it will be temporarily closing stores in North America. The stores will be closed until March 28, and all employees will be compensated during this time. The online store and its online outlet continue to stay open.

UNIQLO

uniqlo marimekko
StyleDemocracy

UNIQLO announced store closures in a letter to its community. All retail locations across Canada are closed until March 30, effective May 17. Shoppers are still able to shop online in the meantime.

Levi’s

Instagram/@levis

Another retailer that’s made the decision to close is Levi’s. The denim retailer has temporarily closed Levi’s and Levi’s Outlet stores across North America and plans to reopen on March 27. All staff are being compensated during this time and the online store is still open to shop.

Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack

nordstrom and nordstrom rack

As of March 17, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in the U.S. and Canada will temporarily close for two weeks. All of the store employees will be provided with pay and benefits during this time.

Sephora

goop sephora
Flickr/Mike Mozart

On March 17, Sephora made the difficult decision to close all of its retail locations in Canada and the U.S. All retail workers will be paid during the hiatus. Sephora stores are planned to reopen on April 3, but until then, you can still shop the online store and receive free shipping with the promotion code “FREESHIP”.

Hudson’s Bay

hudsons bay baydays sale
Instagram/@alliyahsmiles

Hudson’s Bay has temporarily closed all stores until the end of March, with store associates receiving pay for all scheduled shifts. At this time, thebay.com is still up and running for shoppers and the Canadian department store has extended its return policy. For online shoppers who have placed a “Buy Online Pick Up In Store” order, the retailer is arranging curbside pick up.

Holt Renfrew

StyleDemocracy

The upscale department store made the decision to temporarily close all of its retail locations on March 17. The retailer did not announce when it planned on reopening. The online store remains open to shop with free shipping and returns.

Harry Rosen

Another upscale department store closing its doors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is Harry Rosen. On March 17, it announced that all Harry Rosen, Harry Rosen Outlet, and Zegna-branded stores would remain closed until March 31.

Zara

Instagram/@kaffeden

Fast-fashion giant Zara has temporarily closed 3,785 stores globally, including its Canadian locations, though its online store remains open. During this time, Inditex, the company that owns Zara, has made a major push to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, donating much-needed masks for patients and medical workers in Europe.

IKEA

ikea organization
Instagram/@michaelkohnphoto

On March 18, IKEA announced that it would close all of its Canadian stores in order to “support social distancing efforts and based on recommendations from local health authorities.” While the stores are closed, IKEA’s 7,300 store employees across the country will be supported by a “comprehensive benefits package and paid leave policy” and the online store will still be open to shop.

H&M

H&M inventory
Instagram/@umolhar_nomundo

All H&M retail locations will be temporarily closed until April 2. Employees will continue to receive pay during the two weeks of closures. During the closures, H&M’s online store will still be open and the retailer is offering 90-day returns, free shipping, and free returns.

Aldo Shoes

Instagram/@aldo_shoes

The Montreal-based footwear and accessories retailer announced that it would close stores across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, and Ireland until March 31. The online store is still open to shop and the retailer is offering free standard shipping on all orders and extended returns.

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Over the past few years, Canada has seen some many once-beloved stores shutter locations or shut down business for good.

Just last year, we said goodbye to retailers like Bombay Company and Bowring Brothers, Nine West, and Jean Machine to name a few. And the retail apocalypse has already claimed many victims in 2019.

As we’ve done in past years, we are keeping a watchful eye on the retail store closures and bankruptcies that affect the Canadian market.

Below you’ll find a list of all the brands and retailers that have closed stores or filed for bankruptcy in 2019.

Note: This article will be updated as more stores and brands announce filings and closures.

Gymboree

Gymboree filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy for the first time in 2017. And just when the retailer thought it had escaped trouble successfully, in January 2019 the retailer successfully filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy once again. Industry experts blamed the children wear brand’s demise on the fact that Gymboree Group’s own collection of brands were competing against each other. After 40 years in business, Canadians will be saying goodbye to Gymboree for good as they shutter all Canadian locations.

Payless ShoeSource

In February 2019, Payless ShoeSource filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy for the second time in two years. But this time around, instead of launching a turnaround plan, the discount shoe retailer announced that it would be closing all North American locations including 248 stores across Canada.

H&M

H&M
Instagram/@vincemto

For shoppers, H&M’s announcement of 160 store closures across the globe came as a shock. However for those in the industry, it was a decision that had to be made. The fast fashion retailer fell victim to inventory bloating, forcing H&M to slash prices in order to move product. In 2018, the conglomerate shuttered its Cheap Monday brand. And in February the company announced that it would be shuttering locations over the span of the year. Fortunately for H&M fans, the company will continue to open stores at the same time with a net of 175 new stores — however, it’s rumoured that Torontonians might be saying goodbye to the retailer’s Bloor St. location.

Home Outfitters

In February 2019, famed Canadian retailer Hudson’s Bay announced that it would be shuttering all Home Outfitters locations — 37 stores across Canada. In the same announcement, HBC announced that it would be analyzing its Saks Off Fifth locations and shuttering a number of its stores in the U.S. While no Saks Off Fifth closures have been announced in Canada, one thing’s certain: the retail landscape is ever-changing and we never know which retailer the apocalypse will claim as its next victim.

Gap

After years of struggle and constant markdowns, it came to no surprise when Gap announced massive closures were coming to North American stores. In March 2019, the company shared that it would shutter 230 stores in the U.S. and Canada. The mall staple also announced that it would be separating from sister brand Old Navy in order to better focus on both brands.

Victoria’s Secret

Victoria's secret swimwear
Instagram/@dar1a_sp

Over the years, Victoria’s Secret has seen a decline in popularity, with publishers like Forbes declaring that the company has “lost its sexy.” In March 2019, the Victoria’s Secret announced that it would be closing 53 stores across North America, up from 30 stores closed in 2018. While it has not been announced whether the decision will affect Canadian shoppers, we can confirm that we haven’t seen the end of the brand yet. With two new CEOs, the company plans to turn business around.

Diesel 

In March 2019, Diesel jeans filed for bankruptcy. The company attributes the decision to falling sales, a failed turnaround, and expensive leases, as well as instances of cyber fraud and theft. But unlike other retailers and brands in similar positions, Diesel will not be shuttering stores. Instead the brand has a three year turnaround plan which includes reimagining current stores to lower operational costs and better marketing.

Green Earth

In March, Ontario-based Green Earth announced that it would be liquidating all 29 of its locations, offering discounts of 40-80% on all merchandise which includes candles, jewelry, and many more giftables. The company, which has been operating since 1990, felt pressure from problems similar to many stores facing problems: reduced mall traffic and growing competition. Green Earth filed a notice of intention to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act on March 4, 2019.

J.Crew

Though it launched in Canada with great success, the American retailer has been quietly closing stores across the country over the past few years. The most recent store closures include a number of Toronto-area locations, as well as CF Chinook Centre in Calgary. Retail Dive reports that executives at J.Crew will “continue to rationalize its footprint” and plan to close 20 J.Crew and factory stores by the end of 2019. With stores in Canada slowly disappearing, it will be interesting to see what’s ahead for the brand.

Forever 21

forever 21 stores closing
Flickr/Phillip Pessar

Earlier in 2019, Forever 21 closed its Yonge and Dundas flagship store, which didn’t seem like a big deal considering the brand already had another location inside CF Toronto Eaton Centre. But at the end of summer, word that the Los Angeles-based fast fashion retailer was struggling started spreading. At the end of September, the retailer announced that it would be closing all 44 of its Canadian locations and exiting the country altogether.

Lowe’s and Rona

lowe's and Rona store closures
Flickr/Mike

At the end of November 2019, home improvement chain Lowe’s Canada announced that it would be shuttering stores across Canada in order to improve overall performance. The closures will affect 34 underperforming Lowe’s and Rona stores.

Bouclair

CNW Group/Bouclair

Another retailer that announced closures in November 2019 is Montreal-based Bouclair. The home decor retailer filed notices of intention to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, and has been acquired by Alston Investment Inc. Of Bouclair’s total locations, 60 will remain open, while 29 across Canada will close.

Bentley Leathers

Facebook/Shoppers Mall

In December 2019, Montreal-based Bentley Leathers successfully entered a restructuring agreement, which includes the plan to close 90 underperforming stores across Canada. While underperforming stores are closing, the retailer will continue to open its concepts stores, which are sleeker and more modern.

Motherhood Maternity

motherhood maternity
Motherhood Maternity Canada

After Destination Maternity filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. in the fall of 2019, the company’s name, website, and operating assets were acquired by Marquee Brands LLC. However, all stores were announced to close across North America, including 29 Motherhood Maternity and Destination Maternity stores in Canada.

Bookmark this page for updates on the brands and retailers that have closed stores or filed for bankruptcy in 2019.

Featured image: Instagram/@kat_mcewen

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We are now coming into the second month of 2018 and as always, It’s survival of the fittest when it comes to Canadian retail. While some struggling brands manage to restructure and optimize operations following filing for bankruptcy protection, others are left swirling in a downward spiral toward being obsolete. We hate to see retail closures result in layoffs, liquidations and losses, but there are a few big brands that may just be headed in that direction come 2018. The truth is, retailers are struggling and these stores might be in trouble. Keep reading for all of the details.  

Michael Kors

We reported in May 2017 that Michael Kors had plans to close over 100 stores due to declining sales. Stores on the chopping block have not yet been revealed. Industry experts say that the drop in sales is a result of the brand’s decrease in perceived value. Michael Kors has discounted handbags in an effort to target value-driven shoppers, at the same time losing their luxury appeal.

Toys “R” Us

Toys “R” Us made headlines in September 2017 with the announcement of filing for bankruptcy protection. This major toy retailer has no plans to close stores. However, this will likely be determined following 2017 Q4 results from a successful (or lacklustre) holiday sales season. Toy “R” Us currently operates 82 stores in Canada.   

Gap and Banana Republic

GAP Inc. announced in September 2017 that they would be closing 200 Gap and Banana Republic stores over the next three year. Striving brands Old Navy and Athleta will see new 270 stores open.

Tip Top Tailors

With big debt looming and a bankruptcy protection announcement in January 2017, Tip Top Tailors owner Grafton-Fraser Inc. felt pressure to restructure earlier this year. In June 2017, twelve underperforming store locations closed following the sale of the business to GSO Capital Partners. With hundreds of jobs lost with the handful of closures, who knows what other changes this retailer will see under its new ownership? 

Abercrombie & Fitch

Once a mall-goer’s destination, Abercrombie and Fitch is now a fading memory of collegiate style. Since 2015, the number of A&F Stores across North America has dwindled  despite efforts to reinvigorate the brand.

Ann Taylor, LOFT and Justice

An announcement by Ascena Retail Group to indefinitely close between 250 and 650 stores by July 2019 will shock the retail landscape. Ascena Retail Group, the owner of retail brands operating in Canada such as Ann Taylor, LOFT and Justice, is hoping to close stores in an effort to reduce costs and pursue rent breaks with landlords to keep remaining stores open.

Jean Machine

In January 2017, Canadian denim emporium Jean Machine filed for bankruptcy protection. In March 2017, Jean Machine was purchased by Comark Services Inc. to save the struggling retailer. With 30 locations across Ontario, new owners plan to reinvigorate stores with brighter lighting and paint. Time can only tell if the changes are successful. 

 

Will you be sad if any of these struggling brands close their doors in Canada?

Featured Image: Instagram/@JeanMachine 

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