The health pandemic has affected businesses across the globe, but for retailers that were struggling prior to mandatory closures, the situation has been especially tough. In just a few months, we’ve seen retailers like Aldo Shoes, J.Crew, Gap, and Henry’s struggle to adjust and now another Canadian retailer is succumbing to the strain.
According to CBC News, the fashion company, which owns Reitmans, Penningtons, RW&Co, Addition Elle, and Thyme Maternity, was granted protection from its creditors by a Quebec court. The law means that companies that can’t pay their bills are protected from those it owes money to.
“Filing for protection under the CCAA is truly the hardest decision we have had to make as an organization in our almost 100 years of history, but this pandemic has left us no choice,” Chief Executive Officer Stephen Reitman said. “We believe that this is the only course of action to ensure we remain successful in the future.”

But the retailer was having problems long before the pandemic started. Over the years, Reitmans has tried to remedy its issues by shuttering stores. In 2017, the Montreal-based company announced plans to close all of its Hyba Activewear stores and prior to that in 2014, Reitmans shuttered all of its Smart Set stores. More recently, the company has been trying to lessen its footprint by closing underperforming stores, specifically its Penningtons and Addition Elle brands.
In its last fiscal year, the company’s sales fell by $53.5 million and had a net loss of $87.4 million for the year up to February 1. According to court filings, the company owes millions in rent payments for April and May and has over $100 million in debt.
“As the restructuring gets underway, the company will look to optimize its retail footprint in Canada to emerge from this process in a stronger state,” the chain said.
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Trust me, jeans are a blessing and a curse. We have all had that moment – picture it with me. You’re lying flat on your back on your bed and you’ve sucked in your tummy. It’s just you and this new pair of jeans, and you’ve almost got them on. Maybe if you suck in your belly and hold in your breathe until your face turns blue, shimmy them on, and zip, they will fit. Maybe, just maybe. But what if, you found jeans that actually fit?
It took me a long time to realize that fitting into jeans didn’t have to be a struggle, no matter your body size. There are brands and companies out there that were specifically committed to fitting plus size bodies well. Ever since I’ve made this discovery, it has been such a relief for me, and what used to be one of my dreaded items to shop, has now become one of my favourites thanks to these plus size jean stores. Real talk!

Sizes: 00-40
Price: $109 – $164
On my last visit to New York City, I went to the Universal Standard showroom and decided to try on a pair of its jeans in a dark denim wash in a 30” inseam. Can I just say that these jeans are the best I’ve ever had, never wearing out against my thighs or losing their colour? Brilliant.

Sizes: 14-24
Price: $98 – $108
After seeing everyone in a popular Facebook community I was a part of recommend jeans from Levi’s, I decided perhaps it was time to take the plunge. The skinny jean style is inherently more snug than other cuts on this list, and I had to size up from an 18 to a 22, but they fit like they were made to measure, and they make me feel stylish as heck.

Sizes: 10-28
Price: $74 – $78
For a long time, everyone has been telling me that their go-to jeans have been from Torrid. While I have not tried them out myself, Torrid pride itself on being well-designed and offering premium stretch. Torrid denim come in three different designs: bootcut, flare, and skinny. So no matter what kind of denim your heart desires there should be one out there for you.

Sizes: 14-24
Price: $67 – 70
One of the very first high-waisted jeans I ever purchased was from ASOS Curve. The jeans, designed in the London office, offer petite ranges in its plus offerings. These jeans have so much stretch in them, are super sleek, and stylish. I would absolutely order them again in a heartbeat.

Sizes: select styles available in sizes 10-32
Prices: $59 – $119
One of my go-to spots for jeans has always been Addition Elle. Recently, the retailer hired a new designer, Andy Thê-Anh, who is offering even more curve-friendly jean designs. While you’ll still find old favourites like the skinny, flare, and straight leg, you’re going to see some variations that are more playful and sophisticated. Plus, the denim is soft and really gentle on the skin.

Sizes: 12-24
Prices: $250-$265
All over the internet, I have been reading about how amazing Good American jeans are. While the price tag on them is hefty, it seems like the quality and styles are worth it. According to Instagramers and plus-bloggers everywhere, these jeans hug every single curve, and come up high enough and don’t fall down. Plus, Good American seem committed to the plus community by having a big appearance at Curvy Con this year.

Sizes: 12-28
Prices: $103-$148
When it comes to jeans, so many of my American friends say Lane Bryant is the best for plus size jeans. The best part: the brand finally started shipping to Canada, so we can finally enjoy the wonder that are its jeans! For example: in its high-rise skinny, there’s a waistband that stretches and molds to your waist, eliminating the dreaded waistband gap. Um, how cool is that? How many times how you found yourself complaining about jeans that have stretched out. It might be worth looking into these!

Sizes: 14-26
Prices: $96-$110
Loft’s denim is known for its high-quality and different washes. While I haven’t personally tried these on, the selections available are nice, crisp and perfect for dressing either up or down.
When it comes to driving, having peace-of-mind is something you can’t put a price on. If you’re in distress and need a tow, run out of gas, or get locked out of a car (knock on wood), it’s an incredible relief to know that a reliable hand is just one phone call away, and that’s why we love CAA.
With your membership, it’s not your vehicle that has coverage, it’s you. So if you’re with a friend and they run into the same car troubles, they can reap the benefits of CAA, too.
With that being said, having a membership of your own can benefit you in more ways than just car troubles. For money-savvy individuals, the annual fee actually pays for itself in discounts and perks through the CAA Rewards program. Plus a CAA Membership gives you the freedom, choice, and flexibility you need to live your best life.

One CAA Rewards perk that some might not know about is the ability to earn CAA Dollars. CAA has partnerships with a ton of worldwide retailers, which means that some of your favourites are probably on the list. With retailers like ALDO, Indigo, Sephora, TOMS, and more, you can earn CAA Dollars when you shop online, which you can later use towards renewing your CAA Membership, travel or a hotel stay when booking through CAA Travel, and much more. Each CAA Dollar is valued at one Canadian dollar, so there’s no math needed when you do your exchange. If shopping online isn’t your thing, hit the mall and use your CAA card at retailers like RW&CO., The Source, Addition Elle, and more for instant savings.

Instagram/@parkhyattny
Perhaps one of our favourite perks that can be scored through CAA Rewards are the hotel perks. Accommodation discounts aren’t the easiest to snag, and vacations are already expensive enough as it is. But with CAA Rewards, you can get discounts of up to 10% off at hotels all across the globe, including at world renowned places like Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, and the Park Hyatt, to name a few.

Instagram/@sambam_jamjam
Have you ever wanted to see the Manhattan skyline from the water? Or tour Chicago on a segway? Or travel to the happiest place on earth, aka Walt Disney World? Well, those tours, attractions, and more are available at a discount with a CAA Membership. All you have to do is flash your membership card at the time of purchase. For a full list of the tours available, just visit CAA Rewards.

Flickr/The City Of Toronto
Getting out of the house to do something fun has never been easier or more affordable! Depending on where you’re based, you’ll have a bevy of different entertainment options. For example, in the greater Toronto area, you can score discounted tickets to Mirvish Theatre, Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and a trip up the CN Tower.
Or if you’re based somewhere like British Columbia, you can find discounts for attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Vancouver Zoo, the Scandinave Spa, and more. There’s so much to explore!

Calling all movie buffs! If you’re the type that loves catching a flick on the big screen, you’ll be happy to hear that CAA Members can save up to 18% on Cineplex movie tickets in Ontario — all you have to do is head to the closest CAA Store to purchase. Whether you’re looking for senior, child adventure, or general admission tickets, you’ll find a discount, and the tickets are even valid for earning SCENE points, so you’re getting a double whammy of perks.
If you’re elsewhere in Canada, take for instance, British Columbia, you can score cheap movie tickets and snacks deals of up to 30% off at Landmark Cinemas.
When you link your CAA card with your Petro-Points, you can earn 20% more Petro-Points every time you fill up your tank or make a purchase (some exclusions apply) at a Petro-Canada. Again, it’s a double whammy of perks. Those Petro-Points can be used on more gas, snacks for your next road trip, or they can even be exchanged for CAA Dollars, and you already know what those can do!

Instagram/@eastsidemarios
Eating out doesn’t have to be a big production that costs an arm and a leg. In fact, there are restaurants all over the country that’ll give you a free item or a sweet discount when you tell them that you’re a CAA Member. Some of the restaurants that have exciting offers cooking up include Swiss Chalet, New York Fries, Milestones’, East Side Mario’s, and more.
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When it comes to plus-size fashion, sometimes shopping for clothes in-person can make people feel much more at ease than shopping online. But the reality is, there aren’t that many brands to choose from, so when you’re trying to decide where to spend your hard-earned dollars, it can be tough. This is why before heading into a store, it’s important to be educated, so you can have an easier shopping experience. Recently I headed out to Canada’s own plus-size boutique, Addition Elle and compared it against the American retail chain, Torrid which was formerly owned by Hot Topic. Yeah, they both sell plus-size clothes and for the most part, have fairly similar offerings, but fundamentally what are the differences between these two retail chains? Well, a lot actually!
For the sake of transparency sake, I went to visit the Addition Elle and Torrid locations both located near the Toronto Eaton Centre.
Recently, this Addition Elle location I visited underwent a renovation, which gives off a more modern and Scandinavian feel to the store. Think natural wood flooring, green plants, white walls, and stunning furniture.
While the look and feel of Additional Elle may have changed, the atmosphere has not. Staff still is fully present offering help with personal styling or bra fittings, which totally makes me feel seen, valued and attended to. The changerooms are also nice and roomy, with good lighting. Finally, someone has heard our cries for good changeroom lighting.
Over at Torrid, the store is roughly half the size of Addition Elle, and has a similar look and feel to Hot Topic. Okay, maybe it’s a bit brighter, but not by much. Walking through Torrid is almost like trying to navigate a maze: there are racks everywhere, clothes no matter where you turn, and it’s quite overwhelming. I’m guessing this has a lot to do with the size of the store and the layout. Other Torrid locations I have been to, which are larger, feel nothing like this but this store gives me anxiety. Hey, at least the change rooms are comfortable and big!
So prior to Torrid launching in Canada, the plus-size brand was already quite popular with Canadians, which according to the Globe and Mail accounted for more than half of Torrid’s international business online. Now in the store, you can find everything you would find online, but the pricing hurts.

Instagram/@wildzontars
The Canadian prices are apparently to offset the exchange rate, but man does it feel like a fat tax sometimes. Throughout the store, you’re going to find lots of trendy garments in sizes 12-26, some wide-calf footwear, undergarments, beauty products, and accessories.
Sometimes the offerings can be really great, and sometimes you’ll find something that just leaves you questioning everything. The racks have tons of looks ranging from casual chic, to sexy dresses, and every so often there’s a nod to the retailer’s Hot Topic-inspired past. The pieces I have picked up from Torrid, I have loved, but it’s never been a sure-fire win for me.

Instagram/@amascriver
Recently the brand announced Andy Thê-Anh as its new design director, and that they would be bringing in labels like Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Body Glove, New Balance, Aldo Shoes, Lucky Brand, and Girlfriend Collective as exclusive partnerships into plus sizing.
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I have to admit, wandering through the store felt different than when I was a teen. The racks had options that were actually hip and cool, but also fashion-forward. Now don’t get it twisted, I still spotted a few items that were in animal print or gave me some mom vibes. But that’s okay because the store has done a total 180 from what I remember. Plus, Addition Elle recently expanded the line to sizes 10-5X and slashed prices so it’s way more affordable. Like, WAY more affordable! Don’t believe me, check out the website for yourself.
So I’m not going to lie, I had great customer service experiences at both Torrid and Addition Elle, so I really can’t critique the stores on that. When I visited the stores, the sales associates in-store were so kind and helpful. Knowing when to compliment me, and when to offer helpful suggestions. So honestly if you’ve ever felt worried about shopping, period. You’re in good hands at either store.

Instagram/@torrid
Torrid has a pretty extensive return policy, for items purchased in the store or online. First and foremost, you have to have the packing slip or receipt, or else you can’t get a return. An associate may be able to process an exchange for you, but no promises. Right now, the item must be received within 60 days of the purchase date listed on your receipt.
If you order something online or purchase it in-store, you have 30 days (from purchase) to return any unworn, unwashed, unaltered item(s) with the price ticket(s) still attached, to receive a full refund. The retailer also offers a 60-day defect policy for any items that may break or tear, which its Customer Service team handles directly.

Instagram/@styleexpertdenise
I’ve got to be honest here, I have to go with my hometown team and give it to Addition Elle. During my last visit, as I browsed through the racks, the person working that day told me about an upcoming workshop with a local artisan who made body positive art. I never ended up going, but I was just so impressed that Addition Elle was really reaching out into their community to do more for their community, and be more.
Plus, the fact that it lowered prices and brought in some new labels that are known (and loved) by the plus-size community had me super excited for the future of Addition Elle. If you haven’t been to one of the stores recently, or haven’t browsed the website: do it. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Featured Image: StyleDemocracy
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The temperatures have been rising and if you were inspired by the pool party scene in Shrill, then you have been dying to find your very own fat babe pool party. But what to wear? No need to fret, we’ve got you covered. The plus size swimsuit market has stepped it up with sexy styles in a variety of fabrics and cup coverages that ensure your body looks fly as hell while being as comfortable as possible.

Instagram/@emyneedsaraincoat by @nadineettom
We stan the Canadian original of plus-size fashion. Not only does Addition Elle have full-piece swimsuits, but there are also bikinis, tankinis, and one-pieces – oh my! While the designs are pretty simple, one thing we do love is that Addition Elle regularly has sales in-store and online, which means you can cop some new suits for as low as $28 or as high as $240.

Instagram/@swimsuitsforall
Honestly one of the first places we check when we’re ordering online for a bikini is Swimsuits for All. This is largely in part to this collaboration line with Gabifresh, which year after year has knocked it out of the park. Both of Gabifresh and Ashley Graham (yes, the plus size model) signature lines go up to a size 24, but the site offers plus-size suits up to a size 28-40. Best part? You can mix and match your top and bottom sizes!

Instagram/@brittcattt
Of course, when we think about plus-size fashion, we think Torrid. We were honestly surprised with many of the cute options that Torrid had in store: including cuts, fabrics, designs (hi, there is a Harry Potter themed bikini) and prices. Plus, all of the suits go up to a Torrid size 6 (equivalent to a size 30), which means it’s fairly inclusive. Check out the Swim Fit Guide and then dig in.

Instagram/@forever21plus
Nobody wants to spend a lot of coins when shopping for a bathing suit. This is why we always turn to Forever 21 when it comes to fast fat fashion. The suits are trendy and cheap, the store is has lots of flowy caftans and cover-ups for the beach, and you won’t go broke looking like the baddest babe on the beach. How about dem apples? Forever 21 typically reaches up to a 3X in sizing but sometimes can fit small so it’s best to try things on in the store, or read the reviews online.

Instagram/@eloquii
We are obsessed with anything and everything Eloquii does, and the swimwear line also kills it. With bold colours, lots of colour blocking, and fun retro patterns – you’ll want to snap up all the suits Eloquii has on offer. The suits typically range in price from $90-$45 but every now and then, the site has a major 40-60% off sale. So check in and save big!

Instagram/@anthropologie
Plus size just launched with Anthropologie, so we’re pretty excited to see the brands first season of swimwear. It’s a pretty small collection with only six suits. The prices also range from $78 to 120, which tracks with the rest of the collection. While it is a small collection, we’re a bit disappointed to see that 90% of the collection is full-piece suites. It’s still cute though!

Instagram/@curvestocontour
It has been called the holy grail of swimwear by some, but ModCloth is the cute, classic, and timeless brand that we’ve come to know and love. With so many options to chose from (no really, there are over 30 suits on the site) that go up to a size 26, the suits do tend to fit a bit small. One big thing: read the online reviews (if you’re unsure) as some of the fabrics and the underwire can change how the suits fit for each body type. Another thing to keep in mind? If you’ve never ordered from the site, you can get 15% off your first purchase. Score!

Instagram/@sheinofficial
A lot of people have a lot of opinions online about Shein, especially when it comes to the retailers plus-size clothing. Here is our take after reading the reviews: it’s decent but you just need to know your proper and full measurements. Also, the shipping can be a bit slow, but the quality and pricing are all legit. With prices ranging from $9 – $35 for bikinis to kimonos, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Featured Image: Instagram/@swimsuitsforall
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The difficulties of being a plus-sized woman is that the fashion industry has largely forgotten about us. While many of our straight-sized friends float along in their shopping trips with without a hesitation in the world – finding clothes as a plus-size gal can be downright difficult and well, exhausting.
But there are some retailers out there that haven’t forgotten about us – online and offline – that I’m going to share with you today. Shopping while plus-size doesn’t have to be hard, so here are some tips on places to check out while being beautifully plus-sized.
Society+
Society+ is a plus size indie brand started by Jessica Kane of Skorch Magazine. Many of the pieces are bold and bright and include items that break fashion rules like tutus and crop tops. One of the biggest things I love about Society+ is that they use real people and bloggers in all of their shoots to showcase their line (which goes up to a size 32), so you can get a true sense of how something would look on your body type. The brand is always having great sales on their clothes, which is when I made my first purchase. Shipping was fast and their customer service reps were super helpful. It’s definitely a great place to check out online!
eShakti
So here is what I love about eShakti, you can custom make your own dress! If that hasn’t sold you yet, the brand sells their line up to a size 36. When you shop for a dress on eShakti, you’ll see the different options available, which usually include at least half a dozen sleeve options, neckline options, length options (cut to your height), and even other details like removing pockets. Since getting my first dress, I have ordered two more because who wouldn’t want a customized dress?
Eloquii
After some of my favourite plus-size bloggers and the awesome Chrissy Metz and Rebel Wilson were spotted in Eloquii, I kinda wanted to check it out for myself. After reading a bunch of reviews, I took the plunge and ordered two dresses for myself and I was not disappointed. The line extends up to a size 30 and offers everything from dresses to jeans to tops. Everything was fashion forward, something you would see in the pages of Glamour or Vogue and the best part: it was made for fat women. Shipping takes a bit of time but the customer service representatives are always super helpful trying to track packages down.
ASOS
Without a doubt, this is my go-to online shop for all things plus-size. Best part: they don’t just sell clothes but shoes and other accessories, too. So yes, online ordering can be a bit tricky but ASOS offers free shipping and free returns and if I’m being fully honest, ASOS is how I broke my online ordering virginity. The only thing to be aware of is that you might get hit with customs if your order is over a certain amount. With all that being said, they have clothes for every single occasion including office and casual. Plus, they just released a men’s plus size line!
ModCloth
If you’re into cute, whimsical or even vintage looking pieces, this is the site for you. Lots of bold, bright colours, and cute prints. Currently, their plus-size offerings go up to a 4x (which is a 26/28). One of the things that I love about ModCloth is they have an entire section dedicated to wedding and while I’m not at that stage yet, it is always in the back of my mind for when that day comes.
Curvy Bunz Clothing Swap
If you’re from Toronto, then you have heard of Bunz – the swapping app (and online community) where you trade things for other things. Well, they have an entire group online dedicated to swapping plus-size clothes. I can’t lie: I have gotten some serious gems from there. In this photo, I got a brand new (with tags) BooHoo plus-size dress for a $20 gift card to Shopper’s Drug Mart. There is absolutely no cash in the Bunz zones, so you may be able to get a whole new wardrobe for tokens, tall cans or whatever else you have around your house. This group is secret, so find a friend who is in it or join Bunz to get an invite.
Penningtons
So one thing to keep in mind is that Penningtons, Addition Elle, and Reitmans are all under the same company umbrella. I have found some really great gems at Penningtons before by digging through their racks, including this suede jacket for $20. Sometimes not everything is up to my taste level (rhinestones and fringe on everything) but hey, it’s worth a look because sometimes the good stuff is really good. Plus, I really love their active wear.
Primaala
Located on Dundas West, Primaala is my go-to when I need something a bit more high end. Owner Rachel Holt has filled the racks with beautiful items (mostly in the palette of black, grey, and white) that will make your body look incredible and the best part of any visit is interacting with shop-dog, Daisy. One of my go-to’s from Primaala is actually from Holt’s own line, shown in this photo. All of the purchases I have made from Primaala have been stand out pieces in my collection that have lasted me. Best part: Holt is offering a free styling session right now on her website, check it out.
Old Navy
So I will forewarn you: not every single Old Navy has a plus-size section, which is kind of annoying. For the stores that don’t, most of the time you can find plus-size goods in the clearance racks for super sale (anywhere from 50-70% off the original price), which is one of the only reasons why I’m suggesting this place. What I love about my finds about Old Navy is that they offer basics and they have a petite section – that’s a huge bonus for a gal like me.
Uniqlo
For those wondering: yes, they do have extended sizing at Uniqlo but only on selected items and only up to a size XXL (size 18/20) so be warned. This store is not for everyone, but for the folks who can fit into these clothes will be so thankful. They offer beautiful basics and affordable well-made clothes that are trendy and cool. The amount of shirts, dresses, and sweaters that have invaded my closet since their launch in Canada has been unreal.
Hudson’s Bay
So I know what you’re thinking: won’t Hudson’s Bay only offer matronly as fuck clothes for plus-size babes? The simple answer to that is: nope, absolutely not. They carry some super luxe brands like Carmakoma Plus, Junarose, Nic + Zoe and Jessica Simpson. The best thing about shopping at Hudson’s Bay? They always have Bay Days and tons of sales, so if you’re looking for something casual or something for work – this may be the place to head to.
Addition Elle
Related to Pennington’s – Addition Elle is the punky younger sister. They have teamed up with several plus size bloggers (like Nicolette Mason or Nadia Aboulhosn) to bring incredible lines that are cute and cutting edge. I will go on record to say that their jeans (from the Love and Lace collection) are some of the best jeans I’ve been able to find, period. Great fit, different washes and they always hold their stretch. Best part: Addition Elle is always having different sales. Last time I went in, I got two pairs of jeans for the price of one.
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