Another brand is expanding in Canada! Athleta will be opening five new stores across the country this year.
According to Retail Insider, the Gap Inc. owned activewear brand will open locations at CF Chinook Centre (Calgary), CF Sherway Gardens (Etobicoke), West Edmonton Mall (Edmonton), 1035 Robson Street (Vancouver), and the fifth being the recent spot in Mapleview Centre (Burlington).
Even up until last year, Canadians weren’t able to even shop the brand online. Now, the e-commerce site is available as well as a few physical stores.
The Mapleview Centre Athleta is the third operating location in Canada right now, alongside one in Vancouver and one in Yorkdale, so by the end of 2022, there will be a total of seven.
It was first reported last year that Athleta has major expansion plans across North America, so it makes sense to see it making moves.
The best part is that Athleta prides itself on being size-inclusive and offering products created with sustainable materials.
It’s in fact a certified B Corporation, meaning it’s not only committed to reducing its environmental impact but also to using fair labour practices.
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Here are some of our favourite online brands for new couch gear that you can shop without ever leaving the couch. Investing in your self-care and comfort is important and we encourage valuing that time to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Let’s get comfy!
Here are the best online stores to buy comfy and affordable loungewear.
Athleta
Athleta is a great online shop for active loungewear that’s suitable for Netflix binge-watching, hitting the gym and grabbing groceries – it’s a three-in-one! We are all for investing in versatile options for a modern lifestyle without compromising great style.
Knix
Founder, Joanna Griffiths has transformed the intimate apparel industry with Knix, a Toronto-based brand that’s designed to make women feel more comfortable in their own skin. The revolutionary Leakproof Underwear is what started it all, and now the company carries an amazing range of products, including loungewear. The Cozzzy Collection is unbelievably soft, you’ll want to wear the set every day of the week.
Gap
We love Gap loungewear and it loves us back – how romantic! They have an amazing section of PJs and loungewear for snowy days when you know from the moment you wake up on a weekend morning – you ain’t leaving home that day, god bless. And the best part is that it’s super affordable, which means you can get multiple options for every day of the week!
Dynamite
Dynamite‘s lounge collection is seriously SO dreamy! It’s manufactured from beautifully soft material that’s such great quality. From sweatpants to hoodies, to leggings, to bralettes, you’ll find everything you need in the lounging department.
RW&CO.
RW&CO. is a Canadian ready-to-work fashion brand for style-savvy men and women. When you look good, you feel good, and a great outfit can really change your daily outlook. The brand prioritizes fit and fabric quality, to build collections that you can easily style. Recently, RW&CO. has launched a loungewear line and it’s giving us all of the relaxation vibes.
Uniqlo
It’s time to get comfy with Uniqlo! We are loving their super affordable lounge sets – no decisions to be made, simply throw on the set and wind down with some tea and a good book…or watch a double feature. All that matters is you’re comfy and blissed out!
Joe Fresh
Joe Fresh brings the elements of modern style to life in essential designs known for its exceptional value and thoughtful details. With collections for women, men and children, it makes shopping convenient, fun and affordable. Joe Fresh is also offers extended sizes with select women’s styles ranging from XS-3X and 2-22.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic is you’re looking for not only comfy and affordable loungewear, but also chic, then you need to check out this brand. It’s a premier destination for modern clothing for everyday life to feel confident in. The loungewear has a ton of neutral, laid-back colours, plus, the site usually has great discounts to apply to your purchase.
Brunette the Label
The Vancouver brand, Brunette the Label is known for its sweatshirts, sweatpants, and basically everything cozy with cute phrases imprinted. You’ll find the word “babe” on a bunch of pieces because Brunette the Label believes that the word “babe” to be a way of life, and strive to create a community that is inclusive of everyone. Inspiring, strengthening, and elevating each other to be the best version of ourselves.
Aerie
Aerie is the place to go for loungewear that meets your girls’-night-in criteria! Their brand’s focus is on loungewear and cuteness. It checks all the boxes to make you feel like a princess while painting your nails, doing a face mask and dancing around to your favourite guilty pleasure song – go all in with Aerie, ladies!
Everlane
They’ve got a 100% human collection – miraculous loungewear that is also more than suitable for the public sphere. Since launching their first 100% Human collection in January 2017, the brand raised almost a quarter million dollars for the American Civil Liberties Union and this winter you can support it, too! The brand also carries a plentiful selection of sweatshirts and hoodies to toss during your lounging!
H&M
H&M is a trendy, inexpensive, one-stop-shop for just about all of our clothing needs. There’s quite the loungewear selection on its site, for both men and women, at such affordable prices. When it’s time to get cozy, check out H&M!
Simons
Simons carries modern and minimalistic pieces that will seamlessly fit into your wardrobe. Plus, the pieces are quite affordable too which is always a bonus!
Anthropologie
We take lounging very seriously. Anthropologie may be a bit more pricey than the other brands, however, we think it is a wise investment to get the most out of your rest and relaxation. Their loungewear selection is so nice, the majority of it we’d be more than proud to rock to the grocery store, a yoga class or a coffee with a friend. They also have a great selection of sleepwear and intimates – this section we recommend for just around the home and you’ll also be super confident when taking out the garbage.
PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing has a huge selection of chic two-pieces, party dresses, street-style activewear, and of course, loungewear. If you’re into following the trends of the fashion world, then you need to check out this shop if you haven’t already.
Kotn
Kotn’s loungewear is created with high-quality, ethically made Egyptian cotton, so you know that anything from the brand will be super soft. Not only are Kotn’s clothes comfortable, but they are designed to look sophisticated so even while you’re chilling, you’ll look put together and ready to go out.
Parachute
The fab home company, Parachute, has recently introduced a beautiful loungewear collection. Browse through super soft robes, sweatpants, sweaters, slippers, and more. All of the pieces are created in stunning neutral colours, so they’ll match seamlessly into your wardrobe.
Smash + Tess
Vancouver-based company Smash+Tess has changed the game for day-to-night clothing. Its pieces can transition seamlessly with comfort and style. It’s become one of the best loungewear brands thanks to its beloved rompers. What started as a limited collection of onesies has now expanded to include celebrity collaborations, robes, dresses, and accessories.
Studio
Studio’s products are created with sustainability in mind — its clothing is produced in small batches by a family-owned manufacturing facility in Tirupur, India. There are a handful of styles of day suits to choose from that are perfect for layering or wearing on their own.
Riot Theory
Riot Theory offers a ton of classic styles that have been designed to keep you comfortable all day, every day. The fabric is a sustainable rayon made from bamboo and a spandex blend. It’s made to stand the test of time so you’ll have it in your wardrobe for years to come.
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There are tons of outlet stores popping up across Canada that promise amazing brands and even better discounts. Unfortunately, many of us live more than a stone’s throw away from the outlets we want to visit or end up driving the hour (or four) only to be disappointed by the selection.
Outlets tend to be messy, over-picked, and chaotic but our desire to score a discount outweighs all the cons — snagging a deal while shopping is our number one priority! While there are a number of ways you can save by shopping online at regular-priced retailers, we’ve found a number of retailers with online outlet stores that will help you save a couple of bucks while you’re shopping.
Here are online outlet stores to take advantage of.
StyleDemocracy
StyleDemocracy brings the world of warehouse sales online for limited-time flash sales. Head to shop.styledemocracy.com to shop limited-time sales that feature a rotating selection of brands for up to 80% off. Past sales StyleDemocracy has hosted include Ted Baker, Frank And Oak, Lacoste, and more.
J.Crew Factory
The classic American retailer has its very own factory store online with clothing, footwear, and accessories for the whole family at a fraction of the price of its regular retail stores. While they do ship to Canada, shoppers should be mindful of their American prices and the $9.95 USD that it costs to ship across the border.
Pro tip: Check out the website’s clearance section for extra deals on deals.
GUESS Factory Store
If you’re a fan of GUESS, you’ll be happy to hear that they’ve got a factory store that you can shop stress-free online. Included in the online store’s offerings are clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men, women, and kids. Handbags and footwear are a major steal in particular, and the store often hosts extra discounts on top of already-low prices throughout the year — it’s best to keep checking back for better deals.
Gap Factory Store
Another North American classic is Gap, and their online factory is a great place to start your online shopping spree. Of the retailers on this list, Gap Factory Store probably has the largest selection to shop for the entire family. Not only do they offer clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and kids, but they also boast a large selection of apparel, shoes, and accessories for toddlers and babies, as well as lingerie and loungewear for women.
Under Armour Outlet
Everyone knows that Under Armour can get pretty pricey, but if you’re looking to shop the brand on a dime, you’ll definitely want to check out their online outlet store. While their selection isn’t as large as the other retailers on this list, their sales are no less impressive. Visit back often to shop deals on sneakers, athleticwear, backpacks, duffles, and more for men and women.
Banana Republic Factory
Banana Republic and Gap are both under the Gap umbrella, so it’s no surprise that this factory store exists. Shoppers can expect similar styles to their full-priced store at lower prices. In addition to regular size ranges for men and women, they also boast a women’s petite and clearance section. Bring on the deals!
adidas Outlet
Athleticwear is made affordable by adidas in this online outlet store. Discounts range between 10-70% off and span across a variety of categories, including clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and kids. While the selection isn’t huge, the deals are worth it. Keep checking back for new offerings.
Best Buy Clearance Outlet
There’s no need to wait until big sales to save on electronics! The Best Buy Clearance Outlet is open all year round. In addition to clearance items, shoppers can save big by shopping refurbished, open-box items, and overstock. From appliances to laptops and tablets to cellphones and game consoles, there’s something for everyone to shop!
REISS Outlet
This high-end U.K.-based fashion brand just got a little bit more affordable! Online, shoppers can find deep discounts of up to 60% off on coats and jackets, suiting, office wear, and more. While the prices are low, the quality’s not, so don’t sleep on this online outlet!
Swarovski Outlet
Swarovski is a girl’s best friend! And in the brand’s online outlet, there’s a selection of bracelets, watches, earrings, rings, sets, decoration, pens, and more. The selection is exclusive and only available for a limited time, so it’s best to check back on a regular basis. Act fast on things you like because you never know if it’s going to sell out!
Lole Outlet
You might already recognize this Montreal-based yogawear brand, but did you know that it has its own online outlet store? The Lole outlet features deals on tops, bottoms, intimates, and of course, everything you need to get your sweat on.
Amazon Outlet
Amazon is a favourite for many and their outlet is just one of the reasons why. The Amazon Outlet offers savings on overstocked items, spanning across a variety of categories. From home to beauty, to books, computers, and more, Amazon is a one-stop-shop for savings.
Reebok Outlet
Another athletic brand that hosts its very own online outlet is Reebok. Open all year round, find savings of up to 55% off on athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women. If you like what you see, check back often, as Reebok updates the online outlet frequently.
ASOS Outlet
If you’re a fan of this U.K.-based fast-fashion retailer, you’ll be happy to hear that ASOS has an online outlet with up to 70% off footwear, clothing, and accessories. If you dig deep enough, you’ll even find brands like Lacoste, Puma, adidas, Nike, NYX, and more.
Saks Off Fifth
And if you love Saks Fifth Avenue, you’ll want to check out its online off-price store. With many of the same brands Saks is known for, its Off Fifth online store is filled with designer deals. Luckily, prices are based in Canadian dollars, so there’s no guesswork when it comes to conversion, and usually, Canadians receive free shipping on all orders over $99.
Thomas Sabo Outlet
This is one of our favourite online outlet stores for accessories. Head over to the Thomas Sabo online outlet to save up to 70% on beautiful fine jewelry, watches, and beaded bracelets — this online outlet is truly a hidden gem! Shipping is $15 for orders under $50, and for purchases over, shipping is free!
Fossil Outlet
Another online accessory outlet that’s worth checking out is the Fossil Outlet. Featuring watches, belts, handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, and more, you can save up to 60% in the section of the website.
Sport Chek Clearance Outlet
For all things sports-related, head to the Sport Chek Clearance Outlet. Here you can find deals on women’s clothing and shoes, men’s clothing and shoes, kids’ clothing and shoes, gear and equipment, electronics, and jerseys and fan gear. Shipping is free on all orders of $99 or more.
AllSaints Outlet
Not many folks realize that this luxury label has its own online outlet store. The AllSaints Outlet features pieces from the archives and seasons past. Find dresses, pants, leather bags, tops, and so much more for men and women at a discount.
Aldo Outlet
Footwear, accessories, and handbags at a steal can be found at the online Aldo Outlet. Prices start as low as under $20 for men and women, and the retailer offers free shipping to stores and on orders of $70 and more. Keep your eye out because every once in awhile, Aldo will offer sales-on-sale at the outlet, too.
PUMA
Another athletic brand with its own online outlet store is PUMA. You’ll find deals on apparel, footwear, and accessories for the whole family online. Plus, keep an eye out for extra discounts on outlet items, which happen every so often!
Coach Outlet
The online Coach Outlet periodically has sales and when it does, they’re good. Be sure to become a member to receive sale notifications and stay on top of when these magical deals happen! Just keep in mind that the prices are listed in American and shipping to Canada is $15.
Arc’teryx
Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Vancouver-based brand Arc’teryx has its very own online outlet. Save on apparel, footwear, and accessories that are meant to last through all of your adventures.
BookOutlet.ca
Save on books and get to reading! BookOutlet.ca is a Canadian store that has amazing deals on books for all ages. Shipping is free on orders of $45 or more and the online outlet is constantly hosting discounts on top of already low prices.
Bench
Find deals on all things Bench in the brand’s online outlet store. There are comfy sweaters, t-shirts, pants, accessories, and more to discover. And the best part? Prices start at around $10.
The Last Hunt
The Last Hunt is a Montreal-based Altitude Sports‘ online outlet store and it’s Canada’s largest online destination for discounted outdoor apparel, footwear, and accessories. In addition to being able to find brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Fjallraven, and more for up to 65% off, our favourite part about the website is the ability to shop by percentage off.
Factory Shoe Outlet
Factory Shoe Outlet aims to be your one-stop footwear paradise. With a wide selection of functional and trendy shoes at reasonable prices, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
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Gap’s sustainable apparel brand Athleta will be entering Canada later this year. This will be the very first time that the activewear label for women and girls will expand outside of the USA.
The Gap-owned brand prides itself in creating products that are inclusive in sizing and made with sustainable materials.
As a certified B Corporation, Athleta is not only committed to reducing its environmental impact but also to use fair labour practices — two of their factories are even Fair Trade Certified™.
The first two Athleta store openings will be in Toronto at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Vancouver at the Park Royal Shopping Centre. These stores should be up and running by the fall of this year.
Plus, a Canadian e-commerce site for Athleta will be available too!
Mary Beth Laughton, the President and CEO of Athleta, said in a release, “International expansion is a key component of our growth strategy to reach two billion dollars in net sales by 2023, and we are very proud to introduce Athleta to customers in Canada.”
The expansion doesn’t stop there.
Athleta plans to open between 20 to 30 stores all across North America annually, which will operate alongside the 200 stores already in the United States.
The athletic chain will likely give fan favourite lululemon a run for its money and we’re interested to see how well it does in the Canadian market. So, be sure to stay tuned on StyleDemocracy for more news on store openings!
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The unexpected and anticipated collab with Yeezy and Gap is finally set to launch. The first half of the collection will be coming in 2021.
Kanye West first announced the multi-million dollar, 10-year deal with Gap in the middle of last year.
The affordable clothing line features a variety of colourful pieces, which is a different direction than the usual neutral toned Yeezy brand.
@ YZY GAP fitting pic.twitter.com/XHUJOY66dk
— ye (@kanyewest) July 17, 2020
In a behind-the-scenes video of the Yeezy x Gap collab fitting that Kanye posted, you can spot vibrant orange and yellow pieces, tie-dye patterns, and pastel hues.
This collection drop will follow the 228 store closures of Gap Inc. brands in 2020. Plus, the company also plans on closing another 100 Gap and Athleta stores across the globe in 2021.
On the other hand, around 40 new Old Navy stores and 30 new Athleta stores will be opening, as those are the Gap’s high-growth brands that makeup over 60% of their portfolio. The Gap Inc. stock has also gone up more than 102.8% in the last year.
With that being said, the good news is that it doesn’t seem as though Gap Inc. is in financial trouble, even with all of the closures.
There is no set release date that has been announced to the public yet, but we can expect to get our hands on the collection shortly!
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The Gap has officially announced that its Canadian flagship in Toronto will be permanently closing. The store which resides at 60 Bloor Street West has been in that same location for over 30 years now.
Due to the lockdown restrictions, shoppers won’t have very much time to spend at the Gap shop, since new laws require non-essential stores to remain closed until January 20, 2021.
Unfortunately, the Gap flagship plans to close in January 2021.
An employee told BlogTo, “This was a shock to all employees that the company had decided to give up on its flagship location despite being the number one performer in driving sales in the GTA. This is heartbreaking news as all employees were like family.”
This news follows the announcement that The Gap’s three-level Chicago flagship store will also be closing in January 2021.
Although, the shuttering of stores is apparently part of the company’s strategy to grow and adapt its online presence. This may not come as a shock to many, as we’ve seen that with the severity of the pandemic, online shopping has skyrocketed.
The Gap is also looking to operate out of strip malls and other favourable retail locations, rather than on its own.
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This winter there’s nothing cooler than staying warm, so arm yourself with everything you need to stay cozy, including the ever-popular puffer jacket.
Nostalgia is fashion’s biggest trend, and styles made popular in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s are making a major comeback.
But these days, the puffer isn’t limited to Michelin man-inspired looks. The puffer jackets of today come in a variety of different colours, lengths, and silhouettes, not to mention, they have more functionality than ever before! So whether you’re the type that spends all their time outdoors, or only faces the winter when it’s time to commute, there’s a puffer on this list for you.
From iconic sportswear brands to radically transparent labels, take a peek our favourite warm and stylish puffer jackets that you can shop for under $250 (because you don’t have to break the bank to stay warm).
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Take advantage of the end of season sales and get your shop on. There are plenty of retailers offering discounts on top of discounts this weekend, so you can get the most bang for your buck.
Take a peek at some of the best sales happening around the web below. These sales won’t last forever, so don’t sleep on them!
Net-A-Porter
Get your designer fix this weekend and shop the Net-A-Porter sale! Sale items are up to 80% off, plus an extra 20% off “sale must-haves.” Find deals on designer labels like Prada, Saint Laurent, J Brand, Calvin Klein, and much more. Shop the Net-A-Porter sale.
Atmosphere
If you’ve been holding out on shopping cold weather essentials, we’ve got news for you: winter’s here to say a while! Luckily, Atmosphere is hosting a big sale featuring an extra 30% off the lowest ticket price of name brand winter jackets, vests, hats, pants, and more. Brands include The North Face, Helly Hansen, Columbia, and more. Shop the Atmosphere sale.
Aldo Shoes
The end of season sale at Aldo Shoes features up to 70% off boots, heels, dress shoes, sneakers, handbags, wallets, and more for men and women. Prices are as marked. Shop the Aldo Shoes sale.
Vichy
Stock up on all things skincare at Vichy! For Lunar New Year, Vichy is taking 20% off site wide, including popular picks like Liftactiv, Minéral 89, and Normaderm, to name a few. Shop the Vichy Canada Lunar New Year sale.
Anthropologie
This weekend only, Anthropologie is taking an extra 50% off sale items. Shop sweaters, shirts, dresses, denim, earrings, boots, and more. Shop the Anthropologie sale.
Roots
Head over to Roots to save big! For a limited time, the iconic Canadiana brand is taking an extra 30% off sale items for men, women, and kids. Act fast — these deals won’t last long. Shop the Roots sale.
Matt & Nat
New accessories are calling your name. Matt & Nat is hosting an end of season sale with up to 50% off tote bags, wallets, footwear, backpacks, and other accessories. Shop the Matt & Nat sale.
Nike
Score big on select styles at the Nike sale. There are clothing, bags, and outerwear to explore, as well as popular sneaker styles like the Air Max, Jordan, VaporMax, and more. Shop the Nike sale.
Farfetch
Another retailer with discounted designer on offer is Farfetch. For a limited time, shop labels like Tod’s, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and more at an extra 20% off the sale price. Shop the Farfetch sale.
Gap
If you love sales on sale, we’ve got another one up our sleeve for you. Gap is taking an extra 40% off already reduced items until January 25. Save on clothing and accessories for men, women, and kids. Shop the Gap sale.
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Start your weekend off with a deal! If you can’t bear to pay full retail price for your clothes, accessories, shoes, or homewares, then you’re in the right place. This weekend there are loads of sales happening but these 8 are the best of the best.
Gap
Looking to update your sweatshirt or denim situation? Head to Gap to save up to 75% by taking up to 50% off on all markdowns. Shop the Gap sale.
Hudson’s Bay
You won’t want to miss out on the massive Hudson’s Bay end of season home sale that’s on right now. Get up to 70% on items like cookware, mattresses, linens, small appliances, dinnerware, luggage, and more. Shop the Hudson’s Bay sale.
Urban Outfitters
If buying stuff on sale still isn’t good enough, check out Urban Outfitters because for a limited time only you can snag an extra 30% off. Shop the Urban Outfitters sale.
Ardene
Don’t miss out on Ardene’s sale on sale promotion which means you can save an extra 20% off items that are already 50-70% off. Use code ‘SAVEONSALE’ at checkout. Shop the Ardene sale.
Levi’s
Need some new denim? Head to Levi’s to get yourself 50% off select styles during its end of season sale. If that’s not enough, you can also enjoy free shipping. Shop the Levi’s sale.
Steve Madden
In the market for some new shoes? Don’t let these deals pass you by. Right now you can save up to 70% on original prices at Steve Madden and even 20% off accessories with the code ’20FOR2020′. Shop the Steve Madden sale.
Roots
Bundle up in some new gear from iconic Canadian brand Roots. Right now for a limited time you can save an additional 30% off on all markdown items. Shop the Roots sale.
Banana Republic
Need some help beating the winter blues? Brighten up your weekend by saving big at Banana Republic. Take an extra 50% off sale styles, and enjoy 40% off regular price merchandise. Shop the Banana Republic sale.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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