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 household names like Home Outfitters and Payless to name a couple. And the retail apocalypse has already claimed many victims in 2020. With the added hardships of COVID-19 on retailers, we’re seeing more shutter for good.
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 filed for bankruptcy or announced store closures in Canada in 2020.
Note: This article will be updated as more stores and brands announce filings and closures.
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, with all listed stores expected to close by the end of February 2020.
Bose
In January 2020, Bose announced that it would be shuttering all 119 locations across North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. The electronics brand attributed the closures to a “dramatic shift to online shopping in specific markets.”
Pier 1 Imports
At the beginning of the year, a third-quarter fiscal report for Pier 1 Imports revealed that overall sales were down at the home retailer. The retailer announced that it would “reduce its store footprint by up to 450 locations” in North America in order to lower its expenses and to “better align its business with the current operating environment.” And just a month after the original statement, the retailer announced that all 67 Canadian Pier 1 stores will be closing.
Hudson’s Bay
Hudson’s Bay has found itself in trouble as the retailer continues to close stores around the country. In October, the iconic department store faced lawsuits over $3.5 million in unpaid rent from the landlords of five locations in Quebec. Unfortunately, two Hudson’s Bay locations were temporarily shut down by landlords, one in Vancouver, and one in Toronto at Centrepoint Mall. Hopefully this isn’t a glimpse of the future of Hudson’s Bay.
Links Of London
Back in October 2019, once-popular jeweller Links Of London began liquidating its American and U.K. stores, which later foreshadowed what would happen in Canada. In January 2020, the retailer announced that it planned on closing all five of its Canadian locations.
Carlton Cards & Papyrus
January saw many store closures in 2020. Carlton Cards & Papyrus will be closing all North American locations, totalling 78 Canadian locations and 178 locations in the U.S. With that being said, the closures aren’t all bad news — Carlton Cards and Papyrus will still be available at retail locations like Indigo, Sobey’s, and more.
Pink Tartan
The iconic pink door shop, Pink Tartan has emptied its 3,500 square-foot store and closing its doors at the Yorkville flagship. Not only did the store sell its own Pink Tartan fashion pieces, but it also offered vintage luxury designer products as well. Unfortunately, the Yorkville space is following in the footsteps of the Pink Tartan Bayview Village location that closed several months ago. Luckily, you can still shop the brands pieces online or at the Niagara Outlet Collection.
Ten Thousand Villages
After 74 years in business, fair trade retailer Ten Thousand Villages announced that it would be shuttering its Canadian operations, including its web store and the majority of its physical retail locations. There will 10 stores across Canada in total, and Canadians can expect retail operations to cease at the end of May 2020.
Bench
At the end of January 2020, Freemark Apparel Brands, the company that has the rights to sell Bench merchandise in Canada, announced that it would be closing all of its Bench stores to focus on e-commerce and wholesale clients. The closures are expected to affect all Canadian Bench locations, but the iconic U.K.-based brand will still be available in retailers like Hudson’s Bay, WINNERS, and more.
Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret has been on the decline for years. With a shift in the market towards body positivity, controversial comments, and increasing competition in the lingerie space, the brand has struggled to appeal to its once-loyal customer base. Since stores have been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, L Brands noted that its first-quarter sales fell 37% to $1.65 billion from $2.63 billion a year ago. And while L Brands saw a bit of a boost in Victoria’s Secret’s e-commerce sales, it’s not enough to justify keeping stores open. L Brands will be closing 250 Victoria’s Secret stores across North America.
SAIL
The retail biz is getting tougher and tougher with competition heating up and the current COVID-19 pandemic that forced stores to close. Quebec-based sporting goods retailer SAIL Outdoors Inc., which operates SAIL and Sportium has just filed for bankruptcy protection. The company filed for protection under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and said that this will allow it to obtain support while it implements a restructuring plan. As of yet, no store closures have been announced.
Reitmans
In May 2020, Reitmans filed for creditor protection. 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.”
ALDO
Montreal-based ALDO, the parent company of GLOBO, Aldo Shoes, and Call It Spring, obtained creditor protection in May 2020. In a press release, David Bensadoun, Chief Executive Officer of the company, said, “It is no secret that the retail industry has experienced rapid and significant change over the last several years. We were making strong progress with the transformation of our business to tackle these challenges; however, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has put too much pressure on our business and our cash flows.” The brand’s filings revealed that not all of its 850 North American stores would reopen after the temporary closures and some will stay closed for good.
Addition Elle & Thyme Maternity
In June, Addition Elle and Thyme Maternity announced that stores will permanently close in Canada. This news means that 77 Addition Elle and 54 Thyme Maternity locations will close as part of Reitmans’ restructuring plan since it filed for creditor protection. According to Retail-Insider, the main goal is to liquidate all inventory in anticipation of these permanent closures which are planned for July 18 for Thyme Maternity and August 15 for Addition Elle.
J.Crew
J.Crew filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in May 2020, marking one of the first major retailers to do so since the coronavirus outbreak. While J.Crew has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, its online operations will remain open throughout the restructuring. The company also said that it anticipates that stores will reopen when it’s safe to do so, however, Canadian stores had already been dwindling prior to the government-mandated closures of non-essential businesses.
Henry’s
Henry’s, otherwise known as “Canada’s greatest camera store,” filed a Notice of Intention to Make a Proposal (NOI) pursuant to Section 50.4(1) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act in May 2020. According to Insolvency Insider, Cranbrook Glen Enterprises Ltd., the company that operates camera and accessories retailer Henry’s, intends to shutter close to a third of its stores. With the temporary closure of all 30 Henry’s stores due to COVID-19, the retailer has seen a large impact on its sales. The company has not confirmed which locations will be closing.
DAVIDsTEA
The popular tea store announced that it’s planning to close 166 of its locations across Canada and 42 locations across the U.S. Fortunately, tea lovers will still be able to shop at 18 Canadian locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, as well as online.
Starbucks
The popular coffee chain plans to close 200 stores across Canada over the span of the next two years. However, Starbucks is also testing new pickup-only locations that you may see pop-up around your neighbourhood.
La Senza
La Senza will also be closing stores in Canada. As its parent company Regent plans to downsize the chain, La Senza will be closing 17 stores across the country.
Gap
Popular retail brand Gap has announced that they plan to close a number of stores across Canada to focus on its e-commerce store, as well as elevating the stores that remain open. The brand has not announced how many of the stores are going to be closed yet. During the pandemic, Gap announced that many of its stores would not reopen as temporary store closures lift.
Thomas Sabo
Jewelry store Thomas Sabo is known for its cute charm bracelets. Sadly, the brand has decided that it will be closing all of its stores in Canada. With that being said, you can still shop the brand through its online store.
Microsoft
The technology giant has decided to close all seven of its stores in Canada, as well as most of its physical stores across the world. While four locations across the world will stay open as they are reimagined, the tech company will be primarily operating online.
Muji U.S.A
Surprisingly, Muji U.S.A. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this year. The Japanese retailer, which specializes in home goods and organizational items, has taken a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though Muji said that this U.S. filing won’t affect its stores in Canada, only time will tell.
Lucky Brand
L.A. based denim company Lucky Brand has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The brand plans to continue operations and allegedly has plans to sell the company to the owner of Aéropostale and Nautica. Global News reports that Lucky brand will close 13 of the 200 stores it operates, but that number could go up.
Mendocino & M Boutique
Another Canadian retailer Mendocino is closing its stores for good, as reported in July. The Toronto-based and family-owned company also runs M Boutique, which will likely be closing as well. According To An Insolvency Notice, The company is said to be closing “all or substantially all” of its stores. On a positive note, the company launched an online shopping platform, which did not exist before COVID-19.
Ascena Group
Ascena Retail Group, the owner of Ann Taylor, officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July. In an effort to restructure, stores across the U.S, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico will close. The filing came with news that the company allegedly had debts of over $12 billion. Notably, Ascena also owns Lane Bryant, LOFT, Lou & Grey, and Justice.
Groupe Dynamite
Groupe Dynamite, the Montreal-based company that owns Dynamite and Garage, filed for Creditor Protection in September. The company operated 400 stores in eight countries, with most of its locations in Canada. At the time of the announcement, there were no confirmed number of store closings.
Le Chateau
Iconic Montreal retailer Le Chateau filed for bankruptcy in October, after 60 years in business. Although the brand enjoyed popularity in the 90s and early 2000s, they were allegedly unable to keep up with changing fashion and retail trends. Unfortunately, the bankruptcy means the closure of 123 stores across Canada.
NYX Cosmetics
After first opening in Canada in 2015 at Square One in Mississauga, NYX Cosmetics is officially closing all of its Canadians shops. The brand had already shuttered a handful of its brick and mortars earlier this year, and now the remaining 10 have fallen victim to the closing. Although you may no longer be able to check out the products in the company store, NYX Cosmetics will still be available on its website and Amazon, as well as Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and London Drugs.
Gap
The Gap has officially announced that its Canadian flagship in Toronto will be permanently closing in January 2021. The store which resides at 60 Bloor Street West has been in that same location for over 30 years now. This news follows the announcement that the Gap flagship in Chicago will also be closing in January 2021. It’s said that this is part of the brand’s strategy to adapt and grow its online presence.
Unfortunately, the Gap flagship plans to close in January 2021.
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Just as the end of the year is creeping up, it seems that some retailers, sadly, can’t escape retail apocalypse.
North America’s largest home improvement chain, Lowe’s Canada, recently announced that it would be shuttering a number of Lowe’s and RONA retail locations by early next year.
Lowe’s Canada will be shuttering 34 stores across the country.
According to a press release, the announcement comes after a “detailed strategic review of its operations.” By closing underperforming stores, Lowe’s Canada hopes to “improve performance and better position itself for the future.”
Of the Lowe’s and RONA store closures, the bulk are RONA stores in Quebec.
In total, Canadians can expect nine Lowe’s and RONA store closures in Ontario, three in British Columbia, six in Alberta, one in Saskatchewan, and three in Nova Scotia. All of the store are expected to close by January and February 2020.
The announcement comes one year after Lowe’s Canada announced 31 store closures in Canada and 20 store closures in the United States in November 2018.
We’ll keep you updated as the story progresses. Until then, find the list of effected Lowe’s and RONA stores here.
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With news of store closures popping up all of the time, it’s nice to hear a company’s successes every once in a while.
Recently, the Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity (CSCA) at Ryerson University conducted a study on the top 100 retail conglomerates in Canada to find out which retailer ranked best. Using the estimated retail sales from the 2017 fiscal year, the CSCA was able to determine which conglomerates have the most influence over shoppers.
Interestingly enough, the 100 top Canadian retailers retailers who made the list account for 75.5% of non-automotive sales in Canada.
The top three retailers accounting for 28% of non-automotive sales. All together, the 100 retailers drove $276 billion dollars in retail sales. The top 33 retailers all had at least $1 billion in sales.
Other companies that made the list but didn’t rank in the top 10 include Bass Pro Inc., Ashley Industries Inc., Fabricland, Footlocker Inc., and Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, the latter of which recently acquired Toys “R” Us. While some retailers who topped the list surprised us, others are no-brainers.
Here are the 10 top Canadian retailers:
1. Weston Group
You’ve definitely heard this name before. The conglomerate owns establishments that Canadians visit every day. The company’s roster of 35 retailers includes Shoppers Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore, and No Frills. In 2017, Weston group was estimated to bring in over $46.2 billion in retail sales.
2. Walmart Stores Inc.
Was there any doubt that Walmart would make this list? The big box store, which has over 400 locations across Canada, was estimated to make just over $32.4 billion USD in retail sales at the end of 2017’s fiscal year. Between just two chains, Walmart and Walmart Superstores, that’s a whole lot of money.
3. Costco Wholesale Corp.
Another store that Canadians frequently visit is Costco. Although the retailer has a significantly smaller location number than other retailers on this list — 94 compared to Weston Group’s 2797 and Walmart Stores Inc.’s 410 — Costco is able to bring in the big bucks. At the end of 2017’s fiscal year, they had estimated retail sales of $24.6 billion.
4. Empire Company Limited
For those unfamiliar with the name, more recognizable retailers that fall under the conglomerate’s roster include Sobeys, Safeway, and IGA. While the company ranked lower than Costco, retail sales were close, with Empire Company Limited pulling in an estimated $24.2 billion.
5. Metro Inc.
Unsurprisingly, another grocery conglomerate tops the list of Canada’s top 10 retailers. Under the Metro Inc. umbrella, shoppers will find Metro, Food Basics, and Metro PLUS. With 866 stores across Canada, the company had retail sales estimated at $13.1 billion — a big jump down from the four company’s that topped the list.
6. McKesson Corp.
The company behind Rexall, IDA Pharmacy, and Uniprix comes in sixth on the list. With 11 chains underneath the brand’s umbrella and 2234 locations across Canada (the second largest store count after Weston Group), McKesson Corp. was able to pull in an estimated $10.9 billion USD in retail sales.
7. Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd.
Number seven needs no introduction! In addition to Canadian Tire, the conglomerate also has retailers like Mark’s Work Wearhouse and Sport Chek on its roster, with 12 chains and 1321 store locations in total. At the end of the 2017 fiscal year, Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. brought in a whopping $10.2 billion in retail sales.
8. Lowe’s Companies Inc.
Despite an announcement of store closures across North America, Lowe’s Companies Inc. seems to be doing quite well, ranking as the eight most successful retailer on this list. The company brought in an estimated $8.6 billion USD with just 878 retail locations. In addition to Lowe’s, the company also has Rona under its brand umbrella.
9. The Home Depot Inc.
Coming in ninth on the top Canadian retailers list is The Home Depot. With only one chain and 182 stores across Canada, the retailer was able to bring in estimated sales of $8.1 billion USD. That’s a whole lot of home improvement supplies!
10. Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
With an estimated $6.1 billion in retail sales, 10th on the list of top Canadian retailers is Home Hardware Stores Ltd. The home improvement conglomerate has a total of 4 chains including Home Hardware and Home Building Centre, and has 1069 locations across Canada.
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With years like last, it’s hard to deny that a retail apocalypse is happening. 2018 was not the greatest time for some of our once-favourite stores.
The year saw many major names in retailers file for bankruptcy or close down locations, leaving many Canadian shoppers in shock.
From long-standing retailers with deep rooted history in Canada, to American imports that Canadian shoppers once got excited about, below you’ll find the retailers who closed locations and went out of business in 2018.
Retailers That Went Out Of Business
Town Shoes
DSW announced it would be shuttering Town Shoes stores in the summer of 2018. After 66-years in business, Town Shoes will see its remaining stores close by the end of its fiscal year in January 2019. While DSW, who acquired Town Shoes in 2014, is saying goodbye to the iconic mall retailer, they will continue to operate DSW stores and its sneaker concept store, GRAIL.
Jean Machine
Instagram/@stoneroadmall
The changing retail landscape claimed another victim in the fall of 2018. During the past few years, the memorable Canadian mall retailer saw many ups and downs. Jean Machine sought bankruptcy protection early in 2017 and was acquired later in the year by Pacific West Commercial Corporation. However, the company was unable to bounce back. After 40 years in business, Jean Machine announced that they would officially shut down by January 2019.
Bombay Company and Bowring Brothers
As reported, home decor chains Bombay Company and Bowring Brothers filed for creditor protection earlier this year. Bowring, which was founded in St. John’s by clockmaker Benjamin Bowring in 1811, has been trouble for a little while. According to CTV News, back in 2014, the chains were placed under court protection from creditors and given time to develop a new business plan. But over the years, the houseware retailers were unable to pull themselves out of the slump.
Retailers That Closed Locations
Rockport
Instagram/@rockport
Footwear retailers couldn’t catch a break in 2018. Rockport filed for bankruptcy protection the the late spring of 2018. All of the brand’s namesake stores closed in July 2018. However, according to the Rockport website, there are still a number of retailers across North America that stock the brand, including Moores and Hudson’s Bay. At this point, the future of the company is uncertain, but they have hired a new President and plan on improving products and marketing efforts for 2019.
Gap
Twitter/@CoresightNews
Gap Inc. as a whole may not be struggling, but signs show that its namesake brand is. Near the end of 2018, the brand told analysts that it would be closing hundreds of stores across the globe. And this isn’t the first time the brand has done massive closures — back in 2015, Gap closed 175 stores across North America. But while Gap struggles to find brand loyalty and a captivated audience, Old Navy, also owned by Gap Inc., continues to flourish.
Lowe’s
Instagram/@marysataylor
The fall seemed to be a rough time for a lot of retailers, including home improvement chain Lowe’s. In 2018, the retailer announced that it would be closing 31 stores in Canada and 20 in the United States. The closures, which are scheduled to be completed by February 2019, affect underperforming stores across North America. Lowe’s hopes to improve the help of its portfolio by focusing on its more profitable stores.
J.Crew
Instagram/@saradoucet
Another struggling mid-luxury retailer is J.Crew. The American retailer launched in Canada back in 2011 with much anticipation, however, it seems like the excitement for the brand is over. J.Crew has been slowly closing Canadian stores — such as CF Chinook Centre, CF Markville, and CF Fairview — and it’s not a good sign for the brand. According to analysts, J.Crew has been on a decline since the departure of Mickey Drexler, the company’s former CEO, and could be on its way out.
Nine West
Instagram/@offersunderthesun
After scraping by for that past few years, the 35-year-old footwear and handbag retailer called it quits in April of 2018. Analysts attributed the company’s downfall to rising online competition, as well as the increased competition of mid-priced footwear retailers. The good news for Nine West fans, however, is that there’s still a chance you might see the brand around. While stores are closed, Authentic Brands Group acquired Nine West and Bandolino and will be expanding offerings into sportswear, outerwear, swimwear, intimates, fragrance, sleepwear, and home.
Crabtree & Evelyn
Instagram/@courtzemke
The Canadian operations for the Crabtree & Evelyn filed for creditor protection in November. The retailer has quietly been exiting malls for years. According to The Straits Times, the bath and body retailer is moving its business fully online aside from a location in London, England.
Featured image: Instagram/@artinthefind
In a further sign of retail store problems, Lowe’s just announced the closure of 51 stores in North America. The home improvement chain said these locations were not performing well, and the closings will help them focus on the most profitable stores, which will improve the health of the rest of its store portfolio.
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Lowe’s announced that the stores will be closing before February 1, 2019. The chain will try to relocate employees affected by the closings to nearby stores. Most of the stores to be shuttered are within 10 miles of another Lowe’s store.
“We believe our people are the foundation of our business and essential to our future growth,” said CEO Marvin R. Ellison.
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Lowe’s biggest rival is Home Deport, and the chain is struggling to keep up with them. CEO Ellison, who joined the company in May, has changed the strategy of the company to improve its bottom line. He already closed its Orchard Supply Hardware stores and slashed inventory at Lowe’s stores. Its next earnings report is on November 20, but the company has already cut its sales and profit outlook for the year.
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Source: CNN.com