11 Big Brands That Have Permanently Shut Stores In Canada Since The Pandemic Began
So many iconic stores have closed their doors for good.👇
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of stores that have closed in Canada has continued to climb.
In the last year alone, countless companies have shut their doors permanently, with many more revealing plans for serious downsizing or scaled-down operations.
While a number of big brands do have ambitious plans for expansion in Canada, here are the companies that have already started to say goodbye:
Bed Bath & Beyond
In the summer of 2020, Bed Bath and Beyond confirmed that it would be shutting approximately 200 stores across North America before the end of 2022.
Store closures due to the pandemic reportedly led to a 50% decrease in sales, prompting the company to reduce its operations in Canada.
The Disney Store
In April 2021, the company announced that all Disney stores in Canada would be shut down permanently, per its plans to reduce physical stores and focus on online sales.
There are now no stores left in Canada and there isn't even a Canadian version of the ShopDisney website. Don't worry though, there are still ways to buy Mickey Mouse merch if you live in Canada.
Starbucks Canada
Across Canada, Starbucks locations continue to shut down permanently.
This comes after the company closed 144 stores in early 2021, as part of a wider plan to shutter as many as 200 Canadian locations over 18 months.
Topshop
In May 2021, fashion retailer Topshop confirmed that it would be shutting its doors across the country before the end of the year.
"While we continue to shape our offering for style-seeking millennials and Gen Z, Hudson's Bay will exit Topshop by October 2021," the company said in a statement.
Pier 1 Imports
In May 2020, after failing to restructure or find a buyer, Pier 1 Imports announced its plans to wind down operations.
As many as 540 stores will permanently shut down across Canada and the U.S., after the business reportedly struggled to compete with its online competition.
Gap
While Gap has been closing locations around the globe since 2019, more and more stores continue to shut amid the pandemic.
Sister chain Banana Republic has also been struggling and is reportedly set to close 130 locations across North America before 2023.
David's Tea
In 2020, David's Tea closed 82 locations within just 30 days.
By 2021, it had announced plans to close "a total of 166 retail locations in Canada, and all 42 of [its] locations in the US."
Although some stores will reopen in the future, the company intends to move to an online-focused business model.
Le Château
Like many other retailers, Le Château experienced a dip in sales during the pandemic and it filed to have its assets liquidated in October 2020.
As many as 123 store locations across Canada have been closed in total.
The Children's Place
The Children's Place closed approximately 200 locations across North America last year, with an additional 100 stores set to be shuttered in 2021.
Microsoft
In June 2020, Microsoft announced a strategic change in operations that would close all of its retail locations.
Moving to online operations only, the company closed 82 stores worldwide, including seven here in Canada.
Victoria's Secret
In 2020, the lingerie brand confirmed that over 200 stores would be closed in Canada and the U.S.
This followed a 37% drop in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the lack of in-store shopping.
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