This Canadian Store Wants To Take Over Le Chateau Stores All Across Canada

Now that Le Chateau stores have closed all over Canada, another clothing brand is eyeing up the huge empty stores.

Boathouse — an Ontario-based clothing, footwear and accessories retailer — is expanding across the country and is seeking out spots that used to be owned by Le Chateau.

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A report from Retail Insider explains that the Ontario brand likes these vacant locations in particular as they’re so large. 

As most of the ex-Le Chateau stores are over 6,000 square feet, the company believes there’s enough space to showcase all elements of the brand, including its “extensive shoe selection.”

Per the report, Boathouse has already agreed to take on the following former Le Chateau locations: Mayfair in Victoria; Scarborough Town Centre in Toronto; CF Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener; Kingsway Mall in Edmonton and Southgate Mall in Edmonton, along with several others across Quebec.

What kind of store is Boathouse?

Boathouse, which launched as a small business back in 1973, has around 90 stores across Canada right now.

It stocks men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and footwear, in addition to carrying a huge selection of designer articles.

This includes Calvin Klein, Herschel Supply Co., Adidas, Billabong, Vans, Crooks & Castles, Nike, SAXX, Timberland and many more. 

Why did Le Chateau close?

Back in October 2020, the Quebec fashion retailer confirmed that it had filed to have its assets liquidated to close down its stores across Canada.

The company cited low sales, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic and related store closures.

While as many as 123 locations across Canada were shuttered, the company continues to operate online, instead.

A tough year for retailers

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, stores across Canada have been closing their doors for good.

While some have shut down Canadian operations permanently, like Godiva, others have opted to close down a significant portion of their stores, instead.

Between 2020 and 2021, Starbucks is set to shut over 200 cafes, while Bed Bath and Beyond and David's Tea are also ceasing operations across hundreds of locations.