With threats of American tariffs looming tariffs looming and the lingering impacts of COVID-19 still being felt, countless companies operating in Quebec have found it hard to stay afloat over the past five years
From local boutiques to international fast-food chains, the retail landscape in Quebec has been undergoing a significant shakeup. As a result, many brands big and small have either shuttered their doors or filed for bankruptcy, leaving empty storefronts and thousands of employees out of work.
With that in mind, here are 11 companies that have either downsized their operations in the province or have completely shut down since 2020.
Bizou
Shortly after celebrating its 40th anniversary, Quebec-based jewelry retailer Bizou confirmed the closing of 45 stores in Quebec and New Brunswick back in 2023. The company then filed for bankruptcy in accordance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Bizou’s online store remains open, though, allowing customers to make purchases directly from their website.
Taco Bell
This popular American chain officially ditched Quebec back in 2022 after gradually closing every one of its locations in the province.
Taco Bell’s Quebec run was pretty short-lived, considering it opened its first location here, in the West Island, back in 2007. At its peak, the company had around 15 locations in the province, many of which were co-branded with KFC.
Cinémas Guzzo
Just a few weeks ago, local movie theatre chain Cinémas Guzzo announced that all seven of its Quebec locations will be “temporarily closing.”
Following a recent Quebec Superior Court ruling that ordered the complete closure and sale of all its cinemas, it’s evident that Guzzo has been grappling with financial issues for some time. Court documents reveal that despite running 10 movie complexes up until December 2024, their earnings weren’t enough to keep the lights on.
All hope is not lost, though. The trustee remains on the hunt for potential buyers, giving priority to those already in the film industry. Anyone interested in investing in the chain has until February 21 to come forward.
Juliette & Chocolat
This beloved Montreal chocolate café chain shut down all 10 locations in 2023 due to financial pressures post-COVID. However, Juliette & Chocolat pivoted to online sales and grocery distribution, later re-emerging with two new franchised spots by November 2023.
Time will tell if this comeback attempt can return the brand to its former glory.
Amazon
Back in January, Amazon made headlines when the online retail giant announced it would shut down its operations in Quebec, leading to the loss of over 1,700 jobs.
Amazon chose to close down its entire Quebec distribution network, consisting of seven warehouses, less than a year after the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) made significant efforts to help employees unionize.
Amazon confirmed it will return to outsourcing Quebec deliveries to smaller contractors once its operations wind down over the next few weeks.
Bimbo
Bimbo Canada, the maker of your popular bread brands like Dempster’s and Villaggio, shuttered its Quebec City bakery at the end of 2024, leaving 141 workers out of a job.
This closure was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and boost profitability. Bimbo promised to support the laid-off workers with severance, counselling, and job placement help.
Frank and Oak
Frank And Oak, an eco-friendly fashion brand that started in Montreal, filed for bankruptcy protection back in December of 2024 with a hefty $71 million in debt, as per Retail Insider.
The company has closed multiple Quebec stores in recent years, including spots at Promenade St. Bruno, Mirabel Premium Outlets, and Carrefour Laval.
Le Château
Le Château, a staple for fashion in Canada for over 60 years, announced its closure in October 2020. The Montreal-based chain, famous for prom and club clothes, shuttered all 123 of their stores, affecting 1,400 employees nationwide.
The move was due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis and changing shopping habits.
Le Château still sells products (via Suzy Shier) through its online platform.
Starbucks
Did you find yourself missing your go-to Starbucks around 2020 or 2021? You’re not alone.
The American coffee giant closed 144 locations in Canada during that time, including 50 stores in Quebec, as part of a larger strategy to shut down up to 300 stores over roughly 18 months.
David’s Tea
Once a dominant force in the beverage market, this Montreal-based chain has downsized big time. At its height, David’s Tea had over 240 shops across North America, with a bunch in Quebec.
But after the COVID hit, they closed most stores to focus on online sales and grocery partnerships, leaving just seven spots open in Quebec by late 2020.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic has been reducing its Quebec presence in recent years.
While they maintain a store in Rockland, they closed their flagship Montreal location on Ste-Catherine Street in July 2021. Their Carrefour Laval shop was also shut down as part of a broader closure plan announced by Gap Inc. in late 2020 to close 350 stores across North America by 2023.
