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Fashion giant to close Burnaby store in Metropolis at Metrotown as company collapses

The collapse is complete. After decades of serving customers in Burnaby, from a previous stint at Lougheed Town Centre to its current store at Metropolis at Metrotown, fashion giant Le Chateau will be closing down in the city. Le Chateau Inc.
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The collapse is complete.

After decades of serving customers in Burnaby, from a previous stint at Lougheed Town Centre to its current store at Metropolis at Metrotown, fashion giant Le Chateau will be closing down in the city.

Le Chateau Inc. is seeking court protection from creditors to allow it to liquidate its assets and close its stores.

Rumours had been swirling after the company abruptly cancelled a Thursday meeting with shareholders without explantion.

The Montreal-based company said Friday that it has spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic trying to refinance or sell the business to a third party that would keep it in operation, but was unsuccessful.

"It’s already evident impact on consumer demand for Le Chateau's holiday party and occasion wear, which represents the core of our offering, has diminished Le Chateau's ability to pursue its activities," the company said. "Regrettably, these circumstances leave the company with no option other than to commence the liquidation process."

Le Chateau has long been known for its affordable fashion offerings that appealed to a younger audience.

This follows a long list of retail store closures in Burnaby.

Reitmans Canada Ltd., Aldo Group Inc., DavidsTea Inc., are among the dozens of retailers that have all filed for CCAA and closed down stores in Burnaby.

Thyme Maternity and Addition Elle shut their South Burnaby outlets.

Other stores that have disappeared from Metropolis at Metrotown include Microsoft, Frank and Oak and Pink.

The company's application for protection from creditors under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) will be heard by a Quebec court on Friday.

Le Chateau said it intends to remain fully operational as it liquidates its 123 stores, but the eventual closures will mean the end of about 1,400 jobs β€” 500 at its head office and 900 at stores.

"We regret the impact this will have on our people and can assure you that we explored all options available to us prior to taking this difficult decision," the company said.

Le Chateau expects Gordon Brothers Canada ULC and Merchant Retail Solutions ULC to be appointed as consultants to implement the liquidation and PricewaterhouseCooper Inc. to become its monitor in CCAA proceedings.

If Le Chateau's CCAA application is granted, the company will obtain interim financing from Wells Fargo Capital Finance Corp. Canada to help it fund post-filing working capital requirements.

  • With files from the Canadian Press