The Beer Store has announced another slew of closures set to take place in mid-November, including at one location in Brampton.
Seven stores will shut their doors on Nov. 16 and are the latest in a long list of closures by the beer retailer so far this year.
The company, owned by brewers Sleeman, Molson and Labatt, is making the changes as “part of marketplace expansion,” according to Ozzie Ahmed, the Beer Store’s vice president of retail, in a statement on Monday.
“To meet the needs of an evolving retail market, The Beer Store is making the difficult decision to close retail locations and is committed to meeting the requirements of the Early Implementation Agreement,” said Ahmed.
The latest announcement will see locations shut down in Alexandria, Barrie, Brampton, Beaverton, Cornwall, Gananoque, and South River.
The closures follow the Doug Ford government’s decision to expand alcohol sales to corner stores last year. The province also struck a $225-million agreement with the Beer Store to help stabilize the company through the changes.
The Beer Store has closed more than 60 locations so far this year, but about 300 stores across the province remain open.
“We know this is difficult news for consumers, recyclers and our employees,” said Ahmed.
The Beer Store said it will ensure that their employees receive adequate support through the process “in alignment with commitments and agreements.”
The retailer has also launched a new “Empty Return Locator” on its website, which customers can use to find a store or an alternative option to return empties. Under the agreement with the province, the company will remain the province’s official recycler of alcohol empties until at least 2031.
