Canadian clothing retailer Warehouse One Clothing Ltd. has announced plans to wind down operations and close all Warehouse One and Bootlegger locations across Canada, putting nearly 1,000 jobs at risk.
The Winnipeg-based company says it will seek court approval under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) to begin liquidating its 128-store retail network, which includes 14 locations in Ontario.
Gift Cards and Exchanges Have Limited Deadline
Customers have only a few days left to use gift cards, complete exchanges or redeem rewards.
The company confirmed that:
- Gift cards
- Returns and exchanges
- “Perks” loyalty program benefits
will only be honoured until May 13, 2026.
After that date, all sales will become final.
Warehouse One is expected to seek court authorization for liquidation proceedings on May 15 through the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba.
Nearly 1,000 Employees Affected
The company currently employs approximately 982 workers nationwide, including:
- 403 full-time employees
- 579 part-time employees
Court documents show about 101 employees work in Ontario locations.
Ontario Among Provinces Hit by Closures
Ontario currently has:
- Eight Warehouse One stores
- Four Bootlegger stores
- Two combination locations
Most stores operate in leased shopping malls and commercial plazas, though the company also owns one location in Kenora.
Pandemic, Online Competition Blamed
Company executives say the retailer has struggled financially since the COVID-19 pandemic, citing:
- Declining foot traffic
- Falling in-store sales
- Rising e-commerce competition
- Pressure from low-cost fast-fashion retailers
Court filings also point to increasing competition from companies such as:
Warehouse One director Shamsh Kassam stated in court documents that smaller Canadian communities — where roughly one-third of the company’s stores operate — have experienced shrinking customer bases and weaker retail sales.
Retail Industry Pressures Continue
Warehouse One also cited financial strain related to its 2025 acquisition of the Bootlegger chain.
The company joins a growing list of retailers that have sought creditor protection or closed Canadian operations in recent years, including:
Longtime Canadian Denim Retailer
Founded in 1977 in Winnipeg, Warehouse One became known for affordable denim and casual clothing and built a strong customer base in smaller Canadian markets.
Bootlegger, established in 1971, focused on casual apparel and denim targeting adults aged 35 to 55.
Unless a last-minute restructuring solution emerges, liquidation sales are expected to begin shortly after court approval later this month.