The Beer Store has announced plans to shutter 11 additional retail locations across Ontario as part of a sweeping modernization strategy aimed at adapting to evolving customer preferences and a rapidly changing retail landscape. The closures, which will take effect on July 6, 2025, are the latest in a series of changes to streamline operations and strengthen long-term sustainability.
The impacted stores include locations in Aurora, Coboconk, Cornwall, Oakville, Richmond Hill, Toronto, Wiarton, and Windsor. Specifically, the closures will affect the following addresses:
- 14800 Yonge St., Aurora
- 6716 Hwy. 35, Coboconk
- 1396 2nd St. E., Cornwall
- 104 Lakeshore Rd. W. and 1011 Upper Middle Rd., Oakville
- 13469 Yonge St., Richmond Hill
- 609 Roehampton Ave. and 1580 Avenue Rd., Toronto
- 690 Berford St., Wiarton
- 790 Goyeau St. and 1780 College Ave., Windsor
Ozzie Ahmed, vice president of retail at The Beer Store, acknowledged the disappointment many customers and employees may feel, emphasizing that the decision was not made lightly. “The Beer Store is modernizing operations to meet the needs of the marketplace—this means making the difficult decision to close some stores,” Ahmed said.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting affected staff throughout the transition, noting that all current agreements and commitments will be honoured. Despite the closures, The Beer Store will continue to offer a wide selection of beer brands and uphold its globally acclaimed recycling program, which processes over 1.6 billion containers annually.
Customers are encouraged to return empty alcohol containers to nearby Beer Store locations or authorized return depots. Starting January 1, 2026, all Ontario grocery stores that sell alcohol will also be required to accept empty returns.
The closures come amid intensifying competition and regulatory changes, particularly following Ontario’s move to expand alcohol sales to convenience stores, big-box retailers, and gas stations—a shift that has placed added pressure on traditional beer retailers.