Canadian Coronavirus Update

Mass Store Closures - Empty Shelves - Borders Shut Down
 

Mass Store Closures in Canada Escalate Significantly Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Some had expected governments to announce the shutdown of all non-essential retailers in Canada on Tuesday, though as of press time that has yet to happen. Thousands of store locations have closed in Canada since Friday temporarily for two weeks or more. In some parts of Canada, restaurants and bars have been ordered to close amid a ‘social distancing’ movement.

Hundreds of stores closed on Monday and Tuesday of this week, with hundreds more expected to close on Wednesday as the situation accelerates. Iconic Canadian retailer Hudson’s Bay Company, which operates 89 stores across the country and turns 350 years old on May 2nd, announced Tuesday afternoon that stores will remain closed for at least two weeks. Saks Fifth Avenue’s two Toronto locations and its Calgary store will shut, as will all 18 Saks OFF 5TH stores in Canada.

We reported on Tuesday that Nordstrom had shut its six full-line Canadian stores as well as six Nordstrom Rack locations. Nordstrom has yet to launch a Canadian ecommerce site which means it is particularly exposed to the store closures.

Luxury multi-brand retailer Holt Renfrew announced Tuesday evening that all of its stores would be closing in Canada.

On Tuesday afternoon, Toronto-based luxury menswear retailer Harry Rosen announced that it would shutter its Canadian stores at the end of the day including two Zegna-branded stores as well as Harry Rosen outlet stores.

Montreal-based footwear retailer Aldo announced Tuesday afternoon that all of its stores in Canada would close along with units in the United States, the UK, France, and Ireland through March 31. Montreal-based Browns Shoes, which operates stores across Canada under Browns, B2, and Browns Outlet, announced Monday evening that its stores would shutter “until further notice” with consumers encouraged to shop online. In Montreal, the unique and edgy five-level SSENSE store and cafe in Old Montreal has closed temporarily as announced on Monday.

Montreal-based vegan accessory brand Matt & Nat announced Monday afternoon that it would shut all of its stores temporarily. Montreal-based footwear brand L’Intervalle has also temporarily shut its stores as announced Tuesday afternoon.

Toronto-based Canada Goose shut its seven Canadian stores for at least two weeks as of Tuesday, as well as stores in the US. Production of Canada Goose’s outerwear and fashion has been halted as well.

Swedish fast-fashion retailer H&M announced that its stores in Canada would shutter temporarily as of the end of the day Tuesday. Japanese retailer Muji announced Tuesday that it would shut its stores in Canada. Japanese retailer Uniqlo recently closed its North America stores for the short term. Retailer ‘Guess? Inc.’ shut its stores as of Tuesday in Canada and will evaluate the situation on March 27.

Microsoft announced Tuesday that its stores would close temporarily — the brand operates interactive showrooms in major malls similar to Apple, which also shut its stores in Canada over the weekend.

US retailer J.Crew, which has been quietly closing its Canadian stores, shut its remaining three Canadian locations as of Tuesday. So did Burton snowboards which operates stores in Toronto and Montreal. Exercise bike brand Peloton closed its Canadian showrooms on Monday for two weeks. Footwear and accessory brand Steve Madden has shut its stores until at least March 27, including its SHOO location at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Footwear brand Vans has shut its Canadian stores. Bath and Body Works announced Monday evening that its stores would shutter with no timeline given for reopening. Beauty brands Saje Natural Wellness, Aesop, and Sephora are shuttering stores in Canada temporarily — some had suggested given Sephora’s high-touch environment, stores should have been closed last week.

Montreal correspondent Maxime Frechette notified us of other store closures that include Foot Locker, American Eagle, Lacoste, Samsung, Coach, Club Monaco, Reitmans, RW&CO, Thyme Maternity, Laura, Nespresso, and Addition Elle. Mr Frechette also notified us that Gucci will be closing its two standalone Canadian stores as of Wednesday, as will Dior (with standalone stores in Toronto and Vancouver) and other luxury brands are also doing so. That includes Kering-owned brands Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga, all of which have standalone stores at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Upscale bag and accessory brand Furla, which operates at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, also confirmed on Tuesday that it was shut temporarily.

Mr. Frechette also notified us Tuesday evening that Quebec City-based fashion retailer La Maison Simons is shutting all stores temporarily for “an indefinite period”.

Retail Insider continues to receive updates on stores closing in Canada and is updating this article through Wednesday. Struggling Victoria’s Secret will shut its Canadian stores at least until March 29. The Body Shop, which unveiled a first-of-its-kind flagship in Vancouver last week, has shut stores indefinitely. Sports retailers Adidas and Reebok have shut stores, and beauty retailer Kiehl’s shut its stores “until further notice.” DSW Shoes has shut all of its Canadian stores. Williams Sonoma, along with sister brands Pottery Barn and West Elm, will shut until April 2. US retailer L.L. Bean has shut its first Canadian store in Oakville. All Ralph Lauren outlet stores in Canada will be shut from Wednesday until at least April 1. Columbia Sportswear has shuttered. US-based women’s brand Chico’s is closing its five Canadian stores temporarily.

Toronto-based Indigo announced Tuesday evening that its stores would close until at least March 27. Luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co. also announced its stores would close as of Wednesday —Tiffany has standalone stores in major markets including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton as well as concessions in several Holt Renfrew stores.

Ascena-owned Ann Taylor, LOFT and Justice have shuttered Canadian stores as of Wednesday. US-based fashion retailer UNTUCKit, which has opened several stores in Canada over the past two years, has shut all stores until at least March 31. Roots announces all stores would close Wednesday until at least March 31. Toronto-based Sporting Life Tuesday announced that all of its stores would close at least until March 30. David’s Tea shut its 230 North American stores Tuesday until further notice. PVH-owned locations for Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Van Heusen will be closing at least until March 29 and all employees will be paid for the time period. retail-insider.com

Trump says the US will close the border with Canada to ‘non-essential’ traffic
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States would temporarily close its border with Canada to “non-essential traffic” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” Trump wrote in a tweet. The president said "trade will not be affected." cnbc.com

How Coronavirus Stockpiling will Hit Canadian Retailers
Consumer stockpiling in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak can be viewed as unconventional inventory accumulation, mainly meant to minimize a perceived threat of loss or fear of going without.

Consumer stockpiling can also be explained using commodity theory and prospect theory. Commodity theory proposes that the value of a product is positively related to its scarcity, so perceived shortages may stimulate stockpiling behaviour. Prospect theory describes how people are risk-averse when choosing between uncertain alternatives. To avoid potential losses in the face of uncertainty from the coronavirus outbreak, consumers may stockpile or hoard essential items.

Consumer stockpiling has immediate and long-term effects on retail operations. At the early stage of an outbreak, retailers may increase product availability in anticipation of stockpiling behaviour. However, depending on supply readiness, stockpiling can soon lead to retailers selling out, with shortages persisting for several order cycles. retail-insider.com

Canadian grocery store introduces brilliant policy to protect seniors during coronovirus pandemic
A grocery store in Edmonton, Alberta is leading the way in coronavirus pandemic innovation by implementing a special early morning "Golden Shopping Hour" that will be exclusive to seniors, those with mobility concerns, and those who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus.

"This is such a simple yet brilliant move by a grocery store in Edmonton ... I am truly hopeful for the creative solutions and innovation that will come out of this crisis, keeping those truly in need, in mind."

It is indeed a brilliant and responsible move. And it's one that many are suggesting other major chains like Wal-Mart, Target, and Safeway implement a similar policy to ensure that our seniors and our most vulnerable loved ones can shop in a safe, low-stress environment while we all fight to end the coronavirus pandemic. thepostmillennial.com

Retail Council of Canada's Cannabis Forum Canceled Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Keeping the retail community strong is Retail Council of Canada’s top priority. In light of the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates, we are cancelling the Retail Cannabis Forum scheduled for April 2, 2020. All registrants will be provided with a full refund for their registration.

If you are a member of RCC, please take advantage of the regular Coronavirus/COVID-19 updates and resources we are providing to keep you informed and prepared. Visit RCC’s COVID-19 update page for more information.  retailcouncil.org

Canada to close borders to most non-citizens, stop ill travellers from boarding inbound flights

B.C. & Maniboba shut down all casinos to slow spread of COVID-19

Tim Hortons to close dining rooms, will only provide take-out, drive-thru and delivery

Canadian companies require travelling employees to self-quarantine amid COVID-19

Canadian Entrepreneur Launches Small Business Support Initiative Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Amid coronavirus, Canadian cannabis stores see ‘unprecedented’ sales surge

Health officials, police warn of scams exploiting COVID-19 fears

Coronavirus in Canada: These charts show how our fight to 'flatten the curve' is going
 

Despite Denials, RCMP Used Facial Recognition Program for 18 Years

NDP critic calls on government to explain why RCMP falsely denied using
Clearview AI technology.

Despite denials, the RCMP has been routinely using facial recognition technology since 2002, The Tyee has learned. And the software continues to be used in British Columbia, the RCMP confirmed Monday.

Attention has been focused on the RCMP’s use of Clearview AI’s controversial facial recognition software, which uses a database of billions of images scraped from social media. The technology allows police forces — and individuals and companies — to upload a photo and see any matching images on the web, along with links to where they appeared.

But The Tyee has learned the RCMP has been using facial recognition software for 18 years. The technology is used to store and compare faces of “charged persons” and to create photo lineups, said Fortin.

When the RCMP bought the system, the supplier said it provided “increased efficiency of surveillance and investigation activities” and “the ability to identify an individual within very large databases of images in seconds.”

The RCMP did not respond to a question about how the use of the software could be reconciled with its previous claims it was not using facial recognition technology. In July 2019, the RCMP told The Tyee it was not using such software.

Any technology on the “magnitude of a facial recognition system” would require approval from RCMP headquarters, a spokesperson said, and it had received no requests from units across the country.  thetyee.ca

Edmonton police warn of identity theft, fraud through mail thefts
 

Toronto, ON: Knife-wielding man sought for violent shop theft are threatening to stab security guards
A shoplifter is sought after he attempted to stab security guards at a store in the city’s downtown core last month. Toronto Police say the unidentified man was spotted in the store near Yonge and Queen Sts. around 1:40 p.m. on Feb. 8. “He took two high-end jackets and left the store,” Const. Caroline de Kloet said in a statement issued Saturday. “Once outside, he was approached by security staff regarding the theft.” “He then produced a knife and attempted to stab the guards,” she added. The man is believed to be 25 to 30, about 5-foot-7. He was wearing a dark grey winter jacket with a fur-trim hood, dark blue or black jeans, black casual shoes and dark sunglasses. torontosun.com

Toronto, ON: Man in custody, two injured after gun pulled out in fight at downtown Loblaw’s
Two people were taken to hospital and one person was taken into custody after a shopper allegedly pulled out a gun at a busy grocery store downtown Friday. Toronto police were called to a Loblaw’s at Queen and Portland streets sometime before 2 p.m. for a call about a person with a gun. Police at the scene told CP24 that a fight broke out between two shoppers when one of them accused the other of staring at him. Police respond to a fight at a Loblaw's store at Queen and Portland streets in downtown Toronto Friday March 13, 2020. The one man began to film the behaviour of the other with his phone and that’s when the man being filmed pulled out a gun, police said. Employees at the store jumped in and helped to subdue the man and take away the gun. cp24.com

Huntsville, ON: Two arrests, $4,100 in stolen property seized following
shoplifting spree
OPP in Huntsville say they seized $4,100 in stolen property following the arrest of two men on Thursday afternoon who were spotted by police leaving a business on King William Street carrying a heavy bag. The pair got into a vehicle which was eventually pulled over by officers on Capstone Lane. Investigators say the stolen property was swiped from various businesses in downtown Huntsville. A 24 year old from Brampton and a 28 year old from Poland face a number of charges including five counts of possession of property obtained by crime. barrie360.com

Vancouver, BC: $30K-$80K in wigs, many meant for cancer patients, stolen from shop

Calgary, AB: 6 youths charged in string of five convenience store robberies