Retail

Hudson's Bay laid off 41 staff as it continues to unwind operations one year after filing for creditor protection on March 7, 2025. The retailer closed all 80 of its stores by June 2025 due to $1.1 billion in insurmountable debt, with 73 of the 96 vacated HBC and Saks properties remaining unopened as of March 2026.

As luxury online retailer Ssense battles for survival, the Montreal-based fashion company reported layoffs at their Chabanel St. and St-Laurent locations to the Quebec government last month, bringing the total number of layoffs to 215 since the company filed for bankruptcy protection in August. Ssense also reported 20 layoffs in February 2025 and 72 layoffs in May, bringing the total count to 307 in the last year.

Ssense also reported 20 layoffs in February 2025 and 72 layoffs in May, bringing the total count to 307 in the last year.

Ssense also reported 20 layoffs in February 2025 and 72 layoffs in May, bringing the total count to 307 in the last year.

eBay is eliminating approximately 800 jobs, or around 6% of its global workforce, in 2026. eBay employs approximately 480 people in Canada.

Newell Brands announced the elimination of 900 jobs and closure of Canadian Yankee Candle stores as part of restructuring efforts. The company stated there is more work to do in optimizing its operations.

Simons laid off multiple employees at its newly-opened Eaton Centre location in Toronto shortly before Black Friday, with workers dismissed just before the end of their probation period and minimal explanation provided. Former employees allege the manager exhibited passive-aggressive behavior and public reprimands, and criticized the timing of the layoffs during the busy holiday season when retail companies typically hire additional staff.

SRTX laid off 92 people (26% of its 350-person workforce) in Quebec, with 92 of the 140 employees temporarily cut in February now being permanently terminated. The layoffs are part of the company's cost-reduction efforts as it pursues profitability under new CEO Sophie Boulanger following a challenging period marked by tariff impacts and prior funding challenges.

Toronto-based Clutch laid off 148 staff members, representing approximately two-thirds of its workforce. The layoffs followed rapid expansion into western provinces as the company pulled back to refocus on its core business in Eastern Canada.