The nationwide closure of a chain of women’s clothing stores will affect a Cape Breton outlet.
Ricki’s in the Mayflower Mall is one of 85 stores closing across Canada as parent company Comark Holdings Inc. is under creditor protection. The company is also closing 54 Cleo stores, another women’s clothing chain. On Jan. 7, Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc. was appointed as monitor of the business and financial affairs for Comark.
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The Cape Breton Post has learned that seven employees will be affected by the Sydney store’s closure. The Sydney store is one of three in Nova Scotia, with one in Truro and the other in Halifax.
Mayflower Mall general manager Greg Morrison said Ricki’s has been a fixture in the mall for the past 18 years.
“It’s always a tough day whenever we lose a tenant,” said Morrison. “We hate to see any store close. … It’s very unfortunate.”
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No closing date has been set but an email from the company states that effective Friday, they will no longer accept returns, process gift cards, or redeem or issue loyalty points. Ricki’s will honour its existing return and exchange policy up to and including Friday.
After Friday, exchanges will still be honoured in-store only, although refunds will no longer be offered. Also, after Friday, all sales will be final.
“After careful consideration of all available options, we regret to inform you that Ricki’s will be winding down its retail operations, which include all retail store locations and our online website, rickis.com,” said a company statement in response to a media request by the Cape Breton Post.
“The Canadian retail industry has faced significant challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult for our 85-year-old brand to continue operating in its current form.”
Comark Holdings Inc. also owns the Bootlegger chain of clothing stores as well but there has been no announcement about the future of that brand. There is a Bootlegger outlet in the Mayflower Mall.
-With files from Bill Spurr
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