Clothing store Club Monaco has unexpectedly closed in the Eaton Centre, according to staff, leaving employees stunned and searching for answers amid unforeseen layoffs.
On Sunday, a former Club Monaco employee working the final shift took to Reddit to describe the events leading up to the permanent closure, noting that staff members were informed two hours before the end of their shift.
According to the employee, movers began clearing the store around 7 p.m., which initially sparked confusion as they thought the incident was “strange theft.” After asking for guidance, the employee says they were told the store needed to be emptied.
“I was working as usual when I saw movers coming and dumping clothes into garbage bags, starting at about 7pm. I was confused, and honestly thought this was some strange theft, before I asked and they told me they had to empty the store,” the employee said on Reddit.
Additionally, the employee alleges that the sudden closure took place during the store’s regular operating hours.
The employee says they approached some of their other coworkers and noticed that some appeared to be frantic or crying while calling loved ones. They then came to understand that the emotional reactions resulted from the realization that everyone had lost their job.
The store’s key holder – and sole leading employee on duty – then allegedly told staff that the store would be vacated that same night as a result of “issues with the lease,” and that staff members would no longer need to return for their upcoming shifts.
“She [the key holder] was very emotional herself, trying to keep it together. There was no other actual manager scheduled that night, just her alone. She was on the phone with our other store managers trying to sort things out, whose voices were shaky and sounded like they were about to cry as well,” the employee said.
Despite feelings of confusion and shock amid the abrupt announcement, the former staff member says they continued to help customers “as usual.” They added that they did not grasp the reality of the permanent closure until “nearly half of our store was gone.”
The former employee says they “found out from our coworkers that we received an email from HR…essentially stating that we had to vacate because of lease issues, and they would try to place us at other stores in the GTA.”
In addition, the employee says that once the store closed at 9 p.m., movers informed staff that they were unable to leave until everything was cleared out, allowing the key holder to permanently lock the doors. The employee adds that staff members assisted with bagging the remaining clothing before closing and leaving the empty store.
In spite of the Eaton Centre Club Monaco closure, the brand continues to operate three other stores across the city, including a location on Queen St. W., and in Yorkdale Mall and Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke.
Meanwhile, the former employee says the possibility of being placed at another Club Monaco location remains uncertain.
Now Toronto has reached out to Club Monaco and the Eaton Centre for a comment but has yet to receive a response.
Many online expressed shock, frustration and concern for the employees who were allegedly caught off guard and left unemployed, with some offering employment and legal advice, along with well wishes for the employees.
“This is the most despicable way to find out,” one Redditor said.
“So sorry this happened to you. I’m assuming it was an eviction and that’s why it happened so fast?” another user asked.
“Even if it was an eviction due to unpaid rent, the corporation would’ve known about it ahead of time. They just opted not to tell the front-line staff,” another redditor chimed in.
“That’s awful, I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. I suggest all of you talk to an employment lawyer, I believe most do free consultations,” one user advised.
“I’m so sorry this happened! This store is by far one of my most favorite places and everyone that works there has always been so lovely and helpful. I hope you guys all land well,” a user said.
