The famous Archambault store located at the corner of Berri and Sainte-Catherine Est, in Montreal, will close permanently next summer.
The company, which made the announcement to its employees on Friday, indicates that it could no longer ignore the commercial prospects which were less and less favorable to Place Émilie-Gamelin. “The vast construction sites that are multiplying in the sector have major impacts that must be taken into account in assessing the future of a storefront retail business,” a statement said.
The Archambault Group believes that consumer habits have changed and that it is no longer possible to ensure profitable operations, despite investments made in recent years. Thirty employees will find themselves out of work, said the union, which is sorry for this closure.
What future for the Archambault brand?
The company clarified that it was not going to ask that the legendary store sign be removed when the branch closes. Remember that this important symbol of Montreal’s urban heritage was removed in 2018 before being reinstalled in the face of popular pressure. Quebecor, which had become the owner of the building at the time, had also become the owner of this emblematic panel and had guaranteed that it would ensure its preservation.
The business that started in 1896 will remain open until June 30.