ATIKOKAN – This will be the last summer that Atikokan has a Beer Store.
The company on Monday announced it will close 10 locations across the province at end of day on Aug. 24.
Atikokan was on the list, along with locations in Blind River, Bothwell, Garson, Manotick, Powassan, Richmond Hill, Scarborough and a pair in Toronto, one on the Queensway and the other on Spadina Avenue.
“Closing a retail store is never an easy decision — our stores and employees contribute to communities in many ways and provide easy access to empty returns throughout Ontario,” said Ozzie Ahmed, vice-president retail at the Beer Store. “We are modernizing operations and focusing on what we do best, selling ice cold beer, great customer service and a world leading recycling system that gets customers their deposit money back.”
“The Beer Store recognizes the contributions our employees make to the business. All efforts will be made to support employees through this process in alignment with commitments and agreements.”
The province authorized limited beer sales in grocery stores in 2015 and last September widened sales to convenience stores. The Beer Store’s market share was projected to drop from 41 per cent in 2024 to 15 per cent by the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Newswatch has reached out to Atikokan Mayor Rob Ferguson for comment.
Here is the complete closure list:
- Atikokan: 711 Mackenzie St. E.
- Blind River: 115 Casuley St.
- Bothwell: 160 Oak St.
- Garson: 3098 Falconbridge Hwy.
- Manotick: 1160 Beaverwood Road
- Powassan: 760 Main St.
- Richmond Hill: 8825 Yonge St.
- Scarborough: 11089 Kingston Rd.
- Toronto: 772 The Queensway
- Toronto: 720 Spadina Ave.
