3 store closures announced in Ontario in July 2026

Whether it’s a neighbourhood favourite or a historic retail landmark, store closures often bring an end to years — and sometimes decades — of memories.

Here are three store closures announced this month:

Toys “R” Us

A landmark in Canadian retail history has closed its doors for good.

The first Toys “R” Us store to open in Canada, located at 150 West Drive in Brampton, permanently closed on July 12 after more than four decades in business.

The store first opened in 1984, becoming the company’s first Canadian location and a destination for generations of families shopping for birthdays, holidays and special occasions.

The closure comes as Toys “R” Us Canada continues restructuring after filing for creditor protection earlier this year. Although some stores are expected to remain open under new ownership, the historic Brampton location has been permanently shuttered.

Metro

A Metro grocery store in Toronto is preparing to close, although another banner under the same company will soon take its place.

The Metro at 20 Church Ave. in North York will permanently close on Aug. 13, the company confirmed.

The location will be converted into a Food Basics, which Metro said is expected to open in the fall.

“This decision is about having the right store in the right neighbourhood,” the company said, adding that the discount banner is better suited to meet customer needs in the area.

The Beer Store

The Beer Store also announced it will close one of its Hamilton locations next month.

The store at 1408 Upper James St., near Stone Church Road, will permanently close on Aug. 16 as part of the company’s ongoing effort to modernize its retail network.

“The Beer Store is modernizing our retail network to meet the needs of a changing marketplace,” vice-president of retail Ozzie Ahmed said in a statement.

The company said alternative Beer Store locations remain available elsewhere in Hamilton and that efforts will be made to support employees affected by the closure.

—With files from Ryan Rocca and Steve Pecar.