Another Round of Closures Hits Ontario
The Beer Store has confirmed it will be shutting down 11 more of its locations across Ontario by July 6, 2025, with several of the closures affecting customers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This move comes as part of the retailer’s broader efforts to modernize operations and adapt to a changing alcohol retail market in the province.
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Toronto and GTA Closures
Two Toronto Locations to Shut Doors
Two well-frequented Toronto stores are scheduled for closure:
- 609 Roehampton Avenue
- 1580 Avenue Road
These locations will cease operations by early July.
Oakville and Richmond Hill Locations Also Affected
Three additional locations in the GTA will also close:
- 104 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
- 1011 Upper Middle Road, Oakville
- 13469 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
Additional Closures Across Ontario
Beyond the GTA, several communities across the province will lose their local Beer Store outlets. These include:
- 14800 Yonge Street, Aurora
- 6716 Highway 35, Coboconk
- 690 Berford Street, Wiarton
- 790 Goyeau Street, Windsor
- 1780 College Avenue, Windsor
These closures mark the latest in a string of shutdowns by the retailer, which recently announced several other locations would shutter earlier this year.
A Pattern of Strategic Downsizing
The Beer Store has now confirmed approximately 20 store closures in Ontario for the first half of 2025 alone. In April, four stores—including two in Toronto—were announced for closure by June 15, while five others in southern and northern Ontario were slated to close by the end of April.
Why These Closures Are Happening
Retail Modernization and Cost Efficiency
Ozzie Ahmed, Vice President of Retail at The Beer Store, said the closures are part of an effort to modernize operations to better serve customers in today’s market.
“We know this will be disappointing to many customers and our valued employees,” Ahmed said. “But these difficult decisions are necessary for the long-term sustainability of our business.”
The Impact of Ontario’s Expanding Alcohol Sales Policy
The announcement comes amid sweeping changes in Ontario’s alcohol retail policies. The provincial government has been expanding alcohol sales to corner stores, allowing residents to purchase beer, wine, and ready-made beverages at more accessible locations.
This shift is pressuring traditional retailers like The Beer Store to rethink their strategies and store footprint.
Employee Uncertainty and Customer Impact
It remains unclear how many employees will be affected by the closures or whether any staff will be transferred to nearby branches. For many communities, the closures could mean longer trips for purchases or returns.
Bottle Return Options Still Available
The Beer Store emphasized that customers can still return empties at alternative locations or authorized return dealers. The company also reminded Ontarians that starting January 1, 2026, all grocery stores that sell alcohol will also be required to accept empty container returns.
Say Goodbye to Your Local Beer Store: Toronto Closures Coming June 2025 Amid Market Changes
What’s Next for The Beer Store?
Ongoing Review of Business Operations
In a follow-up statement, Ahmed reaffirmed that The Beer Store will continue to evaluate its operations and make decisions based on evolving customer needs and business priorities.
“We are closely watching our retail stores and making decisions on what makes the most sense for how we operate as a business.”
A Changing Landscape for Alcohol Retail in Ontario
These store closures underscore the broader transformation underway in Ontario’s alcohol retail landscape. As new players enter the market and regulations continue to evolve, traditional retailers like The Beer Store face increasing pressure to adapt or downsize.