Economic Pressures Force Exit After Short-Lived Expansion
In another blow to the retail landscape, UK-based fashion brand FatFace has announced the closure of all its brick-and-mortar stores in Canada—just two years after entering the market. The decision, revealed by a company spokesperson, comes amid rising operating costs and economic uncertainty that have made its physical store model unsustainable in the region.
Table of Contents
From Promising Start to Premature Shutdown
How FatFace Attempted to Carve Out Space in the Canadian Market
FatFace made its Canadian debut in 2023, opening three initial stores in Ontario:
- Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Barrie
- Newmarket
The company quickly expanded with a pop-up store in Toronto’s Distillery District and an outlet at Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills, signalling confidence in the brand’s North American potential.
By 2024, the brand had additional locations in places like Huntsville, Mapleview Centre in Burlington, and Collingwood. However, several of these stores—such as those in Toronto’s Distillery District and Picton—have already closed, according to current store listings.
Why FatFace Is Closing Its Doors in Canada
Retail Woes, Rising Costs, and Shifting Consumer Behavior
According to reports from Retail Insider and FastCompany, all 23 FatFace locations in North America will be closed by the end of this year. That includes the U.S. locations as well, with an estimated 145 job losses expected across both countries.
A spokesperson explained that the decision was driven by “economic uncertainty” and high operational costs that rendered their brick-and-mortar business model unviable in the region.
A Brief Look at the FatFace Story
From Ski Slopes to International Retail
FatFace was founded in 1988 by Tim Slade, a former police officer, and Jules Leaver, a business graduate. The pair began by printing ski-themed T-shirts and selling them at resorts to fund their own skiing trips. The brand’s name is inspired by La Face, a black diamond ski run in Val d’Isère, France.
Today, FatFace is known for everyday wear with a rugged, coastal vibe—think chunky knit sweaters, relaxed-fit button-downs, and bohemian-inspired dresses. In 2023, the company achieved Certified B Corporation status, signaling its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
What’s Next for FatFace in North America?
The Brand Will Shift Focus to Online Sales
Though the physical stores are shutting down, FatFace isn’t disappearing from the North American market altogether. The brand will continue to serve Canadian and U.S. customers online, maintaining its digital storefront despite the closure of retail outlets.
For now, no specific dates have been provided for when each store will close. But by year-end, FatFace’s presence in Canada will be exclusively virtual.