Major Retail Shift Hits Ontario’s Beer Industry
The Beer Store has announced the impending closure of 10 additional retail outlets across Ontario, with several located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These shutdowns are part of a broader strategy reshaping how beer is sold across the province and reflect growing competitive pressures in the beverage alcohol market.
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5 Closures Target the Greater Toronto Area
Locations Closing in Toronto and Surrounding Cities
On September 14, five Beer Store locations in the GTA will permanently close their doors:
- 636 Greenwood Ave., East Toronto
- 4479 Kingston Rd., Scarborough
- 2020 Appleby Line, Burlington
- 229 Dundurn St. S., Hamilton
- 4681 Hwy #7, Unionville
These closures mark a significant reduction in The Beer Store’s urban footprint, especially in highly populated areas like Toronto and Hamilton.
5 Additional Closures Across Ontario
Smaller Communities Also Affected
Alongside the GTA locations, The Beer Store will also shutter stores in several smaller Ontario communities, including:
- Deep River
- Northbrook
- Ottawa
- Ridgetown
- Sioux Lookout
These closures are scheduled for the same day—September 14, 2025—and reflect a province-wide reduction in service.
Why Are Beer Store Locations Closing?
Executive Explains the Decision
According to Ozzie Ahmed, Vice-President of Retail for The Beer Store, the closures are a direct response to ongoing shifts in the provincial beer market.
“The retail market for beer is changing in Ontario, and for The Beer Store that means making the difficult decision to close some retail locations,” Ahmed stated in a news release.
“This is not an easy decision and not one we make lightly.”
What About the Employees?
Uncertainty Around Jobs and Transfers
While The Beer Store has pledged to make “all efforts” to support affected employees, there is no confirmation yet on how many staff members will be impacted or whether they’ll be offered positions at other locations.
Background: Province-Wide Alcohol Sales Expansion
Ford Government’s New Deal and Its Impact
These latest closures come amid a sweeping reform of alcohol sales spearheaded by Premier Doug Ford, which includes expanding beer and wine sales to convenience stores across Ontario.
As part of this modernization initiative, The Beer Store entered into a revised agreement with the provincial government, promising to keep:
- At least 386 stores open through July 2025
- A minimum of 300 locations operating until December 31, 2025
Despite these assurances, nearly 60 Beer Store locations have already closed or been marked for closure this year.
What’s Next for Ontario Beer Shoppers?
With more stores closing, Ontario consumers may increasingly turn to convenience stores, grocery chains, and online delivery services to purchase beer. The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and The Beer Store is clearly recalibrating its strategy to stay competitive.