Toronto-born retailer Club Monaco has quietly shuttered its original store, and customers are mourning the loss of the Queen Street West landmark.
The clothing store opened at 403 Queen Street West in September of 1985, best known for its casual clothing and “better basics,” defined by the company as pieces that would exude comfort and versatility.
“The first Club Monaco store opened on Queen Street West in Toronto with lines around the block,” the company wrote on its website.
FOUR DECADES OF LEGACY IN TORONTO
Founded by Canadians Joe Mimran – who later went on to found Joe Fresh – along with Saul Mimran and Alfred Sung, the brand would later expand to 140 worldwide locations over the following 40 years, occupying premium malls and high-profile street-front locations, according to Retail Insider.
In 1999, Club Monaco was sold to fashion corporation Ralph Lauren, but in May 2021, the retailer was once again sold to Los Angeles-based private equity firm Regent LP. Since the acquisition, Club Monaco has been reducing its brick-and-mortar stores.
One of the first closures the company saw was its flagship location in the historic Lilian Massey building at 157 Bloor St. W. in 2021, where it stood as a bustling hub since March 1996.
Most recently, a Club Monaco location in CF Toronto Eaton Centre shuttered earlier this year in June, while a men’s store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre closed in the fall.
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After closing last week, shoppers are remembering the storefront on social media, many sad to lose a space in the iconic Queen West neighbourhood that served as the launchpad for one of Canada’s most recognizable apparel brands.
“Wow! End of an era!!,” one person commented on Instagram.
“What a shame,” another past customer wrote. “I still have a leather belt from my high‑school days in the 80s that’s in perfect condition.”
“This terrifies me that we may lose an iconic Canadian brand. I too have shopped Club Monaco since the beginning and have continued to do so today,” one shared.
“So sad as it’s a Queen West staple,” another said.
Club Monaco continues to operate at two locations in the city: one at Yorkdale Shopping Centre and another at CF Sherway Gardens. According to Retail Insider, there are 14 stores throughout Canada remaining.