Ottawa customers reacting to closure of Ricki’s and Cleo retail stores across Canada

Ricki’s and Cleo, two popular retail brands in Canada, are shutting their doors for good. Parent company Comark Holdings has announced the closures due to financial troubles. (Dave Charbonneau/ CTV News Ottawa)

Ricki’s and Cleo, two popular retail brands in Canada, are shutting their doors for good. Parent company Comark Holdings has announced the closures due to financial troubles.

It’s the end of an era for many shoppers who relied on Ricki’s and Cleo for their everyday fashion needs.

 “I just love these two stores. I’m heartbroken to hear this,” said Louise Godin, a loyal customer who travels from Gatineau to shop at the Trainyards location in Ottawa.

 Godin said the stores stood out because of their unique appeal across generations.

 “The quality and the styles they suit all ages,” she said. “I’m going to be 75 next week. And so, I can shop here just like somebody in their 20s and 30s can.”

 Retail experts say the closures point to bigger challenges within the industry.

 “Ricki’s and Cleo are brands that have really been sort of caught in the mid-tier of the market,” said Doug Stephens, founder of Retail Prophet.

 “Consumers are sort of bouncing between ultra low-priced products on one hand and luxury products on the other. And brands like Ricki’s and Cleo just don’t fit that mold at all. That’s the one disability that they have,” he said.

 In a statement, Comark Holdings explained its decision:

 “After careful consideration of all reasonably available options, the company has determined that it is in the best interests of its stakeholders to wind down its Ricki’s and Cleo operations and to close all Ricki’s and Cleo retail store locations.”

 For longtime shoppers, the news comes as a shock and a loss, particularly for those who depended on the stores’ specialized offerings.

 “I’m very shocked, to be honest with you,” says Patti Bordeleau, a Cleo customer. “It’s unfortunate because I’m petite, and they have a good petite section. So, for me, it’s a big loss for sure.”

 For others, the closures come just as they were discovering the brands.

 “It’s kind of a shame because I just discovered it within the last year, and I really like their style,” said April Vander Velden, a Ricki’s customer.

 Comark Holdings is closing 221 Ricki’s and Cleo locations across Canada, leaving loyal shoppers like Godin wondering where to turn next.

 “I don’t think I’ll go shopping anymore,” she said. “There’s nowhere else that I like.”

 The company has not yet announced an official closing date for either store.