Le Chateau says there is 'significant doubt' it can stay in business
July 7, 2020
A major Canadian clothing retailer that was struggling even before the COVID-19 pandemic says it's no longer sure if it will be able to remain in business for another year.
Le Chateau, which operates 129 stores in eight provinces as well as some manufacturing operations, issued the dire warning late Monday as it reported its latest quarterly earnings report. Although the results covered a period before the pandemic, the company also noted the significant effects that being ordered to close all of its stores has had on its business.
"There are material uncertainties that cast significant doubt upon [our] ability to continue as a going concern," the company said in
a press release accompanying its earnings report.
Those uncertainties predated the pandemic, as the company said it was already in debt and has defaulted on loans. Now, though, the Montreal-based retailer says it needs to obtain new financing to stay afloat.
Although all of Le Chateau's stores had reopened as of last week, the company warned that the pandemic "will have a material and adverse impact" on its business and that it does not expect to fully resume normal operations until 2022.
The company said it is in negotiations with its existing lenders and seeking new sources of financing, while also talking to its landlords about possible rent relief. It announced last week that it is
manufacturing up to 500,000 hospital gowns as part of a federal contract.
Clothing retailer Le Chateau says it is unsure if it will be able to remain in business for another year.
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