Scholar's Choice closing all but three of its stores in restructuring

The Richmond Hill, Ont., location of Scholar's Choice, seen in this screenshot from Google Maps, is one of 13 being closed by the company. (Google)

LONDON, Ont. — Retailer Scholar's Choice is closing all but three of its stores as part of a restructuring of its operations to focus on its e-commerce and catalogue business.

The seller of educational toys, teaching materials and early childhood furniture and toys says it has filed for creditor protection through a notice of intention to propose a reorganization plan to restructure the company.

The company, a division of Educator Supplies Ltd., says it will close nine locations in Ontario, three in Alberta and one in Nova Scotia.

The three remaining stores will act as regional sales and distribution centres to support the shift in the business.

The locations to remain open will include its head office in London, Ont., as well as stores in Winnipeg, Man., and Moncton, N.B.

CEO Scott Webster says with fewer brick and mortar locations, the company will be more nimble and able to focus on providing a better experience for its customers.

Scholar's Choice is closing the following locations:

• 1187 Fischer Hallman Rd.,

Kitchener, Ont.

• 4328 Walker Rd.,

Windsor, Ont.

• 145 Kingston Rd. East,

Ajax, Ont.

• 12 Commerce Park Dr.,

Barrie, Ont.

• 920 Upper Wentworth St.,

Hamilton, Ont.

• 1599 Bayview Ave.,

Toronto, Ont.

• 8750 Bayview Ave.,

Richmond Hill, Ont.

• 4325 Strandherd Dr.,

Ottawa, Ont.

• 100 Trainyards Dr.,

Ottawa, Ont.

• 8060 Silver Springs Blvd. NW,

Calgary, Alta.

• 9136 Macleod Trail Southeast,

Calgary, Alta.

• 202 Brownlow Ave.,

Dartmouth, N.S.

• 1100 Westmount Shopping Centre NW,

Edmonton, Alta.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2020.