Last update: May 8th, 2020
Why has the ALDO Group placed itself under the protection of the CCAA in Canada and decided to take similar reorganization procedures in the United States and Switzerland?
Like many other fashion retailers, we have been operating in a challenging retail environment over the last several years. Two years ago, we designed and began executing a comprehensive plan to restructure the business. We were making strong progress, but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has put too much pressure on our business. We believe that the restructuring process that we have undertaken is the best course of action to put the ALDO Group on a solid foundation and ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
What is the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (“CCAA”)?
CCAA (the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act) is a Canadian statute that allows companies to restructure their affairs and negotiate with creditors under the protection of the court while continuing day-to-day operations. The American and Swiss reorganization procedures offer similar benefits.
How long will the restructuring process last?
It is impossible for us to predict how long this process will take, but our goal is to emerge from these proceedings as quickly as possible. However, the process can take several months.
How does the restructuring impact customers?
As our customer, you will remain at the center of everything we do. We will continue to operate throughout this process. While our stores are closed due to the pandemic, they will gradually re-open as we follow guidelines from government and health authorities. In the meantime, you can still make purchases online. Our company policies, including our gift cards, returns and exchanges, among others, will continue as usual.
Does this mean that ALDO is going out of business?
No, absolutely not. We will continue to operate throughout this process. While our stores are closed due to the pandemic, they will gradually re-open as we follow guidelines from government and health authorities. In the meantime, you can still make purchases online. Restructuring proceedings simply affords the ALDO Group the time to restructure its business and, ideally, emerge in a better, more sustainable state.
Does the ALDO Group plan to move its headquarters?
The ALDO Group will continue to operate its head office in Montreal. We are deeply committed to the city of Montreal and the province of Quebec, where our company was founded in 1972.
Are stores closing?
Many of our stores remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. That said, we continue to closely monitor government and public health regulations to inform our decisions around which stores can re-open and when. The health and safety of our associates and our community of customers is our top priority, which is why we have implemented strict safety measures and guidelines to promote a safe shopping experience in our stores.
As part of the planned restructuring of the business, we expect to close several stores over the next six months. At this point, we cannot confirm exactly which stores will be closed until we start the restructuring process. In the meantime, you can still purchase your favorite footwear and accessories you know and love on our websites. Our company policies, including our gift cards, returns and exchanges, among others, will also continue as usual.
Will products change as a result of the filing?
We are still committed to delivering fashion footwear and accessories, and this will not change.
Can I still return items?
Yes. We've extended our return period to July 1st, 2020 for all purchases made between February 1st, 2020 and May 1st, 2020. Given the circumstances, we recommend you hold on to items until the stores reopen as it will make the process quicker and more efficient for you. We are still accepting online returns, free of charge, via shipment should you choose.
Will gift cards still be honoured?
We will continue to honour the use of gift cards, which can be exclusively redeemed in-store.
Will I receive items that I have ordered?
Yes. You can still purchase items from our online stores. We will send you email updates so that you can track every step of your order’s journey. Due to the current circumstances, there may be slight delays in getting your order to you but we are working hard to ensure that your package is delivered ASAP.
Where do I call if I have additional questions?
More information is available on the Monitor’s Website
For more information on CCAA: www.ey.com/ca/aldo
For more information on Chapter 15: http://dm.epiq11.com/aldo
Email: aldo.monitor@ca.ey.com