CNTRBND, the luxury menswear retailer specializing in high-end streetwear brands, has closed its two stores in Toronto. The retailer says it’s returning in 2025 with a new store in the city’s Yorkville area while it maintains an online presence.
The store closures include CNTRBND’s flagship at 135 Yorkville Avenue as well as its Archives store which closed a few weeks ago at 26 Bellair Street.
CNTRBND was founded in 2012 by Christopher Casuga, a Toronto-based entrepreneur who has been integral in shaping the luxury streetwear scene in Canada. Casuga launched CNTRBND after identifying a gap in the Canadian market for high-end, hard-to-find international fashion labels.
The store quickly made a name for itself by carrying exclusive brands such as Raf Simons, Maison Margiela, and Dries Van Noten, catering to a clientele seeking luxury streetwear. In addition to CNTRBND, Casuga has also been involved in opening Toronto stores for other global brands, including Off-White and Alyx in the past.
Mounting economic pressures, shifting consumer preferences, and increased competition have led to retailers such as CNTRBND struggling, including with high rents for physical stores.
CNTRBND to Return to Yorkville in 2025 with New Energy
Despite the store closures, CNTRBND is planning a comeback. Casuga has announced that a new store will open in Toronto’s Yorkville area in 2025. Reflecting on CNTRBND’s legacy and the changes in the retail landscape, Casuga shared his excitement for the future.
“After over 10 years in business, helping build the fashion community in Toronto and across Canada, we are excited about the new vibe, energy, and sense of community that our new space in Yorkville will bring.”
While the exact details of the new store remain undisclosed, Casuga acknowledged that the previous space was no longer viable given the current retail climate. Nevertheless, the brand is enthusiastic about reestablishing itself in Yorkville, a district known for its dynamic mix of luxury retailers and vibrant fashion culture. “We still feel energized by Yorkville and its sense of community and look forward to what our new space will bring,” Casuga added.
Yorkville Faces Intensifying Competition Amid Softening Demand
CNTRBND’s store closures highlight broader challenges facing retailers in Canada. In high-rent areas like Yorkville, retailers are dealing with weakening consumer demand for non-essential luxury items. The shift has been exacerbated by the rise of e-commerce and increased competition from established global brands.
Yorkville in Toronto has also seen increased competition recently, from retailers such as Kith (which opened nearby last year) and The Webster, which carries some of the edgy brands also found at CNTRBND.
High rents are becoming an increasingly significant challenge for retailers across Canada, particularly in major urban centres. In premium retail districts, the cost of maintaining a physical store has skyrocketed, forcing many brands to reconsider their long-term strategies.
CNTRBND expanded beyond the Toronto market in recent years with locations in Montreal, Vancouver and Winnipeg.
Retail Insider will follow up on this story when CNTRBND announces its new Yorkville storefront. The retailer continues to operate online and on other physical locations.
We are disappointed to learn about the closure of CNTRBND, especially as they still owe us a significant balance. We were proud to partner with them and had expected a resolution to outstanding payments. We remain hopeful that all creditors, including ourselves, will be treated fairly during the winding-down process.”
Lol
Don’t count on it.
They never even paid their own staff owed wages, good luck…