La Cordée, Quebec's 73-year-old outdoor retailer, will close in coming weeks after bankruptcy filing

La Cordée, an outdoor retailer that has served Quebec outdoors enthusiasts for 73 years, will cease operations in coming weeks after filing for protection under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act earlier this summer.

The company announced the closure Wednesday on its website. La Cordée was founded in 1953 as a Boy Scouts cooperative and grew into a specialist in outdoor activities, camping, cycling, and cross-country skiing. The closures follow recent shuttering of locations in Laval and downtown Montreal, though three stores remain: one on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal, one under the La Vie Sportive banner in Quebec City, and another in Saint-Hubert on the South Shore.

In a message to customers, La Cordée said: "Until we close, our teams will remain on hand to advise and serve you with the same commitment that has always driven us."

The closure marks another departure from Montreal's longtime retail landscape. Steve's Music Store closed after six decades in downtown Montreal in July, and Le Mousso restaurant also shut its doors after years in the city. The loss of these long-established businesses reflects broader pressures on independent retailers navigating changing consumer habits and the shift to online shopping.

The source material does not specify how many employees will be affected, whether remaining inventory will be liquidated, or an exact closure date.