Bouclair

Bouclair, a Montreal, Quebec-based retailer of home fashion and decor products, filed an NOI on November 11. Founded in 1970, the company has grown to 92 locations across Canada and employs approximately 1,150 employees. It also sells online and through a wholesale business that operates internationally. Over the past few years, the company has struggled amidst increased competition from large-scale discount US retailers such as Walmart, and online retailers such as Amazon and Wayfair. Internally, the company has also faced issues. A new warehouse management system system led to operational difficulties, and various locations significantly underperformed as a result of high rents, the increase in minimum wage, and the company's inability to recruit strong talent to manage the stores. Cost-cutting measures have not returned the company to profitability. Through the proposal proceedings, the company will look to complete a transaction that will see a significant portion of the company's assets sold to a new investor group led by the company's current president. It is anticipated that 29 stores will be closed and liquidated as part of the restructuring. Deloitte is the proposal trustee. Richter is financial advisor to National Bank, the company's senior lender owed approximately $18.8 million. EY conducted the company's pre-filing SISP. Gordon Brothers is conducting the liquidation. RC Benson is CRO. Counsel is Stikeman Elliott for the company, Osler for the proposal trustee, Fasken for Gordon Brothers, McCarthy for National Bank and Davies for certain other subordinated lenders.