Pier 1 Imports

Pier 1 Imports, a leading American retailer of home décor and accessories with 65 stores in Canada, had its US Chapter 11 bankruptcy recognized in Canada under the CCAA on February 18. Due to a challenging retail environment and certain strategic missteps under past management, the company experienced a decline in its performance, including substantial declines in revenue as well as operating losses and net losses. As of November 2019, the total liabilities of the company and seven of its subsidiaries were approximately $1.3 billion (USD). Moving forward, the company has decided to close all of its Canadian locations by the end of March 2020 as part of its overall restructuring, with Gordon Brothers handling the liquidation. The company will receive up to $256.0 million in DIP financing to continue its US operations during the Chapter 11 proceedings. Alvarez & Marsal was appointed information officer. Counsel is Osler for the company, Stikeman Elliott for the information officer Norton Rose Fulbright for the DIP senior credit facility lenders and Cassels for Gordon Brothers.