The Beer Store is closing more retail store locations this fall, and a couple of them are in the Grey Bruce region.
The company sent out a notice Monday morning to announce plans to close 12 more locations effective Oct. 19, 2025, including The Beer Stores on Argyle Street in Markdale and on Main Street in Sauble Beach.
“Where we sell beer and collect empties in Ontario is changing. The Beer Store is modernizing to meet the changing marketplace and unfortunately this means making the hard decision to close retail locations. We know this is difficult news for customers and employees,” The Beer Store Vice President Retail Ozzie Ahmed says in a release. “As The Beer Store modernizes, our locations will continue to provide friendly customer service and a deposit return system that gets consumers their money back.”
“The Beer Store recognizes the contributions our employees make to the business and in the communities where we operate,” Ahmed continues. “All efforts will be made to support employees through this process in alignment with commitments and agreements.”
The Beer Store is a chain of retail stores owned primarily by three major brewers, Molson Coors, Labatt Brewing Company and Sleeman Breweries.
Dozens of store closures have been announced by The Beer Store over the past year, in response to changes in the alcohol sales market in Ontario. Last September, the Ford government expanded retail access to alcohol by allowing licensed convenience stores to sell beer, cider, winer and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.
