‘Alex Otti Plans To Sponsor Violence In Imo Governorship Election’ – APC Chieftain
<div><img width="300" height="162" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Alex-Otti-300x162.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Alex Otti Orders Demolition Of 150 Buildings In Umuahia For Ossah Road Reconstruction" decoding="async" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Alex-Otti-300x162.jpg 300w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Alex-Otti.jpg 650w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div>
<p>All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Audu Shuaibu, has alleged that the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, is planning to sponsor violence in the Imo State Gubernatorial election to scare away voters. Naija News reports that Otti had, during a Labour Party campaign in Owerri, Imo State capital, urged the incumbent governor, Hope Uzodimma, to start […]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.naijanews.com/2023/10/04/alex-otti-plans-to-sponsor-violence-in-imo-governorship-election-apc-chieftain/">‘Alex Otti Plans To Sponsor Violence In Imo Governorship Election’ – APC Chieftain</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Audu Shuaibu, has alleged that the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, is planning to sponsor violence in the Imo State Gubernatorial election to scare away voters.
Naija News reports that Otti had, during a Labour Party campaign in Owerri, Imo State capital, urged the incumbent governor, Hope Uzodimma, to start preparing his handover note before his imminent defeat at the poll.
However, Shuaibu, while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, warned Otti to steer clear of Imo State ahead of the November 11 governorship election.
The APC chieftain questioned the audacity of Otti in telling Uzodinma to prepare his handover note, stressing the governor would only hand over to himself.
Shuaibu also urged President Bola Tinubu to caution the Abia State Governor against statements that can instigate crisis and avoid meddling in other states’ affairs.
He also warned politicians and elder statesmen not to make unguarded statements, which he claimed is already building up tension ahead of the November 11 poll.
He said, “It is our duty to speak truth to power and we shall continue to do so until sanity is restored to all levels of governance in Nigeria. It is necessary to draw the attention of Nigerians towards the activities of the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who is set to invade Imo State with some members of the Labour Party for the Imo State gubernatorial elections.
“Otti’s mission in Imo is to sponsor violence in the gubernatorial election so that voters will flee in favour of the Labour Pahandoverndidate. How can a newly elected governor who is yet to acclimatize himself to office openly declare that the workaholic governor of Imo State should prepare his handover note? We are using this medium to tell Otti that Governor Hope will only handover to himself and not the Labour Party.
“As we are aware, the Imo State Governorship election is fast approaching alongside Kogi and Bayelsa States. In most part of the country, elections are made to be a do-or-die affair with political actors willing to do anything to secure their seats but men of good conscience always stand to advocate for peaceful elections. Such are leaders of thought who believe in Nigeria.
“In Imo State, some senior citizens are calling for war with their unguarded statements which is already building up tension ahead of the poll. Mr President must remember his statement that he won’t interfere in any democratic process anywhere in the county. Therefore, the president must caution the governor of Abia State against statements that are capable of causing crisis and not to meddle in the affairs of other states.
“If the election is free and fair, Governor Hope Uzodinma will cruise to victory as his works speak for him. The APC-led government of Imo State has shown clearly the difference between good governance and maladministration and it would be wrong to fold our arms and watch a governor from another state cause chaos in Imo State.”
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/an-amazon-warehouse-in-the-evening-right-the-exterior-of-a-cinemas-guzzo-complex.jpg?id=56552937&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>With <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canada-trump-trudeau-tariffs" target="_blank">threats of American tariffs looming</a><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canada-trump-trudeau-tariffs"> tariffs looming</a> and the lingering impacts of COVID-19 still being felt, countless <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-best-companies-2025" target="_blank">companies operating in Quebec </a><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-best-companies-2025"> </a>have found it hard to stay afloat over the past five years</p><p>From local boutiques to international fast-food chains, the retail landscape in Quebec has been undergoing a significant shakeup. As a result, many brands big and small have either shuttered their doors or filed for bankruptcy, leaving empty storefronts and thousands of employees out of work.<br/></p><p>With that in mind, here are 11 companies that have either downsized their operations in the province or have completely shut down since 2020.</p><h3>Bizou</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmt0KDxsruC/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmt0KDxsruC/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Shortly after celebrating its 40th anniversary, Quebec-based jewelry retailer Bizou confirmed <a href="https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/article41150.html" target="_blank">the closing of 45 stores</a> in Quebec and New Brunswick back in 2023. The company then filed for bankruptcy in accordance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.</p><p>Bizou's online store remains open, though, allowing customers to make purchases directly from their <a href="https://bizou.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. </p><h3>Taco Bell</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFs9YnwSqtx/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFs9YnwSqtx/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This popular American chain <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/taco-bell-announced-officially-quitting-quebec-goodbye-cheap-burrito-induced-runs" target="_blank">officially ditched Quebec</a> back in 2022 after gradually closing every one of its locations in the province.</p><p>Taco Bell's Quebec run was pretty short-lived, considering it opened its first location here, in the West Island, back in 2007. At its peak, the company had around 15 locations in the province, many of which were co-branded with KFC.</p><h3>Cinémas Guzzo</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFv2ptkOw35/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFv2ptkOw35/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Just a few weeks ago, local movie theatre chain Cinémas Guzzo announced that <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/guzzo-cinemas-closing-quebec" target="_blank">all seven of its Quebec locations will be "temporarily closing."</a></p><p>Following a recent Quebec Superior Court ruling that ordered the complete closure and sale of all its cinemas, it's evident that Guzzo has been grappling with financial issues for some time. Court documents reveal that despite running 10 movie complexes up until December 2024, their earnings weren't enough to keep the lights on.</p><p>All hope is not lost, though. The trustee remains on the hunt for potential buyers, giving priority to those already in the film industry. Anyone interested in investing in the chain has until February 21 to come forward.</p><h3>Juliette & Chocolat</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0W9MOSL8Eu/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0W9MOSL8Eu/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This beloved Montreal chocolate café chain shut down all 10 locations in 2023 due to financial pressures post-COVID. However, Juliette & Chocolat pivoted to online sales and grocery distribution, later <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/10121597/juliette-chocolat-reopens/" target="_blank">re-emerging with two new franchised spots</a> by November 2023.</p><p>Time will tell if this comeback attempt can return the brand to its former glory.</p><h3>Amazon</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CkrPsj-MS2j/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CkrPsj-MS2j/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Back in January, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/amazon-quebec-closing" target="_blank">Amazon made headlines</a> when the online retail giant announced it would shut down its operations in Quebec, leading to the loss of over 1,700 jobs.</p><p>Amazon chose to close down its entire Quebec distribution network, consisting of seven warehouses, less than a year after the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) made significant efforts to help employees unionize.</p><p>Amazon confirmed it will return to outsourcing Quebec deliveries to smaller contractors once its operations wind down over the next few weeks.</p><h3>Bimbo</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvmMSIGgm2D/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvmMSIGgm2D/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Bimbo Canada, the maker of your popular bread brands like Dempster's and Villaggio, <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/bimbo-canada-closing-quebec-city-bakery-affecting-141-workers/#:~:text=Bimbo%20Canada%20closing%20Quebec%20City%20bakery%2C%20affecting%20141%20workers,-By%20The%20Canadian&text=Bakery%20company%20Bimbo%20Canada%20says,production%20to%20its%20other%20bakeries." target="_blank">shuttered its Quebec City bakery</a> at the end of 2024, leaving 141 workers out of a job.</p><p> This closure was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and boost profitability. Bimbo promised to support the laid-off workers with severance, counselling, and job placement help.</p><h3>Frank and Oak</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0t41yIKAna/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0t41yIKAna/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Frank And Oak, an eco-friendly fashion brand that started in Montreal, filed for bankruptcy protection back in December of 2024 with a hefty $71 million in debt, as per <a href="https://retail-insider.com/bulletin/2025/01/frank-and-oak-files-for-bankruptcy-protection-amid-71m-debt/" target="_blank">Retail Insider</a>.</p><p> The company has closed multiple Quebec stores in recent years, including spots at Promenade St. Bruno, Mirabel Premium Outlets, and Carrefour Laval.</p><h3>Le Château</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3RW2RqMz1y/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3RW2RqMz1y/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Le Château, a staple for fashion in Canada for over 60 years,<a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal/montreals-le-chteau-is-going-out-of-business-after-60-years-citing-covid19" target="_blank"> announced its closure in October 2020</a>. The Montreal-based chain, famous for prom and club clothes, shuttered all 123 of their stores, affecting 1,400 employees nationwide. </p><p>The move was due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis and changing shopping habits.</p><p>Le Château still sells products (via Suzy Shier) through its <a href="https://suzyshier.com/fr/pages/le-chateau" target="_blank">online platform</a>. </p><h3>Starbucks</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFIgzgFPqg3/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFIgzgFPqg3/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><span style="background-color: initial;">Did you find yourself missing your go-to Starbucks around 2020 or 2021? You're not alone.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: initial;">The American coffee giant <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/starbucks-closures-1.5871231" target="_blank">closed 144 locations in Canada</a> during that time, including <a href="https://starbuckseverywhere.net/StoreClosingDates.htm" target="_blank">50 stores in Quebec</a>, as part of a larger strategy to shut down up to 300 stores over roughly 18 months.</span></p><h3>David's Tea</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_nv_BPgade/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_nv_BPgade/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Once a dominant force in the beverage market, this Montreal-based chain has downsized big time. At its height, David's Tea had over 240 shops across North America, with a bunch in Quebec. </p><p>But after the COVID hit, they <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/davids-tea-restructuring-1.5668908" target="_blank">closed most stores</a> to focus on online sales and grocery partnerships, leaving just seven spots open in Quebec by late 2020.</p><h3>Banana Republic</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE7ve-eM1dq/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE7ve-eM1dq/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Banana Republic has been reducing its Quebec presence in recent years. </p><p>While they maintain a store in Rockland, they <a href="https://www.lapresse.ca/affaires/entreprises/2021-07-14/centre-ville-de-montreal/le-magasin-phare-de-banana-republic-ferme-ses-portes.php" target="_blank">closed their flagship Montreal location</a> on Ste-Catherine Street in July 2021. Their Carrefour Laval shop was also shut down as part of a broader <a href="https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/news/responds/gap-stores-update" target="_blank">closure plan announced by Gap Inc.</a> in late 2020 to close 350 stores across North America by 2023.</p>