Wike: Governor Fubara, Rivers People Held Hostage – Ann-Kio Briggs
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<p>Human Rights Activist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has said Governor of Rivers State, Siminalaya Fubara and the people of the state are being held hostage. Ann-Kio Briggs said the hostage was because of an agreement Fubara had with the Rivers State’s immediate former governor, Nyesom Wike. Mrs. Briggs noted that Wike bought governorship nomination for Fubara. She […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/04/wike-governor-fubara-rivers-people-held-hostage-ann-kio-briggs/">Wike: Governor Fubara, Rivers People Held Hostage – Ann-Kio Briggs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.</p>
Human Rights Activist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has said Governor of Rivers State, Siminalaya Fubara and the people of the state are being held hostage.
Ann-Kio Briggssaid the hostage was because of an agreement Fubara had with the Rivers State’s immediate former governor, Nyesom Wike.
Mrs. Briggs noted that Wike bought governorship nomination for Fubara.
She added that Wikewas also instrumental in seeing that the other 13 persons that bought the nomination forms gave up their ambition for Fubara in line with the political geographical consideration in the state.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, Mrs. Briggs regretted that the people of Rivers State are the ones suffering the effect of the political battle between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike and Governor Fubara.
“When the story broke last year that the governor of River State, Governor Siminalaya Fubara was going to be impeached, it came as a shock to the people of River State. I think it came as a shock to the governor because he kept asking, what have I done? Now stepping back from that, because we were in shock, but now a lot of stories have come out and the first claim is that the former governor is responsible for the emergence of the present governor, Governor Siminalaya Fubara, which is not untrue.
“But one human being cannot make one person a governor of a state, that mathematically is not right. Everybody has one vote. Now what the former governor of River State did and which he accepted that he did, that he bought 14 forms for 14 persons of which Siminalay Fubara was one of them. At some stage everybody else was told to drop their ambition for Siminalay Fubara. Now there is a political dichotomy in River State and that’s why Siminalay Fubara who is from a particular ethnic group was given the ticket. We have an upland riverine dichotomy in River State,” she said.
Briggs continued, “Whatever may have transpired between the former governor and the present governor is not the problem of River’s people because we did not go into that agreement as the former governor calls it or understanding with the present governor and the former governor.
“Now we have become, along with the present governor, the victims, the state itself is now held hostage along with the people of River State, along with the governor of River State and every other person who is in the present governor’s cabinet. And so we are definitely not in agreement with whatever that is going on.”
<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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<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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<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>