The last unionized Renaud-Bray branch in Quebec City is shutting its doors, the company confirmed on Thursday. The closure eliminates the final unionized bookstore position for the chain in the provincial capital.
Details of the closure
Renaud-Bray, Quebec's largest bookstore chain, announced that its branch at Place de la Cité will close permanently in the coming weeks. The store employed approximately 15 staff members, all of whom were unionized under the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN).
According to a company spokesperson, the decision was driven by declining foot traffic and changing consumer habits. “The retail landscape has shifted dramatically, and this location was no longer viable,” the spokesperson said.
Impact on workers
The closure affects unionized employees who had been covered by a collective agreement. CSN representative Marie-Claude Tremblay expressed disappointment, stating, “This is a significant loss for workers’ rights in the book industry in Quebec City. We are working to support affected employees through the transition.”
The company has offered severance packages and outplacement services to staff.
Broader context
Renaud-Bray has been consolidating its physical store network amid competition from online retailers like Amazon. The chain operates over 30 locations across Quebec, but this was the only unionized branch in Quebec City. Other unionized Renaud-Bray stores remain in Montreal and elsewhere.
The closure comes as many brick-and-mortar retailers struggle to adapt to e-commerce trends. Industry analysts note that independent bookstores have faced particular pressure, though some have managed to thrive by focusing on community engagement.
