Furniture chain Leon’s to lay off 3,900 workers, close 72 stores amid COVID-19 outbreak

Canadian furniture chain Leon’s will temporarily close 72 of its 205 stores across Canada and lay off 3,900 workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Toronto-based company, which also owns furniture chains The Brick, Appliance Canada and Midnorthern Appliance, said Wednesday the temporary layoffs represent about 50 per cent of its staff.

The company said without elaborating that it will offer laid-off workers a top-up in addition to whatever they are entitled to under Employment Insurance rules.

“In addition, [Leon’s] will extend company paid benefits to these individuals,” the chain said.

The company did not specify which locations would be closed.

CBC