See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source

An American high-end meat and seafood retailer is pulling out of Canada, three years after it made a lot of noise getting into the Canadian market, according to BlogTO .

Wild Fork, a luxury food retailer that opened its doors in Canada in 2023, is set to abandon its stores and head back to the United States. Online orders end on Oct. 13 and all of their outlets are to close by the middle of December.

High-end retailer heading south

The retailer is known for premium cuts and specialty meats, such as Wagyu beef, bison and Berkshire pork. GTA residents often receive same-day deliveries or could go to its outlets in Whitby, Hamilton, Oakville and Newmarket. Wild Fork released a statement about the closure on Wednesday, though the company doesn’t explain why.

“After careful consideration, Wild Fork has made the difficult decision to exit the Canadian market and close our operations in Canada,” it said. “Throughout this transition, our team members and our customers remain our top priority.”

The news comes as something of a shock for Wild Fork customers. The company enjoyed success in its first year in Canada. Executives saw high demand and made plans for major growth in Canada — including 20 more stores in the GTA and expansion into B.C. and Alberta — with those plans being shared with the public.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

Not the first time

Several prominent U.S. retailers have tried opening up in Canada, only to close up shop and head back across the border. Target opened 133 stories in 2013 to much fanfare, but supply chain issues, high prices and lack of products compelled the company to leave Canada in 2015. Other retailers couldn’t make it work in Canada include Nordstrom, Sam’s Club and Big Lots.

  • Canada's Westons to buy iconic British pharmacy chain Boots for $8.9B
  • CHARLEBOIS: New data showing Canada’s food boycott from America is all talk

List of some U.S. retailers that closed in Canada

— Target

— Nordstrom

— Sam’s Club

— Big Lots

— Lowe’s

— Bed, Bath and Beyond

— J. Crew