Sears Canada said Tuesday there is 'significant doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern and it could sell or restructure itself, the latest sign of how the retail sector is being upended by the rise of online shopping.
The retailer, known for catalogues that were a staple in the homes of generations of Canadians, said based on its current assessment, cash and forecast cash flows from operations are not expected to be enough to meet its obligations over the next 12 months.
"The company continues to face a very challenging environment with recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in the last five fiscal years, with net losses beginning in 2014," Sears Canada said in a statement.
"While the company's plans have demonstrated early successes, notably in same-store sales, the ability of the company to continue as a going concern is dependent on the company's ability to obtain additional sources of liquidity in order to implement its business plan."