Simons Under Fire After Sudden Pre–Black Friday Firings at New Eaton Centre Store

What’s Going On At Simons?

Simons, the Quebec-based fashion retailer, is facing scrutiny after multiple employees at its newly opened Eaton Centre store were allegedly fired just days before Black Friday — a move former staff describe as abrupt, unexplained, and demoralizing.

• Two former employees told NOW Toronto they were let go before the end of their probation, with little more than the phrase “unsuccessful probation period” as explanation.
• The layoffs came despite assurances of continued improvement and verbal praise from managers following initial performance reviews.
• The dismissals reportedly occurred without conducting the promised 60- or 90-day reviews, leading affected staff to question the integrity of the probation process.

Allegations of a Toxic Work Environment

Beyond the layoffs themselves, former workers describe a workplace culture marked by passive-aggressive management, public reprimands, and microaggressions — conditions that may raise questions about workplace harassment under Ontario law.

• One employee, Shana, recalled being yelled at in front of customers and criticized behind closed doors with what she described as an aggressive and condescending tone.
• Krista, another ex-staff member, said a manager’s word choices made her uncomfortable, including referring to her as “girl” in a way she found demeaning.
• Customer reviews from September also mention witnessing what they perceived as disrespectful interactions between management and staff.

“To see the visible passive aggressiveness in a ‘reputable’ workplace in 2025 is mind-blowing,” one customer wrote on Google Reviews.

Layoffs During Peak Season

The timing of the dismissals left many workers stunned, especially given that retail typically hires more staff during the holiday season.

• Shana says multiple staff were let go within two to three weeks, some just days before Black Friday
• “This is the opposite. It just seems very unfair and doesn’t make any sense,” she said, adding that several co-workers depended on the job to pay bills or cover school expenses.
• Simons opened its Eaton Centre and Yorkdale locations this fall, taking over space vacated by Nordstrom.

Simons Responds

Simons declined to address specific allegations or terminations, citing confidentiality:

“Our employees are at the heart of the Simons service commitment. Human resources matters are confidential in nature, and we therefore cannot provide further information,” the company said in a statement to NOW Toronto.

Former employees are calling for greater accountability — and, potentially, compensation.

“I would appreciate it if they are able to hear our perspective and understand [that] this happened,” Shana said.

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Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

📞 Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP: 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Our experienced employment lawyers in Toronto have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues, including wrongful dismissals.

If you’ve lost your job at Simons for any reason, don’t panic. We can review your situation, assess your legal options, and help you secure the compensation you’re legally entitled to.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and should not be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.