SSENSE FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY AMID TARIFFS AND LENDER DISPUTES

Ssense, the Montreal-based luxury e-commerce retailer known for curating a blend of high-end fashion and emerging designer labels, has officially filed for creditor protection under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).

The move comes after Ssense’s primary lender initiated a CCAA application to begin a sale process, without the company’s consent. Ssense swiftly countered by filing its own application to retain control of operations, safeguard assets, and protect over 1,000 employees, vendors, and partners.

Ssense’s financial strain stems from cascading economic pressures: new tariffs on Canadian imports, elimination of the de minimis tax exemption (which previously allowed low-value goods to enter duty-free), and broader retail downturn, factors that have heavily disrupted its cross-border business model.

Despite these challenges, Ssense remains confident in its digital-first model and creative mission. The restructuring process is aimed at ensuring the brand can rebuild sustainably on its own terms, rather than being reshaped by external forces.