The Vanishing Act of Wazo Furniture

The Canadian furniture industry is facing turmoil as Wazo Furniture, which previously graced the streets of Toronto and Montreal, appears to have vanished overnight. Customers are reeling from the news that their upfront payments for orders made in recent months might be lost forever.

Customer Reactions

Derrick Gravener from Toronto, a loyal customer in the past, is among those left in disbelief. "Something has gone horribly wrong since the last time we purchased from them," he lamented, recalling a recent order made in November which he hoped to receive just in time for a family Christmas gathering. His order included a table and two chairs, totaling around $1,100. "I tried reaching out, but my calls went unanswered," Gravener shared. “It felt odd that their sales lines were down."

Another disgruntled customer, known only as Michael, placed a significant order with Wazo Furniture in September, spending a hefty $4,800 on a couch, but has since been left without his purchase or any communication from the company. Having had positive experiences in the past, he expressed frustration at the sudden silence.

Mystery Behind the Closure

Interestingly, while Wazo Furniture’s website is still operational, CTV News’s attempts to contact them have been met with silence as phone lines in both Toronto and Montreal have been disconnected. A site visit to their North York location proved equally disheartening; the store appeared nearly empty, and Google now marks it as permanently closed. Workers inside hinted at renovations but confirmed that Wazo had not operated there for over a month.

The Bigger Picture: Business Bankruptcies in Canada

The rising trend of business bankruptcies in Canada cannot be ignored, with numbers hitting a staggering 1,312 in the third quarter of 2024 — the highest in 15 years. Ontario alone witnessed a massive 67% increase compared to the previous year. Doug Hoyes, a licensed insolvency trustee, predicts even tougher times ahead. "I think we are going to see a difficult 2025," he cautioned, suggesting that the actual number of businesses shutting down could exceed official bankruptcy statistics dramatically.

He explained that during economic downturns, consumers tighten their wallets, opting to spend more on essential items like food and housing, leaving less for discretionary purchases, including furniture. "In a recession, that’s the kind of business that gets hurt," Hoyes noted, emphasizing the ripple effects of the current economic climate.

The Aftermath for Customers

As customers like Gravener desperately seek refunds, the mood is grim. "To be completely ghosted by a company is not good," he stated, echoing the sentiments of many. "We just want our hard-earned money back."

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale