Saga Liquidation: Owner Closes Doors Permanently
Éric Barrette, the owner of Liquidation Extrême, announced the permanent closure of his store due to mounting pressures and challenges. The announcement was made through a video on Wednesday, where Barrette expressed his exhaustion and distress, stating, “I can no longer cope; my body is giving out.” His store, located on Taniata Avenue in Lévis, will hold a final liquidation sale from Thursday to Sunday.
Saga of Liquidation Extrême: Closure Announcement
Barrette’s decision comes after a series of issues that plagued Liquidation Extrême for months. He had previously hinted at opportunities for potential franchise openings across Quebec, offering entry for $30,000 in November and $80,000 starting December. However, he had also claimed on social media just two weeks prior that December would be a busy month for the business.
Legal Battles and Financial Troubles
- August 2023: Liquidation Extrême first made headlines due to delays in refunding numerous dissatisfied customers.
- September 2023: The Quebec location faced lawsuits related to unpaid rents and other financial obligations.
- November 2023: Barrette reportedly owed over $1.7 million to Revenu Québec for tax compliance issues.
Additionally, PayFacto, the payment processing company linked to his business, sued Barrette for approximately $180,000. They alleged he forced them to issue refunds to disgruntled customers through fraudulent methods. Other legal actions included claims from the Centre Médical Mailloux for nearly $250,000 in unpaid rent for premises on Avenue Mailloux in Quebec.
Customer Concerns
With the announcement of closure, many clients expressed skepticism about recovering their money. One of the earliest complainants, Tommy Tremblay, stated that the situation had been anticipated for some time, with a prevailing fear that Barrette might attempt to escape his responsibilities by leaving the country.
Despite the troubles, Barrette maintains that he is a victim of circumstances created by former employees, disgruntled customers, and business partners. Further complicating the situation, Barrette recently acquired a luxury vehicle worth approximately $250,000 and underwent cosmetic surgery, drawing scrutiny amid his business’s financial turmoil.
Future of Liquidation Extrême
As of now, no formal bankruptcy has been filed with the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy. Liquidation Extrême’s saga reflects the complex interrelationship of entrepreneurship, customer relations, and legal liability.
Barrette’s closure marks the end of a controversial chapter for Liquidation Extrême, with the future of its clients and finances remaining uncertain.
