Montreal-based online designer retailer SSENSE has filed for bankruptcy protection after lenders attempted to force the company to sell, The Business of Fashion reports.
According to a letter from the brand obtained by The Business of Fashion and comments from SSENSE chief executive Rami Atallah, creditors planned to sell the business through the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. By filing under the act first, the brand said they would be able to “protect the company, keep control of our assets and operations, and fight for the future of the company.”
“Recently, we have worked closely with financial and legal advisors to develop our own restructuring plan to stabilize the business and rebuild it for the future,” the letter said. “The court will decide which path we follow, likely within the next week. Until then, our focus remains clear: protect value, stabilize the business, and set up a restructuring plan to secure our future.”
In May 2025, SSENSE reportedly laid off about 8% of its workforce. Atallah claimed at the time that the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canada had impacted the brand’s finances. The company has also lost significant revenue due to a luxury slowdown impacting their young target audience.
Founded in 2003, SSENSE became popular among young consumers and across social media platforms. The brand offers a curated selection of designer clothing, accessories, shoes, and home goods, and has launched numerous collaborations with luxury fashion brands.
