Birchbox to Suspend Canadian Operations

 

Sample-box pioneer Birchbox announced this week that it will be withdrawing from the Canadian market. The beauty e-tailer launched in Canada in November 2014.

In a statement to customers on its website and Facebook, co-founder and CEO Katia Beauchamp cited “the current exchange rate and high shipping costs” as the factors underpinning the decision.

Current subscribers will receive February’s box as their last shipment, but Birchbox.ca will remain open for orders of full-size products until the end of April.

The withdrawal from Canada comes amid the surprising news that Birchbox is cutting 15 percent of its staff. Just in December, the company announced a slate of executive appointments, made in preparation for a brick-and-mortar expansion.

Although store openings are still in the plans, details are not yet available.