The parcel depot Penguin Pick-up which was located at 527 Bloor St. W. closed its doors on March 21, 2025. Established in 2014, the company makes deliveries and drop-offs simple, convenient, and secure for customers by providing a location where packages can be safely stowed away or shipped. The company is struggling due to high overhead costs, with rent at the Annex location as high as $13,000 per month, plus the costs associated with staffing, utilities, and insurance. While the business appeared quite popular, the physical storefront has become  financially unsustainable. 

In a message to customers, Penguin Pick-up announced they are finding partner stores that will offer their services as part of the first phase of their transformation. In a letter to subscribers the company said that “Automated parcel lockers will be introduced in select Toronto and Montreal subway stations,” though no such subway locker installations have been observed by the Gleaner to date. Subscribing customers will have access to both the partner stores and automated parcel lockers.

Current subscribers affected by the closure are encouraged to send their next shipment to one of three partner locations: 250 University Ave., 93 Peter St., or 410 Roncesvalles Ave. 

The parcel outlet says it will advise customers when it  secures a new partner near the now- shuttered Bloor location. Customers can direct any inquiries to: info@penguinpickup.com.

In their letter to customers the company stated: “We want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your support and loyalty as a valued customer of Penguin Pickup and we look forward to serving you in the future. Thank you once again for your understanding and continued support.”

—Elliot Barker/Gleaner News