For generations, Hudson’s Bay has been a staple in the Canadian retail space – a place where many have made lifelong memories.
Now as liquidation sales begin for all but six remaining stores, the Bay’s history has taken a turn as the company struggles to keep up. In recent years, the company has faced declining sales, store closures and restructuring efforts.
Founded in 1670, Hudson’s Bay Co. has been woven into the fabric of Canada for more than 350 years. It started as a fur trading company before evolving into a department store.
One of the Bay’s most iconic ventures was Zellers, the discount department store chain that many Canadians still hold dear.
The latest liquidation announcement marks a turning point, with most locations set to shut their doors for good.
The Bay has been a backdrop of countless special memories for many Canadians including Sara Hoffman, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
Hoffman, while browsing for discounted items at a location in Edmonton, noted that Hudson’s Bay was “nostalgic” to her and her grandma.
“She’s 90 years old now. Me and my cousins would always come with her. We would hide in the clothing racks from her and scare her. She was always on a hunt for a good deal,” Hoffman told The Canadian Press.
With the end of an era upon us, CTVNews.ca wants to hear from you.
What does Hudson’s Bay mean to you? Did you have a special tradition tied to shopping there? Do you have a favourite purchase from the Bay that still holds sentimental value? Were there any memorable in-store experiences you’ll never forget?
Share your story by emailing us at dotcom@bellmedia.ca with your name, general location and phone number in case we want to follow up. Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.
