The iconic red and white doors of Hudson’s Bay Company locations across Canada are witnessing unprecedented foot traffic as shoppers flock to take advantage of the retailer’s massive liquidation sales. After announcing the closure of several underperforming stores earlier this year, Hudson’s Bay has slashed prices by up to 80 percent, triggering what many are calling “the last hurrah” for these historic retail spaces.
“I’ve been coming to this store since I was a child with my grandmother,” said Elaine Winters, 63, clutching several bags at the Winnipeg location. “It feels like we’re losing a piece of Canadian history. I wanted to take one last walk through these aisles before they’re gone forever.”
The 353-year-old retailer, once the world’s oldest company still operating in its original line of business, has been struggling to maintain profitability amid fierce competition from online retailers and changing consumer habits. The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated these challenges, forcing the company to make difficult decisions about its brick-and-mortar footprint.
Retail analyst Morgan Chen from the Canadian Retail Advisory Group points to the emotional connection many Canadians feel with the brand. “Hudson’s Bay isn’t just another department store—it’s woven into the fabric of Canadian identity,” Chen explained. “The company literally helped shape the geography of this country during the fur trade era.”
Inside the stores, scenes of controlled chaos unfold as shoppers navigate through picked-over merchandise and emptying shelves. Designer handbags, winter coats, and housewares that once carried premium price tags are now being sold at deep discounts. Cash register lines snake through departments, with wait times often exceeding 45 minutes.
The liquidation process has not been without controversy. Several customers have complained about inflated “original” prices to make discounts appear more substantial. The Competition Bureau of Canada has received numerous complaints regarding potentially misleading pricing practices, though no formal investigation has been announced.
For the approximately 600 employees affected by these closures, the mood is somber. “We’re like a family here,” said Marcus Lee, a department manager who has worked at Hudson’s Bay for 18 years. “Some of my colleagues have been here for over three decades. We’re trying to stay positive and help customers find what they need, but it’s difficult knowing these are our final weeks.”
The impact extends beyond retail employees to the broader economic landscape of city centers. Commercial real estate experts predict that filling these massive retail spaces will pose significant challenges for urban planners and property owners, particularly in mid-sized cities where retail vacancy rates are already concerning.
“Department stores have traditionally served as anchor tenants that drive foot traffic to surrounding businesses,” explained urban development specialist Priya Sharma. “When they close, the ripple effects can transform entire downtown corridors, and not always for the better.”
While Hudson’s Bay Company will maintain its digital presence and select flagship locations in major metropolitan areas, the closure of these stores represents a significant shift in the Canadian retail environment. For many shoppers, particularly those in smaller communities, the loss of these stores removes not just a shopping option but a community gathering place.
As the final days approach, many customers are taking photographs, sharing memories on social media, and making one last purchase as a keepsake. “I bought a Hudson’s Bay blanket,” said retired teacher Thomas Williams. “It’s something that will last, unlike the store itself.”
As these historic retail spaces prepare to close their doors for the final time, one question lingers in the minds of many Canadians: in an era of digital convenience and global brands, what happens to the shared cultural touchstones that once united us across this vast country?
