In a bittersweet departure, shoppers like Beye Escobar were left both thrilled by steep discounts and saddened by the historic retailer’s last days.
The closing deals unfolded in downtown Ottawa where, amidst a wave of nostalgia, clothes hangers and mannequins were all marked for clearance as the company liquidated its remaining inventory. Escobar, who exited the store with discounted swimwear, expressed her regret over the closure, stating, “I honestly don’t know why it’s closing, but I think it’s very unfortunate because they had very good stuff.”
The storied Hudson’s Bay Company, or simply "The Bay," was not only recognized for its retail prowess but also its historical significance as a fur trading enterprise established in 1670 by the British colonial powers. At its height, the company claimed authority over roughly one-third of present-day Canada, the vast lands of which were acquired without consulting Indigenous communities.
With 80 locations shuttering across the nation, the company faced mounting financial burdens, ultimately leading to its recent bankruptcy declaration. Escobar shared her uncertainty about where to shop next, highlighting the apprehension felt by customers as the last of The Bay’s stores come to a close. As the signs reading "Entire Store On Sale!" reflect a somber farewell to an iconic Canadian institution, many wonder about the mark left behind by a brand that has become an indelible part of the retail narrative in Canada.
The closing deals unfolded in downtown Ottawa where, amidst a wave of nostalgia, clothes hangers and mannequins were all marked for clearance as the company liquidated its remaining inventory. Escobar, who exited the store with discounted swimwear, expressed her regret over the closure, stating, “I honestly don’t know why it’s closing, but I think it’s very unfortunate because they had very good stuff.”
The storied Hudson’s Bay Company, or simply "The Bay," was not only recognized for its retail prowess but also its historical significance as a fur trading enterprise established in 1670 by the British colonial powers. At its height, the company claimed authority over roughly one-third of present-day Canada, the vast lands of which were acquired without consulting Indigenous communities.
With 80 locations shuttering across the nation, the company faced mounting financial burdens, ultimately leading to its recent bankruptcy declaration. Escobar shared her uncertainty about where to shop next, highlighting the apprehension felt by customers as the last of The Bay’s stores come to a close. As the signs reading "Entire Store On Sale!" reflect a somber farewell to an iconic Canadian institution, many wonder about the mark left behind by a brand that has become an indelible part of the retail narrative in Canada.
