Hudson’s Bay Closes Most Stores, 9000 Jobs at Risk
Hudson’s Bay liquidates most of its stores across Canada, risking 9,000 jobs amid creditor protection. Only six flagship locations remain.
Hudsons Bay Revival
By Elke Porter | WBN News Canada | April 23, 2025
Hudson’s Bay, a staple in Canadian retail for over 350 years, has begun the process of liquidating nearly all its stores across Canada, putting approximately 9,000 jobs at risk. The dramatic move comes after the company filed for creditor protection earlier this month in a bid to restructure its operations and finances.
Out of the 80 Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada, only six are expected to remain open. The rest — located in cities like Saskatoon, Regina, and across 32 locations in Ontario, 16 in British Columbia, 13 each in Alberta and Quebec, and two in Manitoba and Nova Scotia — are being cleared out. Also impacted are the three Canadian Saks Fifth Avenue locations and 13 Saks Off 5th stores, which the company operates through a licensing agreement. U.S. locations remain unaffected by the restructuring.
Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) initially planned to keep six stores open while liquidating the rest, as approved by an Ontario court in March 2025. These stores were the flagship locations in Toronto (Yonge Street) and Montreal (Saint-Catherine Street), along with stores at Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Hillcrest Mall in Ontario, and CF Carrefour Laval and CF Fairview Pointe-Claire in Quebec. However, recent developments indicate that HBC will now liquidate all remaining stores, including these six, as a court filing suggests it’s unlikely a buyer will be found to save them. Liquidation sales for these six stores are set to begin, marking the end of HBC’s retail presence in Canada.
The liquidation marks a significant moment in Canadian retail history, as Hudson’s Bay has long been intertwined with the nation's commercial and cultural identity. The move also raises concerns about the broader retail landscape and the future of large-format department stores amid increasing online competition and shifting consumer habits.
Employees, unions, and local economies are bracing for the fallout, while the company claims it is working to ensure a fair and transparent process for all stakeholders. As store closures begin, shoppers may find deep discounts — but for thousands of workers and communities, the news brings uncertainty, economic strain, and growing concern. The widespread impact may even influence the upcoming Canadian election, as job losses and retail collapse become pressing political issues.
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