Historic Closure: Hudson's Bay Company Shuts Down After 355 Years

After more than three centuries of operation, Hudson's Bay Company is shutting down all 80 of its stores in Canada, a bitter goodbye for customers and a reflection of the challenges facing traditional retailers amid evolving market dynamics.

In a bittersweet conclusion to a storied history, the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), a titan of Canadian retail, is officially closing all of its 80 locations across the country after 355 years of operation. On June 1, 2025, bargain hunters flocked to the stores, where massive discounts marked the final days of a brand that represented more than just shopping for generations of Canadians.

As customers sifted through the remaining inventory, including clothes hangers and mannequins, the store in downtown Ottawa showcased its signature displays covered with “Entire Store On Sale!” signs. Shopper Beye Escobar left the store with two bikinis at an incredible 70 percent off, yet she expressed profound disappointment over the store's imminent closure. “I honestly don’t know why it’s closing, but I think it’s very unfortunate because they had very good stuff,” she remarked, echoing sentiments shared by many other loyal customers pondering where to shop next.

Originally established in 1670 as a fur trading enterprise by Britain, the HBC was initially granted a substantial expanse of land in Canada, which encompassed one-third of the country, without regard for Indigenous territories. The company transformed over centuries, becoming synonymous with Canadian retail.

However, mounting financial difficulties led to a recent bankruptcy declaration. The company’s fate seemed sealed by this overwhelming debt, which ultimately resulted in the decision to cease operations. The Hudson's Bay Company, once a pillar of the Canadian retail landscape, has reached the end of its long, complex narrative, leaving deep sentiments of nostalgia and uncertainty for its patrons and employees alike.