The End of an Era: Hudson's Bay Company Closes Its Doors After 355 Years

Tue Sep 30 2025 08:05:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**The End of an Era: Hudson's Bay Company Closes Its Doors After 355 Years**

Once a retail giant, Hudson's Bay Company's final chapter ends amidst a historic legacy as it shuts down its remaining stores across Canada.

Hudson's Bay Company, the oldest corporation in North America, is permanently closing all its department stores after 355 years of operation, owing to significant debt and a recent bankruptcy declaration. The retailer, once synonymous with Canadian history and identity, started as a fur trading enterprise and expanded to cover a vast territory. As customers flocked to its closing sales, many expressed sadness over the company's long-standing presence and the loss of a piece of Canadian heritage.

In the lead-up to its closure, bargain hunters filled the aisles of the Hudson's Bay Company store in downtown Ottawa, scouring for last-minute discounts. Shoppers like Beye Escobar expressed mixed emotions — excitement for deep cuts but deep disappointment for the end of the iconic retailer. “I honestly don’t know why it’s closing,” she confessed, highlighting the confusion and sadness shared by many loyal customers.

Despite its storied past and once-prominent place in the retail landscape, Hudson's Bay Company struggled to adapt to modern shopping trends and consumer behaviors, which ultimately led to its demise. The final days of the store were a flurry of discounted merchandise, with signs proclaiming “Entire Store On Sale!” adorning the once-vibrant walls. With its closure, customers are left pondering where to turn next for quality products that once defined a shopping tradition in Canada.