The Bay (Hudson's Bay)
Last updated: May 2026
Hudson's Bay (formerly known as The Bay) was one of Canada's largest and most recognizable department store chains. Founded in 1670 through the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), it operated department stores across Canada for generations before closing its Canadian retail operations in 2025 after entering creditor protection. The retailer was known for fashion, beauty products, home goods, and exclusive brands.
History and Growth
The Bay Canada is the short form for Hudson Bay Canada (HBC), the oldest corporation in Canada and the second oldest in North America. Hudson's Bay Company, or Compagnie de la Baie d'Hudson in French, was founded in 1670, and its primary activity at the time was the fur trade. It's also good to know that the Bay Canada was the parent business of Home Outfitters and Zellers.
On March 8, 2013, the Hudson's Bay Company, known as The Bay, announced that it would now be called Hudson's Bay. The department store retailer also introduced a new logo. Over its long history, Hudson's Bay expanded beyond its fur-trading origins into department store retailing and became one of Canada's most recognizable brands. The company also owned or operated several well-known retail banners, including Zellers and Home Outfitters.
The Bay Online Shopping
For many years, The Bay operated one of Canada's largest department store e-commerce websites, allowing customers to shop for clothing, footwear, beauty products, home furnishings, kitchenware, and other merchandise online. The website complemented the retailer's physical store network by offering home delivery, online-exclusive promotions, and convenient access to thousands of products from national and international brands.
Following Hudson's Bay's creditor protection proceedings and the closure of its Canadian retail operations in 2025, The Bay's online shopping platform ceased normal retail operations. Customers can no longer place new orders through the former department store website. However, the Hudson's Bay name remains an important part of Canadian retail history, reflecting more than three centuries of commercial activity in Canada.
Closure of Hudson's Bay Stores
In 2025, Hudson's Bay entered creditor protection and subsequently liquidated its Canadian retail operations. The company cited financial pressures, changing consumer shopping habits, reduced downtown store traffic, and challenges facing traditional department stores.
The closure affected dozens of Hudson's Bay locations across Canada and thousands of employees, bringing an end to one of the country's oldest retail institutions.
Legacy of Hudson's Bay
Founded in 1670, Hudson's Bay Company played an important role in the development of Canada through the fur trade and later through retailing. For generations, Canadians associated the retailer with department store shopping, fashion, home products, and the iconic multi-coloured Hudson's Bay Point Blanket.
Although its department store operations ended in 2025, the Hudson's Bay name remains an important part of Canadian business and retail history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hudson's Bay
Is Hudson's Bay still operating in Canada?
No. Hudson's Bay closed its Canadian department store operations in 2025 following creditor protection proceedings and liquidation sales.
What was The Bay?
The Bay was the common name used by Hudson's Bay, one of Canada's largest department store chains.
When was Hudson's Bay founded?
Hudson's Bay Company was founded in 1670, making it one of the oldest companies in North America.
Did Hudson's Bay own Zellers?
Yes. Hudson's Bay Company owned Zellers for many years before selling most Zellers locations to Target Canada.
If you would like to learn more about the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC.ca)
and the Bay locations and the new outlet store, please use the following links:
the Bay Info
on Wikipedia
Disclaimer: Hudson's Bay and The Bay are trademarks of Hudson's Bay Company. This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hudson's Bay Company. All trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for informational purposes only.