Hudson’s Bay stores set to close nationwide, stirring nostalgia and questions about the future

All Hudson’s Bay locations — including its Granville Street flagship location in Vancouver — are set to close this Sunday, and shoppers are mourning the cherished landmark while they pick through what merchandise is left.

What was once a legendary Canadian brand and renowned landmark in Vancouver for over a century is now being stripped down to its last hanger.

Hundreds of people flooding the store in search of deals were greeted with empty makeup booths, clothing scattered around, and garbage and dirt on the floor.

The most eye-opening section of the eerie store was on the third floor, where the company is selling off its dismantled fixtures — couches, tables, shelves, mannequins, Christmas decorations, and even what look like old employee lockers.

Most shoppers were scouting for last-minute deals, and some wanted to get one last glimpse of a store they spent decades visiting.

“A couple weeks ago when I was coming through, I actually felt emotional about it, which was a reaction I was not expecting,” said long-time Hudson’s Bay shopper Tanya Fader.

Canada’s oldest retailer is shutting all of its 74 stores nationwide and terminating the jobs of over 8,000 employees Sunday.

“It must be a real roller coaster ride for them, and I do really feel for them,” said Fader, who has friends who work at the store.

“I feel like this was a type of store where the shoppers were dedicated to this place, but the staff were also very dedicated.”

One employee who spent decades working for various Hudson’s Bay locations describes these last few months, weeks, and days as nothing but depressing.

“Everything’s missing, and it’s sad to see it go,” the employee said.

“Would be nice if someone rebrands it or brings it back up again. That would be awesome.”

B.C. billionaire Weihong (Ruby) Liu snapped up 28 Hudson’s Bay store leases in B.C. and across Alberta and Ontario to launch a new department store called “New Bay.”

The Hudson’s Bay Company was first founded in Canada 354 years ago.