This photo features the storefront signs of Canadian Tire on the left and Hudson’s Bay on the right. (Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick, Pawel Dwulit)
Hudson’s Bay — one of Canada’s oldest and most cherished names — is about to begin a new chapter. Canadian Tire Corporation has announced that it will acquire Hudson’s Bay’s brand rights for $30 million. The deal includes the Hudson’s Bay name, its legendary striped pattern, its coat of arms, and several well-known in-house product lines.
The sale marks a major shift in Canada’s retail landscape. Canadian Tire, which also owns popular chains like SportChek, Party City, Mark’s, and Pro Hockey Life, will soon be able to sell products under the Hudson’s Bay label in over 1,700 locations across the country. Among the brands changing hands are Gluckstein, Distinctly Home, and the clothing line Hudson North.
Canadian Tire’s CEO, Greg Hicks, called the deal both “strategic” and “patriotic.” In a statement, Hicks said, “Some things should always remain Canadian. We’re proud to bring the HBC brands, including the iconic stripes and coat of arms, into our Canadian Tire family.”
Liz Rodbell, CEO of Hudson’s Bay, shared similar thoughts, saying she was relieved the brand will continue with another respected Canadian retailer. “We’re grateful that the HBC brand has found a home with a company that understands its importance,” she said.
The deal still needs court approval but is expected to close this summer. While companies buying assets during creditor protection aren’t required to use them, Canadian Tire is expected to fully incorporate the Hudson’s Bay identity into its stores. The two companies already share many of the same customer bases, making the transition easier.
The striped pattern — a green, red, yellow, and indigo design that dates back to 1779 — is considered the most valuable part of the acquisition. It has appeared on everything from clothing and blankets to cookware, pet gear, and even canoes. These items are right in line with Canadian Tire’s current inventory, so shoppers can likely expect to see the design live on in many forms.
This transition follows Hudson’s Bay’s financial struggles. In March, the company filed for creditor protection, citing post-pandemic recovery issues, low downtown foot traffic, and rising import tariffs. Without new funding, Hudson’s Bay began closing down its 80 Bay stores and 16 Saks locations while trying to preserve its legacy through brand sales.
At its core, Hudson’s Bay has been a part of Canada’s fabric since 1670, when it began as a fur trading company. Over the centuries, it evolved into a trusted department store, helping Canadians furnish their homes, celebrate milestones, and mark holidays.
The brand sale comes after strong interest from other bidders. According to the company’s financial adviser, 17 offers were received. Canadian Tire’s bid focused on branding rights and a few store leases. It’s unclear whether these stores will reopen as Bay locations or be repurposed.
Interestingly, this acquisition follows Canadian Tire’s recent sale of its sportswear company Helly Hansen to the U.S.-based Kontoor Brands for nearly $1.3 billion. That transaction freed up the funds needed for this timely acquisition.
Meanwhile, Hudson’s Bay is still seeking buyers for 39 store leases across prime shopping districts. Multiple companies are competing for some of the same locations. Additionally, Hudson’s Bay plans to auction off over 4,400 historical items, including the royal charter that established the company. The auction will be handled by Heffel Gallery.
