‘Extremely disappointing:’ Maritimers react to Hudson’s Bay proposed liquidation

Hudson’s Bay is closing stores across Canada, impacting many employees in the Maritimes.

A goodbye many Maritimers aren’t ready for could come as early as Tuesday.

Canada’s oldest retailer, Hudson’s Bay, plans to liquidate dozens of stores nationwide.

It’s a decision the company says they’ve been forced into despite “exhaustive” efforts to keep the empire alive.

“It goes to show that retail has never been for the faint of heart. It constantly changes, it changes very quickly,” says Jim Cormier, the Atlantic director for the Retail Council of Canada.

“Good retailers do what they can to try and at least stay with the curve.”

The store admitted they’ve struggled to find the financing to help keep the business afloat.

With more than thousand jobs on the line, some Maritimers have expressed disappointment with the possibility of saying goodbye to what’s become a Canadian staple.

One Halifax man says he’s “extremely disappointed” about the situation.

“The loss of jobs is tragic, especially at a time with what’s going on in the States and the vulnerability,” he says.

But Cormier says it’s a reality more retailers are facing in a competitive industry.

“As generations change and people change, spending habits change too. And obviously people have decided with their wallets that they choose to shop elsewhere.”

The company wants to conclude the liquidation process by June 15, but they’re optimistic they can drum up the capital and find a solution to avoid a full shutdown.