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Hudson’s Bay Liquidation Marks End of an Era, Thousands of Jobs at Stake

  Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s oldest retail company, is set to liquidate the majority of its stores, leaving thousands of employees facing layoffs. The company, which has been a cornerstone of Canadian retail for over 350 years, recently filed for creditor protection due to financial challenges, including reduced consumer spending and post-pandemic downtown traffic. Starting today, liquidation sales will begin at all but six Hudson’s Bay locations across the country. The six stores spared include flagship locations in Toronto and Montreal, among others. However, the company has warned that these stores could also face closure if a restructuring solution is not found quickly. The liquidation process is expected to impact over 9,000 employees directly, with additional effects on contractors and brand shop-in-shop staff. Many employees, some with decades of service, are grappling with the emotional and financial toll of the closures. The liquidation sales are set to run until June 15, with...

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Delta Airlines Increases Checked-Baggage Fees by 17%


              

In a move that may prompt travelers to reconsider their packing strategies, Delta Airlines has just raised the cost of checking your first bag by 17%. The previous fee of $30 for domestic flights now increases by $5, bringing it to $35. Additionally, the charge for a second checked bag has risen from $40 to $45.

Delta’s decision follows similar fee hikes by other major U.S. carriers. Both American Airlines and United Airlines announced their own increases in February, and smaller carriers like Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways have also adjusted their fees recently. This trend of carriers adjusting their pricing in response to one another is often referred to as “herd instinct” by behavior analysts.

While passengers with status perks can still check their first bag for free, and those with first-class tickets can check two bags without charge, the majority of travelers will feel the impact of these fee adjustments. Baggage fees have become a reliable source of revenue for airlines, especially since their introduction in 2008 when jet fuel prices were soaring. In 2022, U.S. airlines collectively earned $6.8 billion from checked-bag fees, with American and United leading the way at $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. Delta followed closely in third place with $979.4 million.

As travelers prepare for their next flights, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes and consider how they might affect travel budgets. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or a first-time traveler, keep an eye on those baggage fees—they’re more significant than ever.


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