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Judge Halts Retailer’s Bid for Former Hudson’s Bay Space at Yorkdale

Judge blocks department store from moving into former HBC space at Yorkdale mall. A proposed plan to open a new retailer in the former Hudson’s Bay space at Yorkdale Shopping Centre has been stopped by an Ontario judge. The decision blocks a deal that would have transferred the large anchor location to a discount-focused department store operator. The court found that the arrangement did not meet the standards required for such a major tenancy change, supporting Yorkdale’s position that the retailer was not an appropriate fit for the mall’s upscale environment. The ruling ends months of dispute over the future of the vacant three-level space and underscores the challenges malls face as they try to repurpose former department store footprints. Yorkdale, known for its luxury brands and high-end positioning, is now expected to pursue alternatives that better align with its long‑term strategy.

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End of an Era: Hudson's Bay Announces Immediate Liquidation


Hudson's Bay, Canada's oldest company, has announced plans for an immediate liquidation of its entire business. The decision comes after exhaustive efforts to secure financing and avoid a full shutdown proved unsuccessful. The liquidation process is set to begin next week and is expected to conclude by June.

The iconic department store chain, which dates back to 1670, has faced mounting financial challenges, including nearly $1 billion in debt. The closure will impact over 9,000 employees across Hudson's Bay stores, as well as its Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off 5th locations.

Despite the bleak outlook, Hudson's Bay remains hopeful that a last-minute solution with key stakeholders, particularly landlords, could prevent the complete shutdown. CEO Liz Rodbell expressed gratitude for the support from customers and associates, emphasizing the company's determination to explore every possible opportunity to save the brand.

This marks a significant moment in Canadian retail history, as the loss of Hudson's Bay would leave a notable gap in the market and in the hearts of many Canadians.


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