The Hudson’s Bay Company, a distinguished retailer with a storied history, is shutting down all its operations in Canada, marking the end of an era. Established in 1670, the company originally operated as a fur trading entity, controlling vast territories in Canada. Its closure comes just a month after celebrating its 355th anniversary, leaving long-time customers shocked and disheartened.

Beye Escobar, a shopper at the final days of operations in the Ottawa store, expressed mixed feelings about her recent purchase, taking advantage of steep discounts yet lamenting the company's closure. The Bay, known colloquially, had been the last major department store chain operating traditionally in Canada, but faced financial turmoil and insurmountable debt leading to bankruptcy.

While customers thronged to the remaining stores for last-minute deals, the significance of the Bay's closure resonated deeply with those who appreciated its offerings. Escobar's sentiments reflect the broader public's nostalgia and uncertainty about the future of retail in Canada now that this iconic company has closed its doors permanently. The end of Hudson's Bay Company signals a significant shift in the retail landscape of the country.