Who Owns Hudson's Bay?

Hudson's Bay was founded in 1670, making it Canada's oldest company and one of the world's oldest continuously operating businesses. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for retail ecommerce solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the retail ecommerce category for generations. The company was established by royal charter from King Charles II of England to Prince Rupert and his associates, creating the Hudson's Bay Company as a fur trading business. This strategic positioning demonstrated Hudson's Bay's exceptional ability to create differentiated retail ecommerce solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Hudson's Bay Company dominated the North American fur trade and played a significant role in Canadian exploration and settlement. This period of excellence demonstrated Hudson's Bay's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple retail ecommerce segments. The company operated trading posts across Canada and was instrumental in mapping and developing the Canadian west. This strategic diversification demonstrated Hudson's Bay's exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the retail ecommerce industry.

In the 20th century, Hudson's Bay transitioned from fur trading to retail department stores, becoming Canada's premier department store chain. This continued evolution demonstrated Hudson's Bay's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing retail ecommerce requirements and consumer preferences. The company expanded across Canada and became known for its quality merchandise and iconic striped blankets. This continued excellence demonstrates Hudson's Bay's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail ecommerce dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Hudson's Bay's exceptional ability to integrate into larger retail corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the department store industry.

In recent years, Hudson's Bay faced financial challenges and entered creditor protection proceedings. This continued evolution demonstrated Hudson's Bay's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing retail ecommerce requirements and corporate dynamics. In 2025, Canadian Tire Corporation acquired the brand's intellectual property, preserving the historic brand while separating it from the physical store operations. This strategic partnership demonstrated Hudson's Bay's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct retail ecommerce identity and market leadership. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of department stores and consumer-focused retail solutions.