The Hudson’s Bay store in downtown Vancouver, a staple since January 17, 1887, is set to close its doors on June 1, marking the end of an era for the Canadian retail landscape. Located at the bustling intersection of Granville and Georgia, the store has been a significant part of the city’s history, attracting crowds for its bankruptcy sale in recent weeks. Shoppers flocked to the store, eager to find deals or simply to reminisce about a beloved institution.

“It’s sad, honestly,” said shopper Niels Billou. “It’s an iconic part of Canadian history, part of the founding of this country. Everybody who grew up in Canada has gone and bought something from the Bay, whether it’s socks or bed sheets or the blankets.”

Many customers shared their fond memories of the store. Sharon Best recalled her childhood visits, saying, “It’s such a shame. It’s the last of the department stores, but it’s also the oldest of the department stores.”

As the sale progressed, Sarah Bromfield noted the changing retail landscape, stating, “The High Street is dying. Retail is kind of dying and the internet taking over.” She purchased a bust of a female mannequin for $100, one of many left in the store, which was filled with mannequins in various states of disrepair.

The sixth floor of the store, which was closed to the public during a recent visit, showcased a unique feature: an arched steel and glass skylight built for a restaurant in the 1920s. This area, with its vast 75,000 square feet, felt eerily empty, highlighting the store's decline. The skylight, adorned with chandeliers resembling antlers, pays homage to The Bay’s coat of arms, which features elks and other symbols of its fur trading heritage.

Despite the dwindling inventory, the remaining merchandise was selling quickly. The jewelry department was particularly busy, while many items, including the iconic Bay blankets, had already been sold out. The current store, which has undergone several renovations since its original construction, spans approximately 648,000 square feet and includes six stories above ground.

Historically, the downtown Vancouver store employed around 1,300 people in 1946, but that number has dwindled to about 500 in recent years. The store's prime location has led to various development proposals, including a 2022 plan to build a 12-storey glass office tower above the existing structure. However, with a decline in demand for office space, that project appears to be stalled.

The Hudson’s Bay store has been a cornerstone of Vancouver’s retail scene for over a century, and its closure signifies a significant shift in the city’s commercial landscape.