Hudson's Bay shoppers rush for striped items, facing liquidation

Shoppers are flocking to Hudson’s Bay stores as the Canadian retailer faces a potential liquidation. The company has filed for creditor protection and warns it may have to close all 80 of its locations unless it secures significant financing from a lender. In Toronto's flagship store, customers are eagerly searching for striped merchandise. Brian Bursten, a shopper, managed to get a Hudson’s Bay striped pillow that his nephew requested. He felt fortunate to find it amid a store nearly cleared out of popular items, especially the iconic point blankets. The rush for Hudson’s Bay products comes as people express a deep affection for the brand, which has a long history dating back to 1670. Many shoppers left empty-handed as popular items vanished quickly, prompting them to dig through drawers and search under furniture for any remaining stock. Some shoppers are looking to buy merchandise online, with wool blankets listed for thousands of dollars. Experts believe the brand will not disappear entirely, and many think the store may find a new buyer. Others, like Aris Zakinthinos, want a piece of the brand’s history before it potentially closes its doors. He managed to buy a comforter but faced offers from other customers wanting to buy it from him. Another customer, Doug English, highlighted the decline of big retailers, noting how shopping habits have shifted online.