Shoppers grab final deals as Hudson’s Bay officially closes its doors in Ottawa

Sunday marked the final day of shopping at The Bay locations across the country as Canadian shoppers score big time bargains. CTV’s Natalie Van Rooy reports.

Hudson’s Bay has closed its doors in Ottawa after the company’s retail stores held liquidation sales nationwide all weekend.

There was a steady stream of shoppers at the stores where even the mannequins and sale racks were up for sale.

Signs posted outside the Rideau Centre location said “Everything 90% off.”

 “Oh, tears are coming. I hope they leave the building alone,” said Linda Bridge, who was shopping on Sunday.

On the store’s final day, Bridge picked up some deals.

“I couldn’t believe this. I bought a sweater that was $350 for $12,” she said. “Everything else was a dollar or $2.”

The Canadian retail icon is winding down operations nationwide and has filed a court motion stating its terminating more than 8,000 employees.

In court documents, Hudson’s Bay blames the move on lower downtown store traffic, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada.

It’s the end of an era for the Rideau Street location, which has a long history in the nation’s capital.

“We’ve actually gone in three times,” said Cindy Lentz, who was shopping at the Rideau Street location.

“I bought a whole bunch of dog collars and leashes for like $0.39, and I’m going to take them to the Dominican Republic for stray dogs and cats because we are going there soon.”

While many were picking up some solid deals, others were feeling nostalgic.

“So many people will remember when they were young shopping with their families at the Bay, whether it was Bayshore, St. Laurent, or down on Rideau Street,” said Ben Weiss with the Historical Society of Ottawa.

“Many will remember getting their first suit for their first job interview with the Bay and it’s that kind of iconic retail location.”