Canadian Tire Buys Hudson’s Bay Name, Heritage Brands and Stripes for $30 Million

Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. has officially acquired the intellectual property of Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), one of Canada’s most storied and oldest institutions, for $30 million. The purchase includes the iconic multicoloured stripes, the coat of arms, and a suite of beloved brands under the HBC umbrella, marking a new chapter in the legacy of a company founded over 350 years ago.

The agreement gives Canadian Tire the right to sell products under the Hudson’s Bay brand across its national retail network, which spans 1,700 stores, including SportChek, Mark’s, and Pro Hockey Life. It also acquires the popular home brands GlucksteinHome and Distinctly Home, and the apparel label Hudson North.

Canadian Tire CEO Greg Hicks called the acquisition both “strategic” and “patriotic,” emphasizing the symbolic value of keeping such a quintessentially Canadian brand in local hands. “Some things are just meant to stay Canadian,” Hicks said in a press statement. “We’re honoured to welcome HBC’s most recognized assets, including the Stripes and the coat of arms, into our Canadian Tire family.”

Liz Rodbell, CEO of Hudson’s Bay, also expressed optimism, saying, “We are grateful that the HBC brand has found a home with another heritage retailer that encapsulates the uniquely authentic Canadian experience.”

The deal arrives on the heels of Hudson’s Bay filing for creditor protection earlier this year. The historic retailer, which began in 1670 as a fur trading enterprise, has struggled in recent years due to declining foot traffic, slow post-pandemic recovery, and rising operating costs, including tariffs stemming from trade tensions with the U.S.

Unable to secure financial support to maintain its 80 Bay stores and 16 Saks outlets, the company began liquidation sales while exploring options to preserve its brand legacy. In total, HBC received 17 bids, ultimately choosing Canadian Tire’s offer focused on intellectual property and select retail leases.

While it remains unclear whether Canadian Tire will reopen any locations under the Bay name, insiders note the acquired brands align seamlessly with Canadian Tire’s existing product categories. Gluckstein Home and Distinctly Home are expected to integrate into its housewares lineup, while Hudson North could find shelf space at Mark’s or SportChek. The Hudson’s Bay Stripes, perhaps the most valuable asset, could be adapted across everything from patio furniture to pet accessories — items Canadian Tire already sells in large volumes.

The acquisition does not include Hudson’s Bay’s expansive retail leases in major urban centres, many of which are still up for grabs. Court documents indicate 12 separate parties have submitted bids for 39 lease locations, with some overlap in desired properties.

In addition to its leases, HBC is also seeking buyers for over 4,400 pieces of historical art and artifacts, including the 1670 royal charter that established the company. The collection is set to be auctioned by Heffel Gallery later this year.

Canadian Tire’s move to acquire HBC’s IP comes shortly after the sale of its Norwegian sportswear brand Helly Hansen to Kontoor Brands for nearly $1.3 billion. That deal significantly strengthened the company’s financial position and paved the way for this strategic acquisition.

As one of Canada’s most recognizable brands prepares for a new future under a fellow Canadian retail giant, the move is being seen not just as a business transaction, but as an effort to preserve a piece of national heritage.