Hudson's Bay Queen Street Memories....

I wanted to share some memories at the Hudson's Bay (176 Yonge Street) since its on the verge of closing down by June.

One of many things that I can say about Hudson's Bay, is that I had a lot of memories in one department store. It's very strange to find a store that holds lots of stories. 

My mom used to go there all the time to buy chocolate for the holiday season, get a facial from Clarins, or even check out the kids department for the young ones.

One of the which is my good friend, Pat. I remember my mom (who works nearby) goes to her for facials. She worked at the Clarins counter and I remember how friendly she was. 

My favourite person, Pat

  She was asking her 'How was your day, how   was your work', we talked about family life, and   giving out some special samples for me, which I   loved. (that was my 11 year old self speaking)   She treated all her customers with warm, inviting and pleasant, almost like you were part of her family  When I found out that she passed away; a few days after she retired, I was completely in shock. I feel like all the nice people die 

 so soon and we take them for granted. 

 When she passed away, I could not believe it, it was as if life did not want her to enjoy life the way she wanted to, and it completely breaks my heart to have someone, who worked their entire lives helping others pamper and relax, suddenly pass away and can't enjoy some time to themselves. Rest in peace Pat, I love you. 

The people at Queen Street waiting for Mariah Carey

In 2016, I saw a free concert on the Metro Newspaper on the front cover and saw an insert. 

Immediately, I was so excited to go because I can't turn down the Songbird Supreme. 

I could remember how packed the streets were, people were crowding around the streets, a lot of people were wearing Mariah merchandise, winter clothes (because it was cold outside!) 

A lot of fans were there with their phones up and lights are on. Even a protestor is asking Mariah not to wear fur. The sign was painted in red. She came in two hours late to perform on stage.

Mariah Carey

 I was there with my old phone and saw the massive crowds all came to see her. Especially since she does not do free shows like this. 

 It was all in an attempt to showcase Hudson's Bay's new Holiday   Windows. 

 I heard that Mariah Carey got paid a million each to perform two   songs. It was "Here Comes Santa Claus" and her famous "All I 

 Want For Christmas Is You". That's it. 

 Although my phone had crappy imaging, the concert was so much   fun! People were signing along, dancing, and screaming at the top of their lungs for her. It felt like an actual concert.

 It started a trend where Hudson's Bay would get artists to come and perform for their Christmas Windows every year until the Pandemic hit. 

 Pentatonix came the year after, Carly Rae Jepsen in 2019 but I did not see it. Either I did not have time, or I just was not that interested.

In November 2018, we were headed to an event for their 2018 Holiday Season called 'Unwrap The Wow'. Again, I found this event at the Metro Newspaper. (Sidenote: there is always something with Hudson's Bay and Metro Newspaper, I just don't know why)

Hot Chocolate

This was to commemorate their unveiling of their new Holiday Windows for 2018. And no, at that time, I skipped Pentatonix because I was more interested in this instead.

A lot of things were in this event, there was homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream

There was greeting card making with this wonderful lady who designed these beautiful postcards, which can be sent to someone. 

Someone painting the front entrance.

 I remember my friends and I, were walking in the men's department, (don't ask why, we are just like that), our legs are tired from walking and we sat down in their sofas. 

(In our hands, is free gelato with different kinds of flavors. There was pistachio, peanut butter, mint chocolate chip... thanks to Nautica, the clothing brand.) 

We heard this distinctive sound, it sounded like band music with the trumpets and the big loud tambourines and drums. This guy came with the trumpet and it felt like Louisiana came to the building, almost like a Mardi Gras festival. We danced and partied our butts off like an another club. 

There was also a live artist painting the front windows of the Queen Street Entrance (pictured there). 

There was a lot of different events and things I did and I'm going to miss them once they completely end. 

The Hudson's Bay Christmas Windows in 2018.

Whenever the liquidation starts (and there are enough Hudson's Bay Blankets left), I'll be buying a few to honour the Canadian legacy it has. 

Here is some things I would do if I was the CEO:

Some Hudson's Bay vintage signs

I wish they honoured more Indigenous made brands like 'She Native', 'Sister Sage' and 'Sequoia', highlight 'Made-In-Canada' products because of the ongoing trade war, decrease the number of unused floors (specially Queen Street). 

I noticed that some floors are starting to become empty, and some women's clothing (plus sizes, petites, luxury fashion designs, catered to young people) can combine together into one full department floor. 

This ultimately saves money on escalators running and people having to climb to the next floor to get what they want.

Men's Department today

They would also need to lay off staff for underperforming stores, and break the contract for Saks Fifth Avenue, move their HQ back to the Queen Street location, they can save money on rent in New York, move back to the Canadian divisions and focus on the Hudson's Bay brand. 

Saks is not doing well, as when I was there, it looked like a ghost town that is not doing well. (But if you go there, prove me wrong in the comments!)

One last thing they should do is maintain the Zellers brand, but make it as the first thing the customer sees. 

If there are anything that Hudson's Bay should do to try to salvage what they can, let me know in the comments. If you got any memories shopping there, also let me know! The Bay (Hudson's Bay) was a nostalgic place for everyone, maybe it was your first job, maybe you brought your first suit and tie for a special occasion like a Wedding, Anniversary, etc. 

Let me know. Hopefully it won't shutter and will stay open but who knows?

Hudson's Bay Queen Street before it closed. The man is looking at vintage books for sale.