“From fur trading to fashion, Hudson’s Bay is woven into Canada’s history. Now, as the iconic chain faces collapse, one unexpected voice is stepping in with a bold plan to bring it back to life.”
‘Let the Canadian Spirit Continue’: B.C. Businesswoman Eyes Rescue of The Bay
The looming disappearance of Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada has left more than just retail gaps—it’s struck an emotional chord for generations of Canadians. But one entrepreneur believes she can turn heartbreak into hope.
Weihong Liu, a Chinese billionaire and chairwoman of B.C.-based retail investment firm Central Walk, has publicly declared her intent to buy and revive multiple Hudson’s Bay locations—a move she says is driven by cultural preservation as much as commerce.
In a series of emotional video messages posted to Chinese platform RedNote, Liu said:
“Knowing that The Bay… will collapse, I can’t stand by and watch. You must do your best to do something—to save it, to let the Canadian spirit continue.”
From Nanaimo to Calgary: A Cross-Country Revival Tour
Liu has already been touring shuttered and operating Bay stores from Toronto to Calgary, alongside real estate agent Linda Qin, mapping out her vision to restore the chain’s legacy.
She’s even drawn up plans—literally—with whiteboard presentations outlining store revitalizations, jobs, and community connections. Her central message? “We Canadians need to unite.”
But make no mistake—this is more than nostalgia. Liu has her eyes on dozens of store leases, and plans to submit formal bids by April 30.
Hudson’s Bay on Life Support: What’s for Sale?
Once a powerhouse of Canadian retail, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) is now liquidating all but six of its 80 department stores. It’s also parting ways with:
- 3 Saks Fifth Avenue locations
- 13 Saks Off 5th stores
The sales process, managed under court-appointed oversight, includes everything from store leases to brand assets, such as the Stripes trademark and even art collections.
Retail Experts: “It Won’t Be Easy”
While Liu’s proposal has stirred public interest, retail strategists caution that restoring The Bay will be a monumental challenge.
Craig Patterson of Retail Insider noted that vendors would require upfront payments from any new owner—making inventory acquisition a major hurdle. Without trust from suppliers, “restarting operations becomes incredibly difficult.”
And it’s not just about owning stores. Experts like Lisa Hutcheson from the J.C. Williams Group say that relevance is the real issue.
“If you buy The Bay and keep it as-is, it’s just another redundant brand,” Hutcheson warned.
“Rebuilding trust with suppliers and reshaping the strategy will be key.”
A Viral Vision or a Real Revival?
Skeptics point out that one of Liu’s existing properties—Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo—has recently been listed for sale, raising questions about liquidity and intent. Still, her dramatic messaging, including plans to “create miracles” and “let young Canadians fall in love with The Bay again,” has resonated.
And in a retail landscape dominated by closures, online giants, and shrinking foot traffic, perhaps that optimism is exactly what The Bay needs.
What’s Next?
Binding bids for HBC’s leases are due by May 1, while proposals for other assets must be submitted by April 30. So far, HBC has remained silent on Liu’s interest, and no confirmation has been made from court-appointed brokers overseeing the process.
For now, Canadians wait to see whether this bold vision turns into a real comeback—or just another footnote in the fading legacy of one of the country’s oldest brands.
Maple News Wire will continue tracking this developing story, as bidders circle one of Canada’s most iconic names in retail.
