Hudson's Bay Company

Hudson’s Bay Company is a business which was founded in 1670 in Canada. It was a British company until 1970 when it be a Canadian business. Hudson’s Bay Company is the oldest company in North America.

Initially a fur trading business, the company diversified its activities by launching and acquiring different luxury to premium department stores, entering the real estate sector as well as the oil and gas industry.

Hudson’s Bay Company achieved a turnover of € 6,3 Billion and the company employs around 40000 persons. 

Hudson’s Bay Company began operating as a fur trading business in the 17th century. The company has set up some forts and posts along James and Hudson bays during that time. In the 18th century, the business expanded and set up more posts in the country in areas like Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton. 

With time, fur started to lose its popularity and Hudson’s Bay Company launched 6 department stores in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg which are known as the ‘original six’ Hudson’s Bay department stores. The company also acquired other retail businesses. 

Hudson’s Bay Company diversified its activities by entering other industries. The firm partnered with Simon Property Group Inc. 

Furthermore, in 1926, the Hudson’s Bay Oil and Gas Company was founded when the company partnered with Marland Oil Company. By 1967, the firm became the 6th largest Canadian oil producer. 

Hudson’s Bay Company also entered the credit card, mortgage and personal insurance sectors through various partnerships. 

In 2000, Hudson’s Bay Company launched its e-commerce website. Many of the retail businesses also have their own online stores as well as their private labels.

Hudson’s Bay Company owns the following stores:

• Hudson’s Bay

• Lord & Taylor

• Saks Fifth Avenue

• Saks OFF 5th

• Find @Lord & Taylor

• Home Outfitters

• Galeria Kaufhof

• Galeria INNO

• Sportarena

Hudson’s Bay Company also launched a loyalty program where customers earn points based on purchases. These points are accumulated and can later be redeemed in gift cards, restaurants or theaters or can also be converted into Air Miles. 

Hudson’s Bay Company is also involved in charity and community activities. 

The company has also been the official outfitter for the Canadian Olympic team and has been providing them with clothes during Olympic events for several years.