What: Hudson’s Bay is laying off less than 1% of its workforce as part of an organizational restructuring.

Why it is important: he downsizing at Hudson’s Bay reflects broader challenges within the Canadian retail sector, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt to changing market conditions to ensure long-term viability. The restructuring aims to streamline operations by re-merging its previously separated e-commerce and physical store entities, highlighting the complex strategies department stores are adopting to remain competitive and responsive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Hudson’s Bay, a prominent Canadian department store, is undergoing a significant organizational realignment, resulting in layoffs that affect less than 1% of its workforce. This move comes as part of a broader effort to adapt to the ongoing pressures in the Canadian retail market. In 2021, the company had separated its e-commerce and physical store operations to accelerate a digital-first transformation, but has since reversed this decision, reuniting both operations under one entity. This restructuring is part of Hudson’s Bay's strategy to right-size its organization in response to the changing retail environment, ensuring its long-term success while navigating the complexities of integrating technology and traditional retail practices.

Hudson’s Bay, again a unified retailer, announces layoffs in organizational ‘re-alignment’