Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) has announced a round of layoffs affecting the Canadian corporate sector.
The retailer says 2% of its workforce will be affected.
Hudson Bay vice president Tiffany Borre confirmed in an email to the Daily Hive that the action was taken as a result of significant external pressure on Canada’s retail sector.
“[Hudson’s Bay Co.] We are realigning our strategic priorities and increasing operational efficiency,” she said.
“These decisions are not easy, but we are committed to treating everyone with fairness and respect,” Bourre added in a response to the Daily Hive.
The company closed its historic large Toronto location last March. Staff who have been laid off as a result will “receive an appropriate employment separation package and will be considered for transfer opportunities where available.” statement Hudson’s Bay provided employment counsel for Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
Around the same time, the company officially unveiled renderings of its new vision for a historic building at 674 Granville Street in Vancouver. The Daily Hive Urbanized was the first to report details of HBC’s proposal.
A year before its Toronto location closed, Hudson’s Bay laid off more than 600 employees, citing lockdown pressures from COVID-19.