A Heritage Icon Finds a New Home
Canadian Tire is giving new life to one of Canada’s most beloved symbols — the Hudson’s Bay stripes. After winning a competitive bidding war this summer to acquire the iconic pattern and related trademarks from the defunct Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), the retailer has unveiled its first limited-edition collection just in time for the holidays.
Canadian Tire purchased HBC’s intellectual property portfolio, including its recognizable multicoloured motif, slogans, and brand rights, for $30 million after the 354-year-old company succumbed to $1.1 billion in debt earlier this year.
Eva Salem, Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Brand at Canadian Tire, described the acquisition as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. “It was like Christmas,” she said. “We were so excited — but we also knew it came with a deep sense of responsibility.”
The First Collection Launches December 5
The much-anticipated Canadian Tire Hudson’s Bay stripes collection will hit stores on December 5, 2025, featuring 26 products that celebrate both nostalgia and national pride.
Items include the brand’s signature point blankets, along with striped pillows, tote bags, espresso sets, tumblers, ornaments, and even teddy bear nutcrackers. Each product features the classic red, yellow, green, and blue stripes that have been synonymous with Canadian identity for generations.
While many expected Canadian Tire to plaster the stripes across all types of products, Salem assured customers that the company is focused on “quality, not quantity.” She emphasized that every item was curated with care, ensuring that the new products reflect both respect for heritage and modern appeal.
Balancing Legacy and Responsibility
The Hudson’s Bay stripes hold a complicated legacy. While they are a cherished emblem of Canadian design, they also evoke the colonial history of the fur trade and its impact on Indigenous communities.
Canadian Tire is taking deliberate steps to honor that legacy responsibly. The retailer pledged that net proceeds from blanket sales will continue to support Oshki Wupoowane (The Blanket Fund) — an Indigenous-led initiative managed by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
Canadian Tire has guaranteed a minimum $1 million annual donation to the fund, reaffirming its commitment to reconciliation and social responsibility.
Partnerships and Production
To bring the first collection to life in record time — just five months — Canadian Tire collaborated with AW Hainsworth, the historic British manufacturer that has long produced Hudson’s Bay blankets.
“The nostalgia and craftsmanship behind these products are unmatched,” Salem said. “We wanted to make sure the first collection honored that legacy.”
The range includes three types of blankets:
- A premium point blanket priced at $450.
- A striped caribou blanket at a mid-tier price.
- A fleece throw, making the heritage design more accessible.
What’s Next for the Hudson’s Bay Stripes
Canadian Tire plans to release an “evergreen” collection next year, ensuring that the Hudson’s Bay stripes remain a year-round presence rather than just a seasonal feature.
The company is also exploring how to expand the stripes beyond home décor. According to early social media polls, customers are eager to see striped umbrellas, towels, and apparel. Salem hinted that future collections could also appear at SportChek and Mark’s, both part of Canadian Tire’s brand family.
“Eventually, it’ll be easier for Canadians to find and experience the stripes than ever before,” she said.
A New Chapter in Canadian Retail History
With this acquisition, Canadian Tire adds another heritage brand to its portfolio alongside SportChek, Mark’s, and PartyCity. CEO Greg Hicks called the deal “a patriotic match,” emphasizing that Canadian Tire sees itself as the ideal steward of the stripes.
“The launch was about stewardship, not speed,” Hicks said. “We wanted to ensure the stripes continue to represent something meaningful to Canadians.”
The Canadian Tire Hudson’s Bay stripes collection blends history, craftsmanship, and national pride — making it one of the most anticipated retail launches of the year.
Stay Updated on Canadian Business and Retail News
For more updates on iconic Canadian brands, retail trends, and startup innovation, visit StartupNews.fyi — your trusted source for breaking business and entrepreneurship stories.
