Carl Boutet

Hudson’s Bay Collapse: One Year After the CCAA Filing

Craig Patterson -
A year after Hudson’s Bay filed for CCAA protection, the retail industry reflects on the collapse of a 355-year-old institution.

Saks Global Bankruptcy Reopens Canadian Retail Wounds

Craig Patterson -
Saks Global’s Chapter 11 filing revives Canadian retail fallout, exposing risks for brands, landlords, and suppliers tied to the former Saks Canada network.

Ruby Liu and the Lost Bid for Hudson’s Bay Stores

Craig Patterson -
Retail strategist Carl Boutet reflects on Ruby Liu’s failed bid for former Hudson’s Bay stores and the lessons it offers for Canadian retail’s future.

Royalmount Montreal Marks 1st Year with Rising Momentum

Craig Patterson -
Royalmount Montreal celebrates its first year, showing steady progress with younger, affluent shoppers and luxury brands reshaping the city’s retail, according to a study and discussion with Carl Boutet.

SSENSE Files for Creditor Protection Amid Luxury E-Commerce Struggles

Craig Patterson -
Montreal-based Ssense seeks creditor protection as luxury e-commerce faces turbulence and lenders push for a sale of the retailer.

Carl Boutet on Simons’ Historic Yorkdale Opening

Craig Patterson -
Retail expert Carl Boutet calls Simons’ Yorkdale debut a historic milestone as the Quebec retailer enters Toronto with vision, art, and innovation.

Hudson’s Bay Lenders File to Block Ruby Liu Store Deal

Craig Patterson -
Hudson’s Bay lenders ask the court to block a lease deal with Ruby Liu, citing high costs, stalled landlord approvals, and risk to creditor recovery. 

Retail Expert Weighs in on Ruby Liu’s Hudson’s Bay Bid

Craig Patterson -
Retail strategist Carl Boutet says Ruby Liu's bold plan to revive Hudson’s Bay stores faces challenges with landlords and scaling.

Ruby Liu’s Bold Plans for a New Department Store Chain

Craig Patterson -
Ruby Liu is launching a bold new department store chain across Canada, with insights from retail expert Carl Boutet on her experiential retail strategy.

Court Approves Hudson’s Bay-RioCan JV Receivership

Craig Patterson -
Ontario court approves RioCan's receivership for 12 Hudson’s Bay joint venture properties, with FTI Consulting appointed to oversee redevelopment.

Ruby Liu to Launch New Department Store Chain in Canada

Craig Patterson -
Ruby Liu has acquired 28 former Hudson’s Bay leases in B.C., Alberta, and Ontario to launch a new multicultural, experiential department store chain in Canada.

Canadian Tire Buys Hudson’s Bay IP in $30M Deal

Craig Patterson -
Canadian Tire is acquiring Hudson’s Bay’s historic stripes, coat of arms, and brand trademarks for $30 million, as the department store chain winds down operations.

Weihong Liu and the Future of Hudson’s Bay

Craig Patterson -
Billionaire investor Weihong Liu has bid to acquire Hudson’s Bay stores in Canada. Her bold retail vision could transform the historic department store into a Chinese-inspired experiential chain.

Hudson’s Bay Restructuring Proceeds Without Insiders

Craig Patterson -
No insider bids were made in the Hudson’s Bay restructuring, ending speculation around Richard Baker. Bidders now include Urbana Corp. and Weihong Liu.

Couche-Tard Advances 7-Eleven Bid with Data Access Deal

Craig Patterson -
Couche-Tard secures NDA to review Seven & i’s financials in bid to acquire 7-Eleven, with insights from retail strategist Carl Boutet.

Urbana Bids to Buy Hudson’s Bay Brand and Royal Charter

Craig Patterson -
Urbana Corp. aims to acquire the Hudson’s Bay brand and Royal Charter as bidders emerge ahead of court deadline in HBC liquidation.

Hudson’s Bay to Liquidate 6 Remaining Stores, Future Uncertain

Craig Patterson -
Hudson's Bay to begin liquidation at six stores Friday as hopes fade for a buyer, with art and artifacts also poised for auction.

The Future of Hudson’s Bay as a Canadian House of Brands

Craig Patterson -
Experts envision a reimagined Hudson’s Bay focused on Canadian designers, immersive retail, and smaller, experience-driven stores.

Frank And Oak Closing Most Stores in Canada Amid Debt Crisis

Craig Patterson -
Canadian fashion retailer Frank And Oak will shut most stores by May 7 amid restructuring efforts and a search for a buyer.

Hudson’s Bay Sales Collapsed Prior to Bankruptcy: Leaked Memo

Craig Patterson -
Hudson’s Bay saw a 33% sales drop and a 50% e-commerce decline in 2024, revealing major challenges before filing for bankruptcy protection.

Court Rejects Hudson’s Bay Deal, Raising Receivership Risk

Craig Patterson -
A judge has rejected Hudson’s Bay’s proposed restructuring deal, increasing the risk that lenders may push the retailer into receivership.

Landlords Slam Hudson’s Bay Deal as ‘Trojan Horse’

Craig Patterson -
Retail landlords oppose Hudson’s Bay's lender-backed deal on Thursday, warning it threatens restructuring hopes and accelerates total liquidation.

Hudson’s Bay Faces April 7 Deadline to Save 6 Stores

Craig Patterson -
Hudson’s Bay risks losing six remaining stores to liquidation if no viable buyer emerges by April 7, as lenders push for swift action in court.

Carl Boutet on Hudson’s Bay’s Uncertain Future Amid Restructuring

Craig Patterson -
Retail strategist Carl Boutet analyzes Hudson’s Bay’s financial troubles and restructuring under CCAA, questioning whether the retailer can survive its decline.

Carl Boutet’s ‘Blind Spot’ Explores Retail’s Future Disruptions

Craig Patterson -
Retail expert Carl Boutet’s new book Blind Spot examines AI, supply chains, and digital transformation shaping the future of commerce.
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