Yesterday's radio commercials and related jingles are disposable flotsam and jetsam. Often rescued from the dumpster and tape eraser, here's where they live to celebrate another day, and give us a peek into the pop culture of the past. All material has been sourced from tapes or vinyl discs (records) used on the air at radio stations or dubs of said tapes, transferred for pristine quality when possible.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Another Blow to Canadian Retail......after 355 Years......YES 355 years......
It's a sad day in Canadian Retail. The longest existing retailer in North America, The Hudson's Bay company with their "The Bay" and "Zellers" store across Canada closed their remaining stores on June 1st, 2025. The plus side is that it's legacy will continue under control of another well known Canadian brand with over 100 years in retail in this country, Canadian Tire. There's little comparable in the US, so it's probably why CT lasted so long especially with the US retail giants Walmart and Home Depot just to mention two who have invaded the retail landscape over the last few decades. I can't think of a better Canadian company to hold the brand rights to the HBC brand and am looking forward to see what happens in the coming years with what they bought.
One can argue and comment on the Hudson's Bay Company demise, but Wiki has a great article HERE if you want to learn more. For people of a certain age, both The Bay and Zellers were brands we grew up with and shopped at and now they are both gone as they were best known as over the decades and certainly can say centuries for this company at least
This is the only "The Bay" radio spot I have in my reels....likely from 1993. They had their "One Day Sale" back then, and this spot took Bobby Bloom's 1970 hit "Montego Bay" and had some fun in promoting the event. It's well done too.
Enjoy
HBC Media The Bay-One Day Sale "Montego Bay" BR-93-94 :30 English with slate
Sorry about Hudson Bay Co, but hey, at least we got this goody for vintage ad fans. Thanks!
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