Hudson’s Bay Company began liquidation sales on Monday, while temporarily excluding six stores from the initial process.
Hudson’s Bay receives court approval for revised liquidation plan, excludes 6 locations. – Hudson’s Bay
The Canadian retailer received court approval on Friday to move forward with a revised liquidation plan as part of its ongoing Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) proceedings.
For the time being the Downtown Queen Street location at 176 Yonge Street in Toronto, Yorkdale Shopping Center in Toronto, Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, the Downtown Montreal location, Carrefour Laval in Laval, and the Pointe-Claire store in Quebec, will remain open.
The revised plan was strengthened by stronger-than-expected sales over the past week, which exceeded projections and provided Hudson’s Bay with the flexibility to continue operations at the six exempted locations while exploring restructuring options.
The decision allows Hudson’s Bay additional time to collaborate with key landlords and stakeholders in an effort to restructure its business.
“Canadians have shown extraordinary support for Hudson’s Bay over the last two weeks and overwhelmed us with their encouragement and endearment for the brand. We are extremely fortunate to have such an engaged community behind us,” said Liz Rodbell, president and CEO of Hudson’s Bay.
“Our associates have been met with extraordinary kindness from our customers—each of whom reflects the cherished relationships we have built together over generations.”
Once the liquidation sales begin, all transactions will be final. Gift cards will be accepted until April 6. Meanwhile, the firm’s online site will continue normal operations.
In addition to the liquidation plan, the court also granted Hudson’s Bay authority to repay its debtor-in-possession financing provided by Restore Capital, an affiliate of Hilco Global, along with other lenders.
Furthermore, the company has received approval to initiate a sale and investment solicitation process (SISP) and a lease monetization process, which are designed to maximize value for stakeholders. The SISP will explore potential strategic investments, partnerships, or sales, while the lease monetization process aims to unlock value from the Company’s lease portfolio.
The company will release further details regarding store closures, final sales events, and customer accommodations in the coming weeks, it said.
Levi Strauss & Co. maintained a full-year outlook that excludes any impact from sweeping new US tariffs that are poised to significantly raise costs for multinational apparel companies.
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The San Francisco-based company said its guidance for fiscal 2025 “assumes no significant worsening” of macroeconomic pressure on consumers, supply-chain disruptions, increased tariffs or similar factors. Levi sees organic revenue growth, which excludes items such as currency impact and divestments, growing 3.5% to 4.5% this year.
Shares alternated between gains and losses in extended trading. Since President Donald Trump announced the tariffs on April 2, the stock has declined 19%.
Chief Financial Officer Harmit Singh said in an interview it’s “difficult to forecast or plan at this stage” for the tariffs’ impact on consumers. He said the company is focused on its relationships with vendors and the cost base for its products.
Chief Executive Officer Michelle Gass said the company is approaching the topic of tariffs with “urgency, but not being overly reactive.”
Levi is one of the first retailers to report earnings after Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs last week. The company has previously said that its sourcing from China and Mexico to the US isn’t material.
The company says it sources about 5% of its goods in the US from Mexico and 1% from China.
Balenciaga has teamed up with Italian heritage brand Scholl to launch a footwear capsule collection.
Balenciaga and Scholl launch footwear collaboration. – Balenciaga x Scholl
The capsule merges the Parisian fashion house’s savoir-faire with Scholl’s expertise in comfortable orthopaedic footwear and insoles to introduce footwear with cork soles and footbeds, including heeled mules, booties, and boots, flat sandals and mules crafted from premium materials like Nappa sheepskin and calfskin.
Notable design features include metal buckles inspired by Scholl’s original 1956 Pescura sandal and reimagined beechwood platform clogs with perforated uppers. The collaboration also introduces co-branded versions of Balenciaga’s iconic Pool Slide Sandals.
Debuting as part of Balenciaga’s Fall 2025 collection, the collaboration stems from creative director Demna’s vision “to create the most comfortable heels ever made, infusing the House’s distinctive silhouettes with Scholl’s unparalleled comfort.”
The collection is now available at select Balenciaga boutiques worldwide and online.
Last month, Balenciaga launched a Brand Ambassador Fanclub Series, featuring a lineup of global icons, including Isabelle Huppert, Kim Kardashian, Michelle Yeoh, Nicole Kidman, and PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn.
Brazilian body care brand Gente Beauty announced on Friday a significant investment from private equity firm Webster Capital.
Gente Beauty secures investment from Webster Capital. – Gente Beauty
Gente Beauty is the first skin and body care brand to offer lymphatic-drainage products, recognizing the importance of treating your body with the same care as your face. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“This partnership with Webster Capital is a game-changer for Gente Beauty. With their support, we can expand our reach and continue redefining body care through innovation and Brazilian beauty rituals,” said Marianne Fonseca, founder of Gente Beauty.
“Our mission has always been to empower people to care for their bodies with intention, and this investment brings us one step closer to making self-lymphatic drainage an essential part of everyday wellness.”
As part of the investment, Webster Capital, known for its strategic focus on consumer-packaged goods, direct-to-consumer e-commerce, and retail expansion, will bring its institutional knowledge and operational support to help scale the brand.
Tony Olson, founder of Webster Capital, brings a wealth of experience to the partnership. Previously, he served as CEO of Spins for over two decades, transforming it into a leading provider of market insights for the natural, organic, and wellness sectors.