When I reflect on my time working at the Bay in downtown Vancouver during the vibrant 1980s, I’m overwhelmed by a wave of nostalgia, especially for an unforgettable story of a woman who became a fixture near the store's entrance on Georgia Street. In her summer coat, she stood there day after day, her heart anchored in hope. Her son had gone off to fight in World War II, and despite the passage of time, she believed he would return to her. When that day came, she was convinced he would walk through the doors of Hudson's Bay, and her commitment to wait for him became a poignant tale of love and perseverance.

Shopping at the Bay was a quintessential Vancouver experience. It was a veritable treasure trove, catering to every conceivable need and occasion. Whether it was a wedding gown, school supplies, or the latest Must-Have toys that delighted the children of the era, the Bay had it all. The phrase "Hatch, match, dispatch" couldn't have been more apt—across life’s milestones, the store stood as a reliable resource.

As spring arrived, women brought in their fur coats for seasonal storage, while autumn marked the return of buzzing crowds eager to stock up on educational supplies for the new school year. The Bay was synonymous with Christmas cheer, with festive traditions like “Breakfast with Santa” that brought families together to kickstart the holiday season in style.

In addition to being a shopping paradise, the Bay became a community hub, hosting a range of services including interior design consulting, a photo studio, shoe repair, and even a post office. For teenagers, being a part of the store's teen council was the peak of cool, granting access to glamorous fashion shows featuring stars like Sophia Loren and Rosita Missoni. Shopping was an experience in itself, as many utilized the parcel pickup service and home delivery offered by a fleet of vans.

My role wasn’t on the retail floor but at the Bay’s in-house advertising agency—the largest west of Toronto. We were a vibrant team of creative minds directly behind the marketing endeavors of the iconic store. With a full suite of professionals including fashion illustrators and event planners, we were dedicated to communicating the Bay’s legacy and offerings to the community.

One of my proudest moments was producing a radio ad referencing the pioneers of the Hudson’s Bay Company, which served as a reminder of the store's historic significance. With approximately 750 employees navigating through the bustling store, our entrance from the underused Seymour Street felt like a behind-the-scenes pass into a world defined by creativity and commerce.

Among my colleagues was Dana Hall, a department manager who boldly declared her ambition to run the store. Her tenacity led her to later become the general manager. I vividly remember the chaos of June 15, 2011, during the Stanley Cup riots, when Dana's quick thinking and leadership ensured the safety of customers and staff alike by guiding us all into the basement as violence erupted outside. The bravery shown on that day stands testament to the strength of the Bay’s community spirit.

As the city recovered, citizens rallied together, armed with brooms and dustpans, ready to help clean up the destruction, a gesture that still brings tears to Dana’s eyes when she remembers the outpouring of support. In gratitude, the Bay hosted a pancake breakfast to celebrate and thank those who stepped up.

The Bay wasn’t just a landmark; it was a community cornerstone—a place where people shopped, formed friendships, and created memories while sourcing the fabrics of their lives. As we face a new era with shifting shopping habits and the looming uncertainty of its future, one can’t help but wonder: Where would a grieving mother find solace today, waiting for her son to return home, this time with no Bay to welcome them both?

As we reminisce about the stories intertwined with the Bay, we must also question what will fill the void left by such an iconic institution, and what new hopes and connections will emerge in its place.