Hudson’s Bay celebrates the launch of SHOP_BLK

Hudson’s Bay is proud to introduce SHOP_BLK, a new destination on TheBay.com that enables shoppers to discover and support Black-owned and Black-owned brands year-round. SHOP_BLK highlights the talent and innovation of Black creators in the lifestyle space and offers an incredible line of Black-owned and managed products in everything from apparel and accessories to beauty and home.

“As the first department store in Canada to sign the 15 Percent Pledge, we are committed to ensuring that the products and experiences we offer in Hudson’s Bay reflect the diversity of our customers, employees and communities across Canada,” Sophia Hwang- said Judiesch, president of Hudson’s Bay. “SHOP_BLK facilitates incredible Black-owned and led brands through dedicated curation, inspiring shoppers to support the brands they love and encouraging those who haven’t seen them to discover them.”

To celebrate the launch of SHOP_BLK, Hudson’s Bay and 15% Pledge hosted an intimate discussion at the retailer’s flagship store on Queen Street, moderated by Vanessa Craft, Global Head of Lifestyle & Education, TikTok. The panel was joined by keynote speaker Aurora James, creative director and founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies and founder of the non-profit Fifteen Percent Pledge; George Sully, designer and founder of Black Designers Canada ; Emefa Kuadey, fashion engineer and founder of ISRAELLA KOBLA; and Tyler Ferguson, owner and head designer of Monoxide; all spoke about issues of black business empowerment, opportunities for emerging designers, and black justice in Canada.

“Our partnership with Hudson’s Bay has been instrumental in supporting Black entrepreneurs across Canada,” said Aurora James, Founder of Fifteen Percent Pledge and Creative Director of Brother Vellies. “I’m thrilled that shoppers will have the opportunity to browse all of the incredible brands in SHOP_BLK and do their part to support and uplift Black business owners.”

As part of the event, Hudson’s Bay launched an in-store pop-up where shoppers can discover SHOP_BLK’s curated collections while enjoying refreshments, live music, grooming services, an art gallery and a photo studio from local Black businesses.

Brands in the SHOP_BLK collection include Balmain, Brillcool, City Chic, Ellie Bianca, Good Man Brand, Heron Preston, ISRAELLA KOBLA, Kaela Kay, Loola Cosmetics, Maison Jiji, Monoxide, Oma The Label, Saint Lyon, SIMKHA Biocosmetiques, Skindew, Sully Grocery stores from & Son Co., Yo Mama, LaQuan Smith, and more.