The former Hudson's Bay store at Devonshire Mall in Windsor, Ontario, is set for demolition, according to a report by CTV News Windsor. The iconic department store space, which has been vacant since the retailer's closure, will be razed as part of redevelopment plans for the mall.
Background on the Hudson's Bay closure
Hudson's Bay announced the closure of its Devonshire Mall location in early 2025, part of a broader restructuring that saw dozens of stores shuttered across Canada. The store officially closed its doors in March 2025, leaving a large anchor space empty in one of Windsor's primary shopping centres.
Demolition and redevelopment plans
The demolition is expected to make way for new development, though specific details about what will replace the Hudson's Bay space have not been fully disclosed. Mall officials have indicated that the redevelopment aims to modernize the property and attract new tenants. The timeline for demolition has not been confirmed, but preparations are reportedly underway.
Impact on the local retail landscape
The loss of Hudson's Bay has been a significant blow to Devonshire Mall, which has struggled with declining foot traffic and the rise of e-commerce. The demolition represents a shift in Windsor's retail environment, as traditional department stores give way to mixed-use developments and experiential retail concepts. According to retail analysts, malls across Canada are increasingly repurposing anchor spaces for entertainment, dining, or residential uses.
Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the demolition. Some see it as an opportunity for renewal, while others lament the loss of a retail landmark that served the community for decades. The Hudson's Bay building at Devonshire Mall had been a fixture since the mall's expansion in the 1970s.
