Vacant Hudsons Bay stores could spark interest if landlords are willing to get creative [Video]

Apartments, health centres and even pickleball courts may be coming to your local mall after Hudson’s Bay departs.

Retail and real estate experts say the closure of most of the 355-year-old company’s department stores offers a chance to reimagine the country’s most sought-after and high-traffic spaces in malls.

“I think it’s a massive opportunity for landlords to reinvent,” said Kate Camenzuli, vice-president of retail at commercial real estate company CBRE.

“It may take a bit of time, but I think it’s a huge positive because this is the last large-format piece of space that will be and is available in the Canadian marketplace.”

The 74 Hudson’s Bay, two Saks Fifth Avenue and 13 Saks Off 5th stores set to be vacant as Canada’s oldest retailer closes all but six sites typically cover about 120,000 square feet apiece.

Some locations like the Toronto flagship on Yonge Street are enormous: Hudson’s Bay takes over 675,700 …