Winnipeg shoppers ‘heartbroken’ as future uncertain for Hudson’s Bay Co. [Video]

Winnipeggers are lamenting the potential loss of a fixture in the city’s history, with several Hudson’s Bay Co. stores now possibly on the chopping block after the storied retailer was granted creditor protection.

The company started restructuring proceedings Friday, saying in court documents it’s having trouble paying back landlords, service providers and vendors, and that it’s had to defer some payments for months.

A source familiar with the matter said Hudson’s Bay is looking at closing around 40 of its 80 stores, although numbers could change, according to The Canadian Press.

On Wednesday, shoppers outside the Bay’s Polo Park mall location — one of two remaining in Winnipeg, along with the St. Vital mall store — said they’re upset the proceedings could end the company’s presence in a city it’s been inextricably linked to throughout its 355-year history.

“It’s Winnipeg heritage,” Troy Richards said. “The Bay’s always been around for …