HUDSON’S BAY CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF SHOP_BLK; FIFTEEN PERCENT PLEDGE’S AURORA JAMES DELIVERS KEYNOTE FOR PANEL DISCUSSION
The Retailer Announces New Digital Shop, Making It Easier For Customers to Discover and Get Inspired By Black-Owned and Black-Led Brands on TheBay.com
TORONTO, Feb. 8, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, Hudson’s Bay is proud to unveil SHOP_BLK, a new destination on TheBay.com that empowers customers to discover and support Black-owned and led brands year-round. Highlighting the talent and innovations of Black creators across the lifestyle landscape, SHOP_BLK delivers an incredible array of Black-owned and Black-led products ranging from apparel and accessories to beauty and home in one curated location.
“As the first department store in Canada to sign the Fifteen Percent Pledge, we have prioritized a commitment to ensure the products and experiences we offer at Hudson’s Bay reflect the diversity of our customers, associates and communities in Canada,” says Sophia Hwang-Judiesch, President at Hudson’s Bay. “SHOP_BLK delivers the ease of shopping incredible Black-owned and Black-led brands through a dedicated curation, inspiring customers to support the brands they love and encourage discovery for those they haven’t been introduced to yet.”
To celebrate the launch of SHOP_BLK, Hudson’s Bay and Fifteen Percent Pledge hosted an intimate discussion at the retailers’ Queen Street flagship store, moderated by Vanessa Craft, Global Head of Lifestyle & Education, TikTok. Keynote speaker Aurora James, Creative Director and Founder of luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies and founder of the non-profit advocacy organization, Fifteen Percent Pledge joined panellists; George Sully, Designer, Founder of Black Designers of Canada; Emefa Kuadey, Fashion Engineer, Founder of ISRAELLA KOBLA; and Tyler Ferguson, Owner & Lead Designer, Monoxide; all of whom touched on the topics of the economic power of Black businesses, opportunities for emerging designers as well as Black equity in Canada.
“Our partnership with Hudson’s Bay has been instrumental in supporting Black entrepreneurs throughout Canada,” said Aurora James, Founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge and Creative Director of Brother Vellies. “I am so excited that shoppers will have the opportunity to browse all of the incredible brands represented within SHOP_BLK, and play their part in supporting and uplifting Black business owners.”
As part of the event, Hudson’s Bay unveiled an in-store pop-up shop where customers could discover a curation of SHOP_BLK’s assortment while enjoying refreshments, live music, beauty services, art gallery and a photo studio, all from local Black businesses.
Among the brands included in SHOP_BLK’s assortment are 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 & Son Co., Yo Mama’s Foods, LaQuan Smith, and more.
Discover SHOP_BLK now on TheBay.com.
SOURCE The Bay
