Canadian Tire’s Hudson Bay Stripes: The Iconic Blanket Making a Comeback Amid Uncertainty

Hudson’s Bay Blankets: From Fur Trade Staple to Coveted Collectible

For generations, the Hudson’s Bay point blanket—with its unmistakable green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes—has been more than just a layer of warmth. It’s a living piece of Canadian history, woven into the stories of cabins, camps, and family traditions. But 2025 has brought an unexpected twist: these blankets are suddenly at the center of a cultural and commercial scramble.

First introduced in 1779, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) designed the point blanket for the fur trade between European settlers and Indigenous peoples. Their wool fabric was prized for its ability to retain warmth, even in the wet and wild Canadian wilderness. The “points”—short lines woven into the edge—signaled size and value, a practical code that became legendary among traders and buyers. The colors, though often called Queen Anne’s, actually have no official meaning, but their vibrant stripes have become synonymous with Canadian heritage (The Canadian Encyclopedia).

The Sudden Scarcity: What’s Driving the Rush?

The past few months have seen seismic shifts. Earlier this year, the Hudson’s Bay Company shuttered its final department store after 355 years of continuous operation. For many, this closure marked the end of an era—and set off a panicked rush to secure remaining blankets. Collectors, designers, and vintage enthusiasts found themselves in direct competition, with some blankets now fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars online (Country Living).

So, what’s behind this surge? For some, it’s nostalgia—a longing for tangible connections to Canada’s past. For others, it’s the recognition that these blankets are more than decor; they’re artifacts of colonial trade, adaptation, and resilience. The fact that the blanket’s future is now uncertain only intensifies their allure.

Canadian Tire’s Role: Revival or Reinvention?

Enter Canadian Tire, the household retailer known for everything from camping gear to home improvement. With Hudson’s Bay blankets becoming scarce, there’s talk that Canadian Tire may revive the iconic stripes in some form. Whether this means reproducing classic designs or launching new products inspired by the motif remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the stripes—once exclusive to HBC—are now poised to reach a new generation, perhaps in unexpected ways.

Some designers are already reimagining point blankets beyond the bed. Max Humphrey, for instance, fashioned a headboard from a vintage blanket, while others use damaged ones for upholstery projects, celebrating their rugged durability and timeless charm. The stripes have crossed over from utility to artistry, from wilderness to living rooms.

Beyond Nostalgia: The Blanket’s Complicated Legacy

Yet, the story of the Hudson’s Bay blanket isn’t just about aesthetics or collectibles. It’s intertwined with the fur trade—a history fraught with both innovation and exploitation. These blankets served as currency between settlers and Indigenous peoples, bearing witness to centuries of exchange, adaptation, and, at times, tension. Their enduring popularity invites reflection on what it means to honor heritage while acknowledging complexity.

For Canadians and fans worldwide, the blanket’s stripes now evoke both pride and introspection. As Canadian Tire steps in, questions linger: Will new versions carry the same weight of history? Can a mass-market revival preserve the spirit that made the originals iconic?

The Marketplace: Value, Scarcity, and Sentiment

Today, the market for Hudson’s Bay point blankets is hotter than ever. Lifelong collectors report increased competition, and eBay listings showcase prices that were unthinkable a decade ago. Scarcity is a powerful motivator, but so is sentiment. Spotting a worn or damaged blanket, some opt for creative reuse, confident that these woolen stripes can handle anything—from the wilds of the 1700s to a modern family game night.

Other brands, like Pendleton, have drawn inspiration from the original stripes, offering their own takes on camp style. Yet, for many, nothing replaces the authenticity—and the stories—woven into a true Hudson’s Bay blanket.

Looking Ahead: Heritage in Transition

The closing of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s last store marks a watershed moment. As the stripes migrate from heritage brand to mainstream retailer, their meaning may shift—but their legacy endures. Whether as a collector’s item, a design statement, or a symbol of Canadian resilience, the Hudson’s Bay point blanket remains at the heart of ongoing conversations about identity, history, and change.

As Canadian Tire eyes a revival and collectors race to preserve the originals, the Hudson’s Bay stripes stand as a powerful reminder: heritage is not static, but alive—shaped by memory, scarcity, and the choices we make to carry it forward.