All Estée Lauder staff in Hudson’s Bay locations reportedly cut amid HBC collapse

What’s happening at Estée Lauder?

Estée Lauder Companies has reportedly terminated all staff working within Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) retail locations across Canada. This follows HBC’s filing for creditor protection under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and its plans to liquidate all remaining stores.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has been contacted by numerous Estée Lauder employees impacted by these terminations, many seeking clarity about how much severance they are owed. Roles affected include beauty advisors, brand representatives, and managers. Early indications suggest that some of the severance packages offered may be inadequate.

If you were paid by Estée Lauder to work inside a Hudson’s Bay store, you are likely owed full severance from Estée Lauder – not HBC. Your pay stubs, T4 slips, and employment contract can confirm who your legal employer is.

Official statements and context

While Estée Lauder has not released an official statement, numerous reports from affected staff indicate terminations occurred earlier this week.

HBC, Canada’s oldest department store chain, could permanently close:

• 80 Hudson’s Bay department stores
• 3 Saks Fifth Avenue stores
• 13 Saks Off Fifth locations

These closures have forced partner brands like Estée Lauder to cease operations in these locations.

Next steps for Estée Lauder employees

If you’re fired or let go from Estée Lauder, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

Don’t sign any severance offer or termination papers until you contact our team to discover your rights. Read our blog on severance offers and deadline extensions to learn more.

Major employers slashing staff

Reports of a workforce reduction at Estée Lauder come amid a flurry of job cuts in 2025.

Other big names, including MLSE, Disney, Town of Cochrane, Autodesk, Mohawk College, JPMorgan, Chevron, Vale, Meta, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, Shopify,  Stripe, BP, Microsoft, Hudson’s Bay, and Wayfair, have pulled out the axe as they navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• ‘We lost our agility’: Estée Lauder planning to slash up to 7,000 jobs
• Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Contact us

If you’re fired or let go from Estée Lauder for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.