UPDATE: Hudson’s Bay Expands Wholesale Agreement with Target
[Update as of May 6, 2024] Hudson’s Bay shoppers have been buying more children’s apparel, boosting basket sizes 15%, since the retailer began carrying Target’s private label Cat & Jack kids’ apparel brand earlier this year. The early positive response has encouraged Hudson’s Bay to expand its Cat & Jack assortment to include swimwear, outerwear and shoes in addition to apparel.
Target plans to continue expanding the wholesale relationship with Hudson’s Bay as well as seeking opportunities in new markets with “great retail partners,” according to a Target blog post.
Original story begins:
Strategic brand partnerships and collaborations can help merchants raise brand awareness and expand into new markets. Target is partnering with Hudson’s Bay to bring its popular kids apparel brand, Cat & Jack, to Canada.
Target made its official exit from Canada in 2015, with CEO Brian Cornell reporting that area of the business was “losing money every day.” But beginning March 14, the big-box retailer will sell its Cat & Jack assortment on TheBay.com as well as creating dedicated brand experiences in Hudson’s Bay stores. The line features hundreds of pieces, from versatile basics and on-trend fashions, with price points ranging from $7 to $35.
By adding Cat & Jack to its kids assortment, Hudson’s Bay is meeting customers’ need for “stylish and durable clothing that is also affordable,” Hudson’s Bay President and CEO Liz Rodbell said in a statement. “We’re listening to customers and are very focused on delivering an assortment that is relevant and reflects what Canadian families are looking for. Cat & Jack will be key in our kids assortment, and we know our customers will be excited that they can now get this loved brand in Canada.”
This also represents a highly strategic move for Target, which is focused on optimizing its portfolio of “dozens of owned brands,” according to Bill Foudy, President of Owned Brand Sourcing and Development at Target in a statement. “As we continue to expand this established area of our business, we’re pleased to work with Hudson’s Bay to offer our popular Cat & Jack kids brand to Canadian shoppers in all Hudson’s Bay stores and via TheBay.com.”
