HBC Releases 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

TORONTO, July 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, HBC published its 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, outlining the Company's global sustainability and social responsibility efforts in four focus areas: Investing in communities where HBC operates; Contributing to a sustainable environment; Sourcing ethically; and Engaging associates.  With operations around the world, HBC is committed to growth that is sustainable, ethical and good for both people and the planet.

"While HBC is evolving with the changing retail landscape, our commitment to doing the right things for the right reasons remains constant," said Jerry Storch, Chief Executive Officer, HBC. "As a truly global company, we have an opportunity and an obligation to make a positive impact on the people and places that make HBC the company it is today?from our employees to our customers, our local communities to the global supply chain, our focus on good corporate citizenship is unwavering."

Highlights of the 2016 report:

• HBC and its various foundations contributed $8 million (USD) to hundreds of charitable organizations across North America and Europe.
  
  
• In Canada, the 8^th edition of Hudson's Bay's iconic red mittens raised more than $1 million (CDN) for the Canadian Olympic Foundation.
  
  
• To further support Canada's Olympic hopefuls, the HBC Foundation launched the $2.5 million (CDN) HBC Athlete Bursary Program.
  
  
• Saks Fifth Avenue's 18^th annual Key to the Cure Campaign raised $500,000 (USD) for women's cancer organizations across the U.S.
  
  
• North American plastics recycling saved the equivalent of 3,822 M³ of landfill space and 3,677,976 kWh of energy
  
  
• In Europe, systematic waste management at Galeria Kaufhof resulted in 0% of waste going to landfill.
  
  
• HBC's North American associates enhanced their skills and knowledge with 107,137 hours of training, completing 416,548 courses.
  
  
• HBC's mandatory Social Compliance Program requires vendors to disclose their factories and participate in factory audits to ensure they conduct business in an ethical and socially responsible manner.  In 2016, HBC approved 2,219 factories for private label and national branded manufacturing across North American and European operations.

In line with HBC's sustainability guidelines, the Hudson's Bay Company 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report is available online only at HBC.com.

About HBC

HBC is a diversified global retailer focused on driving the performance of high quality stores and their all-channel offerings, growing through acquisitions, and unlocking the value of real estate holdings. Founded in 1670, HBC is the oldest company in North America. HBC's portfolio today includes formats ranging from luxury to premium department stores to off price fashion shopping destinations, with more than 480 stores and over 66,000 employees around the world.

HBC's leading banners across North America and Europe include Hudson's Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gilt, Saks OFF 5TH, Galeria Kaufhof, the largest department store group in Germany, and Belgium's only department store group Galeria INNO.

HBC has significant investments in real estate joint ventures. It has partnered with Simon Property Group Inc. in the HBS Global Properties Joint Venture, which owns properties in the United States and Germany. In Canada, it has partnered with RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust in the RioCan-HBC Joint Venture.

SOURCE Hudson's Bay