London Calling! NEW 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Apparel by The Hudson's Bay Company Celebrates the Canadian Spirit and Adventurer in All of Us

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 2, 2011) -

Editors Note: There is a video associated with this press release.

2012 here we come! Today, The Hudson's Bay Company unveiled the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Replica Apparel that will outfit our athletes at the upcoming Olympic Games in London. Inspired by our Canadian spirit and the adventurer in each of us, the official Olympic wear is now on sale in all locations of The Bay, Zellers, and online at www.thebay.com, so everyone can show their support for our Olympic athletes. Plus, The Hudson's Bay Company is also launching a special winter collection inspired by the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team summer line.

Created by The Hudson's Bay Company's team of innovative designers, the inspiration for the Olympic 2012 collection was to represent the great outdoors and summer in Canada. For many of us, the summer means getting outside, being active, and coming together. It's a time when our passion for adventure shines, and the diversity of our nation's terrain is captivating. Collectively, we also identify with dressing according to the conditions, whether it's a windbreaker for a boat ride to the cottage, the summer toque of a fisherman, or all-purpose denim for everyday life.

The Olympic collection represents iconic Canadian looks. It captures a contemporary feel and highlights the essence of Canada's style which has permeated the globe. Also inspired by past Olympic Games, the line is a modernized hybrid of some of Canada's best uniforms. Key elements woven throughout the collection include:

• Colours – The collection is made up of strong Canadian colours: Maple Leaf Red and Northern White accented with Evergreen and Black. Traditional heather grey, also a predominate colour, represents a classic athletic look.
  
  
• Canada Wordmark – The designers looked to the uniforms of the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games for their sporty colour-blocking concept. They modernized the look by adding the Canada wordmark within a colour-blocked band and applied it to jackets, t-shirts and hoodies. The result is a bold and highlighted Canada wordmark.
  
  
• The Leaf – Also inspired by the past, the Maple Leaf Canada graphic features the Canada wordmark arched within the shape of a maple leaf. First seen at the Stockholm 1912 Olympic Games, Canadian athletes have sported similar Maple Leaf Canada t-shirts as part of their uniform.
  
  
• Patches – Canada is famous all over the world for patches sewn on travellers' backpacks. They are a symbol of exploration, adventure and accomplishment. In celebration, The Hudson's Bay Company has created an Olympic patch collection which recognizes every part of our vast country, depicting our landscapes, provinces, indigenous animals and sports. The Shield patch in particular was inspired by provincial symbolism and spotlights our nation from coast-to-coast. Also included in the collection are two patches dedicated to the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team – one in English, one in French. The original patches will be incorporated into many of the apparel designs and will also be available separately.
  
  

Passion, All Sewn Up

"Canada's style has made a huge impression around the world and we want our Olympic designs to reflect who we are as a nation," says Suzanne Timmins, VP Fashion Director, Hudson's Bay Company. "The look and feel of the collection captures our passion for the outdoors and Canada in the summer. It's this same passion that our athletes show in competition, and we couldn't be more proud to have the opportunity to help them look their best as they prepare to do their best."

It's no secret that Canadian weather can be unpredictable. The 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Retail Apparel collection will have fans ready for any conditions with a hooded windbreaker, patched and vintage-washed jean jacket, track jacket and knitted toque. Also included in the range are graphic hoodies and t-shirts which proudly celebrate Canada and are a dedication to our athletes. Here are some of the star items in the collection:

• The Canada Windbreaker: A practical and versatile piece, this windbreaker is designed with not only the Canadian weather in mind, but also the conditions in London where our athletes will be competing. It features a 'hide-away' hood that can be zipped inside the collar, outer pockets, vents and a wordmark appliqué across the chest. It is lightweight and ideal for travel and outdoor activities.
  
  
• The Jean Jacket: This is a unique and fashion-forward concept inspired by our love of denim and its classic appeal and longevity. Incorporating the Canadian patches makes the jacket an iconic collector piece, which wearers can continue to personalize by adding their own patches and memories. The jean jacket tells a story and will continue to get better with age.
  
  
• The Crew Neck Sweatshirt: Made from 100% cotton French Terry, this sweatshirt prominently features the Maple Leaf Canada logo appliquéd on the front chest in cotton twill. This is a classic athletic piece and will be available in Red and Heather Grey. Key features are comfort and versatility and the designers felt it was an ideal piece for athletes to layer, prior to warm-up and training.
  
  
• The Track Jacket: A clean, modern take on the classic track jacket, this full zip jacket features contrast stripe details on the rib trim and left sleeve. Also featured are the Canadian Olympic patches, the Canada Leaf patch and a large Team 2012 printed logo on the back. The overall effect has strong graphic appeal making it a functional and stand-out piece in the collection.
  

Priced from $15 to $100, the full collection is attainable for would-be supporters from coast-to-coast, and makes an ideal gift for the holidays.

The Envy of the World

"Canadian Olympic Team outfits are traditionally the envy of the world, and are a real source of pride for our athletes," says Derek Kent, Chief Marketing Officer at the Canadian Olympic Committee. "This new London collection is exciting and fashion forward. It's a great opportunity for Canadians to connect with our athletes and show support for the Team."

For the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Canadian Olympic Team will consist of approximately 320 athletes and 250 support staff. Team members will each receive 29 items as a part of their 2012 uniform, including leisurewear, jackets, pants and accessories. This will outfit them in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, during Podium Presentations, and while simply hanging out in the Olympic village.

As is tradition, HBC is honoured to have a number of Canada's athletes model the Olympic fashions. This year's female athletic models include Julia Wilkinson from Stratford, Ontario, who is on the swim team; Jennifer Abel from Montreal who is a diver; and Nicole Forrester of Toronto who is a member of our athletics team, competing in high jump. For the male models, Philippe Beaudry of Sherbrooke is competing in fencing; Thomas Hall from Pointe Claire, Quebec races the canoe/kayak; and Mike Brown from Perth, Ontario is a member of the swim team.

The entire 2012 Olympic collection can be purchased online at www.thebay.com and will be in all locations of The Bay and Zellers from November 2 until September 2012.

The Next Chapter

Last week, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced that The Hudson's Bay Company and RBC are the first Premier National Partners to renew their partnerships past 2012. Hudson's Bay Company made history by entering into an eight year commitment to be the Canadian Olympic Team's official outfitter from 2013 to 2020. This covers all Olympic, Olympic Winter, Pan American and Youth Olympic Games during this period.

About Hudson's Bay Company

Hudson's Bay Company, the Canadian retail entity of Hudson's Bay Trading Company (HBTC), is Canada's largest diversified general merchandise retailer. Founded in 1670, The Hudson's Bay Company operates the Bay, a major department store, Zellers, a mass merchandise format, Home Outfitters, a kitchen, bed and bath specialty store, and value-priced Fields stores. With more than 600 retail outlets and over 60,000 associates in Canada, Hudson's Bay Company banners provide Canadians with stylish, quality merchandise at great value and with a dedicated focus on exceeding customer expectations.

About the Canadian Olympic Committee

The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic, Youth Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For news and information, visit the COC website at www.olympic.ca and find the team on both Facebook (Canadian Olympic Team) and Twitter (@CDNOlympicTeam).

News release, videos and photography are available on the media microsite at: http://canada2012olympics.com/.

user: canada2012press

pass: thebayolympics

To view behind the scenes video of the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Apparel by The Hudson's Bay Company, Photo Shoot with Suzanne Timmins, please visit the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MMpsGiDILU.