The new owners of Zellers are gearing up to bring the relaunched brand to Ontario but will make a few adjustments first.
A new discount store is scheduled to open near Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall on June 18th, followed by another at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July.
Similar to the Edmonton location that marked the brand’s comeback last year, these stores will carry clothing, home essentials, luggage, and seasonal products.
WATCH | Zellers announces national expansion earlier in 2026:
Zellers announces national expansion after Edmonton re-launch
Most Zellers locations in Canada closed over a decade ago. Now, following a successful relaunch in Edmonton, the company has revealed plans for Zellers 3.0 to expand nationwide.
The Ontario stores will also feature snack foods and toys, a category that the owners initially thought would be tough to compete with against Walmart and Amazon.
Zellers’ chief operating officer Joey Benitah changed his mind after seeing that a small selection of toys tested at the Edmonton store turned out to be some of its best sellers.
The Benitah family acquired rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name last year after its previous owner, Hudson’s Bay, ceased operations.
This family also owns apparel shops Fairweather and International Clothiers as well as home goods retailer Wyrth.
In almost 100 years since its inception, Zellers has seen several ups and downs.
The current owners are just under a year into their relaunch but have announced plans for further national growth.
WATCH | Take a look at Zellers’ return to Canada’s retail landscape:
Taking a look at Zellers’ return to the Canadian retail landscape
The nostalgic department store Zellers is making its comeback at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton. CBC’s Tristan Mottershead visited Zellers for his very first time.
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Zellers announces national expansion after Edmonton re-launch
Most Zellers locations in Canada closed over a decade ago. Now, following a successful relaunch in Edmonton, the company has revealed plans for Zellers 3.0 to expand nationwide.
The Ontario stores will also feature snack foods and toys, a category that the owners initially thought would be tough to compete with against Walmart and Amazon.
Zellers’ chief operating officer Joey Benitah changed his mind after seeing that a small selection of toys tested at the Edmonton store turned out to be some of its best sellers.
The Benitah family acquired rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name last year after its previous owner, Hudson’s Bay, ceased operations.
This family also owns apparel shops Fairweather and International Clothiers as well as home goods retailer Wyrth.
In almost 100 years since its inception, Zellers has seen several ups and downs.
The current owners are just under a year into their relaunch but have announced plans for further national growth.
WATCH | Take a look at Zellers’ return to Canada’s retail landscape:
Taking a look at Zellers’ return to the Canadian retail landscape
The nostalgic department store Zellers is making its comeback at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton. CBC’s Tristan Mottershead visited Zellers for his very first time.
Location in Windsor area marks a return
Zellers will set up shop again at Tecumseh Mall in Windsor – which had an outlet until it closed down in 2013. Shoppers who remember it say they’re eager for its return. “I was 13 years old when they closed, and it’s gonna be really nostalgic and I’m really excited to see Tecumseh Mall coming back and getting a big store like that,” said Tyler Gelines. Gelines mentions his mother used to work there and vaguely recalls the restaurant inside the store. Zellers will join several other retailers near Tecumseh Road and Lauzon Road, including franchises like Giant Tiger, Walmart, and an upcoming Costco location nearby. Ryan Donally, president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, believes Zellers’ decision to return is encouraging for local business. You could argue that rising tide lifts all ships,” he stated. “Having additional foot traffic around any one store could lead to better service options for customers visiting.” “Customers want variety,” he added. “More choices boost competition,” ensuring residents have access to top-notch options.” A representative from Tecumseh Mall expressed excitement about welcoming back this retailer this summer. “Zellers holds a special place in many hearts among our customers and has been fondly remembered by people across greater Windsor,” said Katarina Taylor, general manager of the property. “Its return seems like such a great fit.”Source link
