Zellers’ new proprietors are gearing up to extend the reinvigorated brand to Ontario, with some adjustments in the works before the expansion. A fresh discount outlet is scheduled to debut near Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall on June 18th, followed by another opening at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July. These stores, similar to the Edmonton flagship that kickstarted the brand’s revival last year, will offer a range of products including apparel, home goods, luggage, and seasonal items.
In addition to the existing product lineup, the Ontario stores will introduce snack foods and toys, a product category initially considered challenging to compete in against giants like Walmart and Amazon. Zellers’ chief operating officer, Joey Benitah, had a change of heart after discovering that a trial selection of toys at the Edmonton store turned out to be top sellers.
Last year, the Benitah family, now the brand’s owners, acquired the rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name following the closure of its previous owner, Hudson’s Bay. The family also operates Fairweather and International Clothiers apparel stores along with Wyrth, a home goods retailer.
Zellers, a discount department store with a storied history of closures and rebirths over the past century, is now undergoing a new chapter under its current ownership. Plans for national expansion are on the horizon, less than a year into the brand’s relaunch.
In the Windsor area, Zellers will make a notable return to Tecumseh Mall, which previously housed a Zellers store until its closure in 2013. Customers eager for its comeback express anticipation, reminiscing about the store’s past presence. The surrounding retail landscape near Tecumseh Road and Lauzon Road will see Zellers joining other stores like Giant Tiger, Walmart, and a forthcoming Costco location.
Ryan Donally, president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, views Zellers’ return to Windsor as a positive development for the region, anticipating increased foot traffic and improved service offerings for customers. Tecumseh Mall’s spokesperson, Katarina Taylor, echoes this sentiment, expressing excitement for Zellers’ summer return and emphasizing the nostalgia and significance the brand holds for the community.