The new proprietors of Zellers are gearing up to expand the reestablished brand to Ontario with a few adjustments in place beforehand. A fresh discount store will be unveiled near Yorkdale Mall in Toronto on June 18th, followed by another opening at Tecumseh Mall in Windsor come July. These stores, akin to the Edmonton branch that spearheaded the brand’s revival last year, will feature a range of products including clothing, household items, luggage, and seasonal goods.
In addition to the existing offerings, the Ontario stores will also incorporate snack foods and toys. Initially hesitant to include toys due to concerns about competing with major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, Zellers’ chief operating officer Joey Benitah had a change of heart after successfully testing a small toy selection at the Edmonton location, which turned out to be top sellers.
The Benitah family, the current owners of the brand, acquired the rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name after its previous owner, Hudson’s Bay, ceased operations. The family is also associated with clothing stores Fairweather and International Clothiers, as well as home goods retailer Wyrth. Despite multiple revivals and closures over the years, Zellers is now under new ownership, less than a year into its relaunch, with plans for national expansion in the works.
In the Windsor region, Zellers is making a comeback at Tecumseh Mall, a site that formerly housed a Zellers until its closure in 2013. Anticipating its return, customers who remember the previous store express excitement, citing nostalgia and eagerness for its reopening. The upcoming Zellers location will join other retail outlets in the vicinity, including Giant Tiger, Walmart, and a future Costco location.
Ryan Donally, president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, views Zellers’ return to Windsor positively, predicting a boost in foot traffic that could benefit surrounding businesses. The decision is seen as a positive development for the area, promoting competition and choice for consumers. Tecumseh Mall’s spokesperson expressed enthusiasm for Zellers’ return, noting the special place the brand holds in customers’ hearts and the natural fit of its comeback to the property.
