The recently acquired Zellers brand is set to expand its presence to Ontario with some modifications ahead of the launch. A new discount store will open near Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall on June 18th, followed by another at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July. These stores will offer a range of products including apparel, home goods, luggage, and seasonal items, similar to the Edmonton location that kickstarted the brand’s relaunch last year.
In addition to the existing product lineup, the Ontario stores will introduce snack foods and toys, a category initially considered challenging due to competition from Walmart and Amazon. However, Zellers’ chief operating officer, Joey Benitah, decided to include toys after a successful trial in the Edmonton store where they became top sellers.
The Benitah family, now the owners of the brand, acquired the rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name last year following the closure of its former owner, Hudson’s Bay. The family also operates other retail brands like Fairweather, International Clothiers, and Wyrth.
Despite the fluctuating history of Zellers over the years, the current owners are determined to revive the brand, with plans for national expansion in the near future. The return of Zellers to the Canadian retail landscape signifies a new chapter in its storied legacy.