Zellers’ new owners are gearing up to expand the revived brand into Ontario, with plans for a couple of adjustments beforehand. 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. Just like the Edmonton store that kicked off the brand’s relaunch last year, these new locations will offer a range of products including apparel, home goods, luggage, and seasonal items.
In addition to the existing merchandise, the Ontario stores will introduce snack foods and toys, a product category initially excluded by the owners due to concerns about competing with Walmart and Amazon. However, Zellers’ chief operating officer, Joey Benitah, had a change of heart after discovering that a limited selection of toys tested at the Edmonton store became top sellers.
The Benitah family, now the brand’s owners, acquired the rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name last year following the bankruptcy of its previous owner, Hudson’s Bay. The family is also involved in managing other retail brands such as Fairweather, International Clothiers, and Wyrth.
Despite multiple revivals and downturns over the years, Zellers has a rich history since its inception almost a century ago. The current owners, less than a year into the relaunch, have ambitious plans for national expansion.
In the Windsor area, the new Zellers store will be situated at Tecumseh Mall, which had a previous Zellers location until its closure in 2013. Anticipating its return, customers who remember the old store express excitement. The decision to reintroduce Zellers to Windsor is seen as a positive development by Ryan Donally, president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, who believes it will enhance the area’s retail landscape and service offerings.
The return of Zellers this summer has generated enthusiasm from Tecumseh Mall, with general manager Katarina Taylor expressing excitement about the retailer’s comeback. The upcoming Zellers store is expected to evoke nostalgia and resonate with customers in the Windsor area.