After acquiring Zellers, the new owners are set to extend the rebranded chain to Ontario while implementing some adjustments. A fresh discounted store will debut near Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall on June 18th, with another opening at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July. These outlets, akin to the Edmonton branch that symbolized the brand’s revival last year, will feature a range of products including apparel, home essentials, luggage, and seasonal items.
The Ontario stores will introduce snack foods and toys, a category initially excluded due to concerns about competing with Walmart and Amazon. However, Zellers’ chief operating officer, Joey Benitah, changed course after discovering that a limited toy selection at the Edmonton store became top sellers.
The Benitah family, now the brand owners, secured the rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name following its previous owner, Hudson’s Bay, closing down. The family is also associated with Fairweather and International Clothiers apparel stores and Wyrth home goods retailer.
Despite the fluctuating history of Zellers over the past century, the current owners are determined to expand nationally. In the Windsor area, Zellers will make a comeback at Tecumseh Mall, which housed a Zellers until its closure in 2013. Residents eagerly anticipate its return, recalling memories of the store’s presence and its significance in the community.
Zellers will join other retail establishments near Tecumseh Road and Lauzon Road, including Giant Tiger, Walmart, and an upcoming Costco location. Ryan Donally, president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, views Zellers’ return to Windsor positively, expecting increased foot traffic to benefit surrounding businesses. Katarina Taylor, general manager of Tecumseh Mall, expresses excitement about Zellers’ comeback, citing its nostalgic value for customers and the local community.
