Zellers’ new owners are gearing up to expand the reinvigorated brand into Ontario, with plans for a couple of adjustments prior to the launch. A fresh discount store is slated 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 one in Edmonton that spearheaded 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 offerings, the Ontario locations will introduce snack foods and toys, a segment initially considered challenging to compete in against retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. However, Zellers’ chief operating officer, Joey Benitah, had a change of heart after a trial run at the Edmonton store revealed that a limited selection of toys became top sellers.
The Benitah family, now the brand’s proprietors, acquired the rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name following its former owner, Hudson’s Bay, going out of business. The family is also associated with Fairweather and International Clothiers apparel stores, as well as the home goods retailer Wyrth.
Despite the numerous closures and revivals over the years, Zellers has persisted, with its current owners in the early stages of the relaunch but with ambitious nationwide expansion plans. The upcoming location in the Windsor area at Tecumseh Mall marks a significant return, especially for those who have fond memories of the previous Zellers store that closed in 2013.
Local customers express excitement about Zellers’ comeback, highlighting the nostalgia and anticipation surrounding its reopening. The presence of Zellers, alongside other retail establishments like Giant Tiger, Walmart, and a future Costco location, is expected to enhance the overall shopping experience in the Tecumseh Mall vicinity.
Ryan Donally, the president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, views Zellers’ return to Windsor as a positive development for the area, anticipating increased foot traffic and improved service offerings for customers. The move is seen as a catalyst for healthy competition and enhanced consumer choices, benefiting residents of Windsor-Essex.
Tecumseh Mall’s spokesperson expressed enthusiasm for Zellers’ return, emphasizing its significance to customers and the local community. The property’s general manager, Katarina Taylor, described the retailer’s comeback as a natural fit that resonates with many in the Windsor area.