The new proprietors of Zellers are gearing up to bring the relaunched brand to Ontario by implementing some adjustments. A fresh discount store is scheduled to debut near Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall on June 18th, followed by another opening at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July. These stores are modeled after the Edmonton location that spearheaded the brand’s revival last year, offering a range of products including apparel, home goods, luggage, and seasonal items.
In addition to the existing product lineup, the Ontario stores will introduce snack foods and toys, a category initially considered challenging to compete in against major retailers like Walmart and Amazon. However, Zellers’ chief operating officer, Joey Benitah, altered this stance after witnessing the success of a limited toy selection at the Edmonton store, which quickly became top sellers.
The Benitah family, the current owners of the Zellers brand, acquired the rights to the nearly century-old name following its previous owner, Hudson’s Bay, going out of business. The family is also associated with other retail brands such as Fairweather, International Clothiers, and Wyrth.
Despite experiencing multiple closures and revivals over the years since its inception, Zellers is once again making a comeback under its current ownership, with plans for national expansion in the works.
In Windsor, the return of Zellers to the area with a presence at Tecumseh Mall holds significance as the mall previously housed a Zellers store until its closure in 2013. Residents express anticipation for its return, with sentiments of nostalgia and excitement shared by customers like Tyler Gelines, who fondly recalls his mother’s connection to the former store.
Zellers will join a mix of retail establishments near Tecumseh Road and Lauzon Road, including franchises like Giant Tiger, Walmart, and a forthcoming Costco location. Ryan Donally, the president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, views Zellers’ decision to return positively, anticipating increased foot traffic and enhanced service offerings for the area.
The management of Tecumseh Mall expresses enthusiasm for Zellers’ comeback, emphasizing the sentimental value the brand holds for local customers. Katarina Taylor, the property’s general manager, mentions that Zellers’ return aligns seamlessly with the mall’s identity and is eagerly awaited by many in the Windsor community.
