Zellers Brings Discount Shopping Back to Ontario

Zellers Brings Discount Shopping Back to Ontario

The discount retailer is set to open its first Ontario locations this summer, marking a return to the province after years of absence. One store will open on Orfus Road in Toronto on June 18, followed by another at Windsor's Tecumseh Mall in July. These openings follow the debut of the first revived Zellers location at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton last October.

Ownership and Brand Revival

The Benitah family purchased the Zellers name from Hudson's Bay Co. last year. The deal included the Zellers logo, mascot bear Zeddy, Club Z loyalty program, and the portrait studio. Court documents indicate the trademarks may have cost up to $100,000, though this remains unconfirmed. Hudson's Bay had closed most Zellers stores by 2013 and ended liquidation outlets by 2020.

Expanded Product Categories for Shoppers

The Ontario stores will carry apparel, home goods, luggage, and seasonal items from brands including Adidas, Juicy Couture, Dickies, and Von Dutch. Two new categories have been added: food items such as popcorn, chips, and candy, along with toys including plushies, puzzles, outdoor games, and beach buckets. These additions aim to meet everyday needs of Canadian families.

Decision to Include Toys Despite Competition

Chief operating officer Joey Benitah initially planned to avoid toys due to rivalry from Walmart and Amazon. He reversed course after toys ranked among the top sellers at the Edmonton location. This shift occurs as Toys "R" Us Canada faces store closures and a potential sale. Benitah has stated that Zellers remains the primary focus rather than the Toys "R" Us situation.

Plans for National Growth Across Canada

The company intends to nationalise the brand gradually. Future sites under consideration include Brampton, Scarborough, Calgary, Vancouver, and Ottawa. Zeddy the mascot will return in time for the Windsor opening, offering a familiar touch for shoppers who remember the original chain from earlier decades in Canadian retail.

Quebec Operations and Ongoing Matters

Separately, the Moniz family of Quebec continues to operate three Zellers restaurants in the province. These operations exist amid a trademark dispute with Les Ailes de la Mode, which is listed as the plaintiff in related proceedings. This reflects the broader challenges of reviving established Canadian retail names.