Never say die. Zellers, the iconic Canadian discount retailer, is making a comeback with two new standalone stores in Ontario, nearly a century after its founding and just over a year after Hudson's Bay Co. filed for creditor protection.
New Locations Announced
The first store, a 25,000-square-foot location on Orfus Road near Yorkdale Mall in Toronto, is scheduled to open on June 18. A second store will follow at Windsor's Tecumseh Mall in July. This expansion comes after a successful pilot in Edmonton, which saw strong customer engagement and sales.
“Following the incredible response we saw in Edmonton, we’re excited to bring Zellers back to Ontario in a meaningful way,” said Joey Benitah, chief operating officer of Zellers, in a press release. “Customer feedback has been instrumental in shaping our evolution — from what categories resonate most to how we deliver value and discovery in-store. Sales have been strong, engagement has exceeded expectations, and we’re just getting started.”
A New Chapter Under New Ownership
The latest revival of Zellers comes after Hudson's Bay Co. sold its Zellers trademarks to Les Ailes de la Mode, a Quebec-based discount department store chain owned by the Benitah family. This marks a fresh start for the brand, which has experienced a tumultuous history.
Zellers' Roller-Coaster History
Zellers was a staple in Canadian malls until 2011, when HBC sold most of its leases to Target as part of the American retailer's Canadian expansion. By 2013, most Zellers stores had closed, with only liquidation outlets remaining. Target's Canadian venture failed, and by 2015, it had exited the market. The last Zellers outlet closed in 2020.
However, nostalgia proved powerful. In 2023, Zellers was reborn as an e-commerce website and within select Hudson's Bay stores across Canada, boasting a “refreshed identity.” But this resurgence was short-lived; HBC closed all its stores, including The Bay and Zellers, in 2025.
Optimism for the Future
Will Zellers' latest renaissance under Les Ailes de la Mode stick? Katarina Taylor, general manager of Windsor Properties, which owns Tecumseh Mall, is optimistic. “Being among one of the first locations in Ontario to welcome Zellers back is a fantastic opportunity for growth as we continue to evolve and diversify the retail mix,” she said in the press release, noting the excitement and nostalgia the brand brings.
The new stores aim to capture the spirit of the original Zellers while offering a modern shopping experience. With a focus on value and discovery, Zellers is betting that Canadians are ready to welcome back a beloved retail icon.
