The latest proprietors of Zellers are preparing to extend the reestablished brand to Ontario after introducing some adjustments. A fresh discounted store is scheduled to open close to Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall on June 18th, followed by another at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July. Similar to the Edmonton store that signaled the brand’s comeback last year, these new outlets will offer a range of products including clothing, home essentials, luggage, and seasonal items.
In addition to the existing product range, the Ontario stores will also feature snack foods and toys, a segment initially considered challenging to compete in against giants like Walmart and Amazon. However, Zellers’ chief operating officer, Joey Benitah, altered his stance after discovering that a limited toy selection at the Edmonton store became top sellers.
The Benitah family, current owners of the brand, acquired the rights to the nearly century-old Zellers name last year following its former owner, Hudson’s Bay, closing down. The family is also associated with apparel stores Fairweather and International Clothiers, as well as home goods retailer Wyrth.
Having faced multiple closures and revivals over almost a century, Zellers is now being revitalized once again by its current owners who have ambitious plans for nationwide expansion. In the Windsor area, Zellers will set up shop at Tecumseh Mall, which previously housed a Zellers store until its closure in 2013. Residents nostalgic for the return of Zellers express anticipation, with one individual recalling fond memories of the location and its internal restaurant.
Zellers will join a cluster of retail establishments near Tecumseh Road and Lauzon Road, including franchises like Giant Tiger, Walmart, and a future Costco outlet. Ryan Donally, president and CEO of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, views Zellers’ resurgence in Windsor as a positive development that could elevate the entire retail landscape in the region by enhancing foot traffic and fostering healthy competition.
The forthcoming return of Zellers to Tecumseh Mall in July 2026, part of the Zellers 3.0 expansion into Ontario markets, has garnered excitement from the local community. Katarina Taylor, the general manager of Tecumseh Mall, expressed enthusiasm for Zellers’ comeback, noting the retailer’s significant historical and emotional connection with customers in Windsor and the surrounding areas.