Zellers returns to Ontario, looks to ‘significantly’ expand food offerings
Zellers is back.
After its soft launch in Edmonton last fall, the iconic Canadian retail brand is coming to Ontario with two stores planned for Toronto and Windsor.
On June 18, Zellers will set up shop in Toronto’s North York neighbourhood. Located at 80 Orfus Road, the standalone store spans 25,000 square feet.
And this July, Zellers is coming to Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall—marking the retailer’s return to the shopping centre it once called home.
The Ontario stores will build on Zellers' core categories, including apparel, accessories, home and seasonal, while introducing several new offerings—notably grocery.
Select snack, beverage and specialty food offerings will be introduced, including flavoured popcorn, candies and sweet treats, international chips, “better-for-you snacks” and an assortment of grab-and-go drinks.
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Zellers will also introduce a curated assortment of Italian grocery items from the Gigi brand, including candies, wafers, pasta, sauces, olives and oils, as part of a “broader focus to expand food, snack and confectionery offerings in a more significant way over time,” the company said.
The brand’s first store opened at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton in October 2025. Its “Zellers 3.0” strategy reimagines the department store model through a smaller-format, highly curated retail experience spanning 20,000 to 50,000 square feet, the company said.
Zellers confirmed it is in active discussions with multiple landlords across the country and expects to announce additional locations in Ontario and beyond over the coming year.
"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."
The retailer said insights from Edmonton have informed the merchandising strategy and in-store experience for upcoming locations.
Home decor emerged as a standout category, Zellers said, with strong performance from brands like Maxwell & Williams. Zellers will expand this offering with the introduction of Casa Domani, featuring Mediterranean-inspired tabletop collections, alongside new home linen brands, including Rachel Roy, Tahari and Chaps across towels, bedding and pillows.
Zellers will introduce a curated toy assortment including plush toys, puzzles, outdoor games and licensed products from recognizable brands, with additional toy brands and offerings expected to be introduced in the months ahead.
Seasonal and specialty items include water guns, pool toys, sand buckets and more. The category will also expand with party supplies (including tableware, decor and gift bags), stationery, luggage and Halloween costumes in the fall.
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Zellers said it plans to continue to grow its brand roster across apparel and lifestyle categories, with Adidas among the latest additions to its assortment.
Additional brands will be introduced shortly after the Ontario openings, including NFL, NHL, Dickies, Von Dutch, Juicy Couture and others.
Zellers stores will also feature an expanded Disney collection, with a significant presence across both adult and kids' apparel.
The brand will also debut a limited selection of Zellers-branded merchandise timed to the Ontario openings, with additional nostalgic items expected to follow in the months ahead.
The brand is also bringing its mascot Zeddy back this summer with the return of Zeddy plush toy bears in stores. The first phase of Zeddy's comeback is expected to launch soon, Zellers said.
As part of Zeddy's return, the brand is developing a national partnership with pediatric oncology camps to support camps that serve children and families affected by childhood cancer.
