The revived Zellers discount department-store chain is expanding its return to brick-mortar retailing with plans to open two new Ontario locations this summer, marking the next phase of its national comeback strategy.

The retailer announced it will open a 25,000-square-foot standalone store at 80 Orfus Rd. in Toronto’s North York neighbourhood on June 18, followed by a second location at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July. The expansion follows the October 2025 launch of its first standalone location at Edmonton’s Londonderry Mall, which the company says surpassed expectations.

Prominent decades ago, the mothballed chain came back to life with the Londonderry opening under the new ownership of the Beniitah family through upstart retailer Ailes de la Mode.

“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 for Zellers. “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 company said lessons from Edmonton have shaped merchandising decisions for the Ontario rollout, with expanded assortments and new categories added in response to customer demand.

The new stores will build on Zellers’ existing focus on apparel, accessories, home products and seasonal merchandise while expanding into categories including toys, party supplies, luggage, snacks and specialty grocery products. The retailer is also broadening its brand lineup with additions, including Adidas, NFL, NHL, Dickies, Von Dutch and Juicy Couture, alongside an expanded Disney offering and new Zellers-branded merchandise.

Home products will receive particular emphasis, with expanded décor and tabletop offerings and new home linen brands being introduced.

“We are excited and nostalgic to welcome the Zellers brand back to Tecumseh Mall, marking a great new chapter for both our property and the greater Windsor community,” said Katarina Taylor, General Manager of Europro’s Windsor Properties, owners of Tecumseh Mall. “Our shoppers have always remembered the brand fondly, so this reopening is a genuinely meaningful moment for everyone involved.

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. We fully support their mission of providing Canadians with a homegrown, value-driven shopping experience and we are ready to introduce this updated retail offering to our customers.”

The retailer is also reviving its Zeddy mascot, beginning with the return of plush toy bears this summer and plans for a charitable initiative supporting pediatric oncology camps.

Zellers said its Zellers 3.0 concept continues to focus on smaller-format stores ranging from roughly 20,000 to 50,000 square feet designed around curated assortments and frequent merchandise changes.

“This is more than expansion — it’s validation that Canadians are ready for Zellers again,” said Benitah. “We’re listening closely, adapting quickly, and building something that feels both nostalgic and new. Ontario is a major step forward, but this is only the beginning.”

The company said it is in discussions with landlords across Canada and expects to announce additional locations over the coming year as part of its phased national rollout.

Les Ailes de la Mode also owns the Fairweather and International Clothiers chains.

Photo: CNW Group/Zellers