Zellers has officially made its grand opening in Toronto, reviving one of Canada’s most recognizable brands that experts say will need more than just nostalgia to stick around.
The discount retailer opened a new store Thursday morning on Orfus Road (80 Orfus Rd.), marking its first traditional location in the Greater Toronto Area since the last remaining city store closed back in 2020. Most stores closed in 2013.
“They’ve realized there’s definitely a movement toward affordability,” said retail analyst Bruce Winder, who attended the store opening. “We’re in an affordability crisis, and that market is far from saturated.”
The Toronto location follows the opening of a standalone Zellers store in Edmonton last fall and comes as the company explores additional sites in markets including Brampton, Scarborough, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. An additional location however is set to open at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July.
Chief operating officer Joey Benitah previously said the long-term goal is to rebuild the chain’s national footprint.
“Ultimately, we’re looking to be in every major market from coast to coast,” he said in a previous interview.
Zellers Toronto: Why the retailer's comeback could be an uphill battle
The discount retailer opened a new store Thursday morning on Orfus Road (80 Orfus Rd.), marking its first traditional location in the Greater Toronto Area since the last remaining city store closed back in 2020. Most stores closed in 2013.
“They’ve realized there’s definitely a movement toward affordability,” said retail analyst Bruce Winder, who attended the store opening. “We’re in an affordability crisis, and that market is far from saturated.”
The Toronto location follows the opening of a standalone Zellers store in Edmonton last fall and comes as the company explores additional sites in markets including Brampton, Scarborough, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. An additional location however is set to open at Windsor’s Tecumseh Mall in July.
Chief operating officer Joey Benitah previously said the long-term goal is to rebuild the chain’s national footprint.
“Ultimately, we’re looking to be in every major market from coast to coast,” he said in a previous interview.
Zellers Toronto: Why the retailer's comeback could be an uphill battle
