Zellers Makes a Comeback, Kicking Off in Edmonton

We’re seeing a legendary Canadian store return to life. Zellers, a beloved discount chain, is reopening a full-format store in Edmonton. The new location spans 60,000 sq ft at Londonderry Mall. It opens Friday, August 29, 2025. That marks not just a store reopening, but a chance to bring back a piece of retail history. Once, Zellers was everywhere across Canada. People remember its low prices, Club Z loyalty, and Zeddy, the mascot. But competition and business shifts led to its closure by 2013. Now, we watch to see if Zellers can win a place in Canada’s modern retail scene again.

Zellers’ Legacy in Canadian Retail

Walter P. Zeller founded the Zellers retail chain in 1931. It grew fast. By the late 1990s, Zellers expanded to nearly 350 stores nationwide. It was famous for its motto: “Where the lowest price is the law.”

Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) acquired Zellers in 1978. Hudson’s Bay Company handed over many Zellers store leases to Target in 2011. That led to Zellers stores closing by 2013. A handful remained as liquidation outlets until 2020.

Despite closing, the brand lived on in pop-ups and online presence through HBC from 2023.

For many Canadians, Zellers isn’t just a store. It’s nostalgia, value, and memory. That emotional pull may fuel its comeback.

Why Edmonton? The Choice of First Relaunch Location

Why Edmonton? The decision makes sense. The new Zellers opens in Londonderry Mall, a key shopping centre in North Edmonton. It’s large, busy, and a strong community hub.

Montreal-based landlord Leyad quickly renovated the space, completing the work in less than two months to get it ready for the launch.

Leyad wanted a brand with roots in Canada. Zellers fit that role. Henry Zavriyev, CEO of Leyad, shared his excitement about reviving a Canadian brand rich in nostalgia while introducing it to a new generation.

In short, Edmonton offers a strong retail setting, community support, and fast redevelopment, all giving Zellers a strong start.

What’s New at the Relaunched Zellers?

We see both tradition and new moves at this relaunch. The new Zellers store now occupies the old Hudson’s Bay spot in Londonderry Mall. The store offers apparel for men, women, and youth, along with modern home décor items.

Leyad hasn’t confirmed if nostalgic features will return, like diners or Club Z loyalty. Details are still limited. This modern Zellers seems lean and focused. The focus is on apparel and home décor, all centered around affordable pricing. The fast turnaround adds to the buzz: it shows urgency and belief in the brand.

We may expect a simpler, cleaner model, no full in-store restaurants yet, but maybe future surprises. Either way, the design blends heritage and fresh energy.

Competing in Today’s Retail Environment

The Canadian retail scene in 2025 is intense. Online shopping dominates. Inflation and budgets bite. Customers want value, convenience, and something different. Zellers returns to meet those needs. It taps nostalgia. It also aims to stand out from rivals like Walmart, Costco, Dollarama, and Amazon.

Support comes from Leyad, a prominent property group growing its presence in retail real estate. Their fast leasehold turn and strong market drive give Zellers a boost. This is no simple rerun. It is Zellers 2.0, leaner and sharper, but still aiming to deliver low prices. It may be simpler, but that may suit modern shoppers better.

Challenges Zellers Must Overcome

Zellers isn’t guaranteed success. It faces hurdles.

• History of failure: Target Canada’s failure after using Zellers leases adds pressure. Zellers must avoid the same pitfalls.
• Strong competitors: Walmart and Amazon are powerful. Zellers must carve a niche.
• Cost pressures: Inflation and supply costs could challenge value pricing.
• Operational speed: The fast refit shows ambition. But delivering quality and restocking fast will test the team.
• Brand clarity is crucial; customers must know if Zellers will return with its full identity of loyalty and variety, or just as a scaled-down version.

If Zellers meets these challenges, it may have a future. If not, nostalgia won’t be enough.

Future Outlook

We expect Edmonton to be a test case. If it succeeds, expansion might follow. Reports hint that the owner may be INC Group, known for Fairweather and International Clothiers. Les Ailes de la Mode oversees the Zellers trademark on the group’s behalf.

There’s talk of more stores, but no official rollout plan yet. Leyad controls more former HBC sites that could be used later.

For us, success would mean more than a new store. It means reviving a piece of Canadian culture in a smart way. The brand could bridge the past and present, a value store with a fresh vibe.

Conclusion

Zellers is back. The new Edmonton location marks a strong comeback for the well-known Canadian brand. We remember its charm, Zeddy, Club Z, and low prices. Now, under new ownership and with a bold launch, Zellers seeks a place in 2025’s market. The comeback will require Zellers to prove its low prices, strong operations, and ability to regain customer loyalty. But for now, we watch and hope this comeback becomes more than a memory. It may light up Canadian retail again.

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always conduct your research.