Zellers opens Toronto location with toys and snacks
The relaunched discount retailer arrives at Orfus Road near Yorkdale on June 18, stocking apparel, home goods, and new food and toy categories.
Zellers is returning to Ontario on June 18 with a new location on Orfus Road south of Yorkdale Mall, adding to its Edmonton launch last October and signalling a slow national expansion.
The relaunched discount chain plans additional stores in Windsor (July) and is in lease negotiations for Brampton, Scarborough, Calgary, Vancouver, and Ottawa. "Ultimately, we're looking to be in every major market from coast to coast," said Joey Benitah, Zellers' chief operating officer.
The Ontario stores will stock the same apparel, home goods, luggage, and seasonal items as Edmonton — brands like Adidas, Juicy Couture, and Dickies — plus two new categories: snacks and toys. The addition of toys marks a reversal for Benitah, who initially wanted to avoid the category, fearing competition with Walmart and Amazon. Customer feedback from Edmonton changed his mind; toys were among the highest sellers despite being limited.
The expansion arrives as Toys "R" Us Canada faces liquidation, potentially opening retail space. Benitah said the family is focused on Zellers for now and not pursuing the competitor. The family also owns apparel chains Fairweather and Designer Depot, and acquired Zellers' name, logo, and mascot Zeddy from Hudson's Bay for an undisclosed price believed to be near $100,000.