Zellers, once a cornerstone of Canadian retail culture, is making a determined comeback with plans to open new stores in every major market across the country following the successful launch of its first standalone location in Edmonton last fall.
The iconic department store brand, long remembered for its slogan “Lowest Price is the Law,” its family-friendly shopping experience, and the beloved Zeddy mascot, has returned under a new concept known as Zellers 3.0. The revived banner opened its first modern store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton in October, and the response from shoppers has been strong enough to fuel a nationwide expansion.
The reboot is being led by a Quebec-based retail company that acquired the Zellers trademarks after Hudson’s Bay Company exited the Canadian market. While no specific locations have yet been confirmed for Ontario or other provinces, the company says it is actively pursuing leasing opportunities across the country as part of a phased growth strategy.
According to company leadership, the goal is to reintroduce Zellers to communities coast to coast while maintaining flexibility in store size and location to ensure sustainable growth. Discussions are already underway with landlords nationwide, and future announcements about new locations and expansion phases are expected in the coming months. Some stores may also occupy select former Hudson’s Bay locations.
Unlike the large-format Zellers stores of the past, the new concept focuses on a smaller, more curated footprint. The Edmonton location showcases a streamlined shopping experience built around key lifestyle categories, including men’s, women’s, kids’ and baby apparel, accessories, home essentials, seasonal items, and specialty merchandise such as holiday décor and back-to-school products. The emphasis is on recognizable brands, everyday essentials, and accessible price points.
The reopening also marked the return of Zeddy, the teddy bear mascot that became a household name in the 1980s, tapping into nostalgia while introducing a refreshed retail experience for a new generation of shoppers.
Company officials say the Edmonton store has exceeded expectations, drawing steady foot traffic well beyond opening day and generating strong sales alongside overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. The sustained enthusiasm has reinforced confidence in the long-term potential of the Zellers 3.0 model and the enduring emotional connection Canadians have with the brand.
Zellers’ history stretches back nearly a century. Founded in 1928, the retailer grew into one of Canada’s most recognizable department stores before being fully acquired by Hudson’s Bay Company in the early 1980s. Most Zellers locations closed in 2013, with many sites eventually converted into other big-box retailers. A brief attempt at pop-up stores followed in 2023, but the brand’s future remained uncertain until its recent revival.
Now, with a modernized store format and a clear national vision, Zellers is positioning itself not just as a nostalgic name, but as a contemporary retail player aiming to reclaim a place in everyday Canadian shopping life.