News that Zellers, the once-dominant Canadian discount retailer that disappeared from the national retail landscape more than a decade ago, is making another comeback has been met with great anticipation and hype but retail experts and consumers are still wondering when the brand will actually re-launch in Edmonton.
The first new store, spanning 60,000 square feet, to open at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton, confirmed by landlord Leyad, which owns the shopping centre, was expected to open August 29 in the former Hudson’s Bay location, making this the first announcement of a tenant filling a former Hudson’s Bay space since the department store chain’s collapse earlier this year.
Then it was going to open September 1 and people lined up for that, but the store didn’t open.
According to a media report: “In an email to CTV News Edmonton on Friday, mall management said the store would open in October, but did not provide a date.”
Bruce Winder, a retail analyst and author, said: “It is unfortunate that the opening of new Zellers store in Edmonton has been so significantly pushed forward to next month.
“Obviously, the company running the new launch should have ensured they were almost 100% a go before notifying the media and getting customers excited. But stuff happens in the world of retail.
“Now the re-launch of the Zellers brand could be somewhat tainted in the eyes of Canadians. ‘Here we go again’. However, customers will forget about the tardiness of the launch over time if the store exceeds expectations once open.”
“We are thrilled to bring back a beloved Canadian brand that stirs up nostalgic memories for many of our shoppers, while providing an opportunity to introduce Zellers to a new generation,” said Henry Zavriyev, CEO of Leyad, on August 28 when the company made the announcement. “This announcement represents a bold step forward in reimagining retail space and responding to community demand with purpose and vision.”
The transformation of the former Hudson’s Bay store—closed in June 2025—into a vibrant new Zellers location was completed in under two months, showcasing Leyad’s commitment to swift, strategic redevelopment, said the company.
Michael Kehoe, Broker of Record, Fairfield Commercial Real Estate, said: “The return of Zellers to the Canadian retail scene with the debut of a store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton was highly anticipated in recent days. Prototype retail projects of this scale are complex endeavors and dependent on a multitude of things aligning on schedule to ensure they open on time.
“If any one or two factors fail to come together in an orderly way it can throw the entire project off schedule and delay a store opening. You only get one chance to make a good impression with shoppers, and I hope things can get back on track for a successful Canadian solution for this key anchor position at Londonderry with a 60,000 square foot store. I am sure this will continue to be a national good news Canadian retail story.”
The newly reimagined Zellers will offer a wide range of stylish clothing lines for women, men, and youth, alongside contemporary home décor—blending the brand’s rich heritage with modern design and value-driven offerings, explained Leyad
“This launch at Londonderry Mall is not just the return of a brand—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for a retailer woven into Canada’s cultural fabric,” it said.
Perhaps the most intriguing element of Zellers’ return is the question of who now owns and operates the brand.
A previous Retail Insider story noted: “The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) previously held Zellers’ intellectual property, having run the chain for decades before selling most of its store leases to Target in 2011. While Canadian Tire purchased HBC’s intellectual property portfolio during its bankruptcy earlier this year, it did not acquire the Zellers name. This leaves uncertainty around how the brand has re-emerged in Edmonton.
“When asked directly, Zavriyev declined to identify the new operator. “It’s a Canadian group that operates a number of other brands,” he said, adding only that “they know what they’re doing.”
“Retail Insider reached out to industry sources, one of whom strongly speculated that the owner may be INC Group, parent company of Fairweather, International Clothiers and Randy River. The company has experience in discount and value-focused retail, and was recently working on a ‘big project’ in Edmonton.”
Related Retail Insider stories:
Based off the photos leaked on the inside of the store. They changed nothing from the run down former Hudson’s Bay space. Would have been nice to see a commitment to the Zellers brand, new flooring and paint. Show that they are serious about bringing it back. Feels like the brand has never been giving a fair chance
What Ever it Takes Still have Faith in Zellers
I’m glad for Edmonton. Thestore look amazing wonderful. I missed our Zeller’s here in Chilliwack,B.C. I was so upset when they closed our city here has grown by leaps & bounds. I know I have lived here since 1978. I just hope they might to look over this way again.
People have high expectations that this new Zellers will remind them of the old Zellers. Any deviation from that (higher cost goods, cheaply made products) will result in failure.
Bring zellars back to Windsor Ontario
I have a feeling that Zellere 3.0 will be a disappointment. Key features I expect in a Zellers are an in-store restaurant, which would be tough in 60,000 sq ft; shelf stable consumables ranging from diapers to snack foods; and a rewards program like Club Z. I wonder if this new Zellers will carry any national brands or any licensed private label brands from Target.
I saw a photo from within the new Edmonton Zellers store. I noticed a lot of private label product from INC with the maple leaf on it. I don’t think this will be the old Zellers, it will likely be a modification of the Les Ailes de la Mode clearance concept.
Hope they open one in Québec st Bruno
this is a joke – zellers 3.0 fail again