Zellers is set to make a return once again. The discount retailer, known for its on-and-off presence since its establishment in 1928, is gearing up for another debut at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton. The revived version will maintain its focus on providing affordable family products but will streamline its merchandise selection and reimagine its store layouts.

The upcoming Zellers stores will occupy smaller spaces and offer a range of men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing, along with home essentials, luggage, and seasonal items. However, they will no longer feature categories like toys and pharmaceuticals. Emphasizing value, Joey Benitah, Zellers’ chief operating officer, highlighted that affordability is timeless and integral to the brand’s identity.

With a rich history in Canada’s retail landscape, Benitah’s family has been involved in various clothing and houseware businesses. In a strategic move, the family acquired the Zellers name, logo, and associated assets from Hudson’s Bay following the latter’s financial challenges earlier this year. The new Zellers concept aims to start small, focusing on key brands and product categories initially and expanding gradually as the chain grows.

Benitah envisions bringing Zellers back to major markets across Canada in a phased approach, targeting former Hudson’s Bay properties for the store locations. The reimagined Zellers stores will feature popular brands like Reebok, Spyder, Chaps, and Disney, with plans for introducing more brands and product categories in the future. While some elements from Zellers’ past, such as toys and pharmaceuticals, will not be included in the relaunch, the brand is exploring new interactive concepts in the food and beverage segment.

Despite certain aspects of Zellers’ history not being revived, the brand’s comeback signifies a fresh start with a modern approach to cater to the evolving retail landscape.