Canadian department store Zellers is looking to make a comeback. Following the launch of their first standalone location in Edmonton last October, the retailer says they’re actively pursuing new leasing opportunities across Canada — with a focus on every major Canadian market.
Zellers was originally founded in 1928 in London, Ontario by Walter P. Zeller. After a shaky start, the chain was able to expand to over 60 locations across the country. The corporation was purchased by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) in 1981 but continued to operate as a separate brand.
In 2011 it was announced that American retailer Target would be purchasing the leases to many Zellers locations. Originally it was planned for 64 locations to remain, but eventually it was decided that these locations would be liquidated as well. Only 3 stores would remain open under the Zellers brand, though they would function as liquidation outlets for HBC’s other retail chain, The Bay.
Throughout the rest of the decade and into the 2020s, Zellers would occasionally make small returns as a pop-up shop inside other HBC owned locations. In 2025, HBC would file for bankruptcy and sell off their IPs. The Zellers brand would be purchased by another Canadian department store, Les Ailes de la Mode. They opened the first new Zellers location last year.
Whether this new expansion for an old brand will bear fruit remains to be seen. While the Edmonton location has reportedly been very successful, time will tell if consumer habits have moved past department stores and onto more modern retailers.
