Zellers formally reopened in Toronto on Thursday, drawing crowds of customers wanting to revisit a bit of their childhood.
The brand new standalone retailer at 80 Orfus Rd. marks the retailer’s newest growth in Canada following its main nationwide shut down within the mid 2010s.
The opening featured a number of throwbacks to the model’s heyday, together with kiddie rides, diner-inspired meals and the return of mascot Zeddy Bear.
For a lot of in attendance, nonetheless, the most important draw was nostalgia.
“I labored for Zellers as a youngster as a part-time job whereas I used to be in class,” stated Sabrina, who got here to the opening along with her daughter. “It’s completely nostalgic.”
Get breaking Nationwide information
Get breaking Canada information delivered to your inbox because it occurs so you will not miss a trending story.
Others recalled visiting the retailer with their households rising up.
“I simply bear in mind going to the mall with my mother and father and seeing the offers,” added her daughter, Nina. “It’s only a good time and I like (having the ability to) do it once more.”
The opening featured various nostalgic points of interest aimed toward longtime followers, together with a 25-foot inflatable “Zeddy Bear” exterior the shop, free Zellers ice pops and water bottles and a diner-themed meals truck serving menu objects impressed by the retailer’s former restaurant.
A shiny pink kiddie trip, impressed by these present in Zellers shops through the Eighties, has additionally been put in on the Toronto location.
“Zellers has at all times been about enjoyable, household recollections and a way of discovery,” chief working officer Joey Benitah stated in a information launch. “As we proceed increasing throughout Canada, we needed to carry again among the moments prospects bear in mind most fondly whereas additionally creating totally new experiences.”
The Toronto location is the newest step within the retailer’s revival after Quebec-based Les Ailes de la Mode acquired the Zellers emblems from Hudson’s Bay in 2025.
A second Ontario location is anticipated to open in Windsor later this summer season as the corporate continues its nationwide growth.
© 2026 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.