Iconic discount retailer Zellers has officially announced its comeback in Ontario — and it’s starting with a location in Toronto! This month, North York will be getting will be getting Ontario’s first Zellers as part of its recent retail return.
The new store has an official opening date: June 18. The store will span a massive 25,000 square feet at 80 Orfus Rd. — a fitting location for the discount shop, considering Orfus Road is pretty much a thrift shopping paradise for those in the know.
A second Ontario location will open later in Windsor at Tecumseh Mall. This follows the success of the original Zellers comeback in Canada: in 2025, Zellers relaunched in Edmonton.
Zellers has a storied past in Canada, beginning way back in 1928 and peaking in popularity in the 1990s, with 350 locations. By the 2000s, the retailer was struggling to keep up with the competition, eventually liquidating all outlets by 2020. It had a comeback of sorts in 2023 when Zellers opened as a store-within-a-store concept inside Hudson’s Bay — though it was short-lived, considering Hudson’s Bay closed down for good in 2025.
The new Zellers locations in Ontario will feature some classic categories that shoppers know and love, including apparel, accessories, home and seasonal goods. But there’s going to be some new additions as well.
Home decor is getting a major upgrade: Zellers is introducing Casa Domani, which features Mediterranean inspired tablewares, as well as new home linen bands like Rachel Roy, Tahari and Chaps. The retailer is also introducing a toy section, ranging from plush toys to puzzles and outdoor games, as well as licensed products from recognizable brands (though it’s unclear just what those brands will be).
Seasonal offerings are expanding to summer items: think water guns, pool toys, sand buckets and other warm weather essentials. There will also be party supplies, stationery and luggage on offer, and even Halloween costumes!
The food selection is expanding as well, such as flavoured popcorn, candies, sweet treats, international treats and even grab-and-go drinks. Zellers is also bringing in Italian grocery items from Gigi, such as candies, wafers, pasta, sauces, olives and oils.
Shoppers can also browse well-known brands like Adidas, and shortly after the Ontario stores open, expect to see brands such as NFL, NHL, Dickies, Von Dutch and Juicy Couture in-store. Disney will also be added to the roster, including both adult and kids’ apparel.
And for any die-hard Zellers fans, you’ll be able to shop some Zellers-branded merchandise for a real dose of nostalgia.
It looks like there will be more Zellers in the works, too: the retailer has confirmed it is “in active discussions” with landlords across the country and expects to announce additional locations, both in Ontario and beyond, over the coming year.
