Zellers opens a dozen locations inside Hudson’s Bay stores amid wave of nostalgia, price sensitivity

A Zellers prototype store located within the Hudson’s Bay at Erin Mills mall, in Mississauga, Ont., on Feb.

27.Christopher Katsarov/The Globe and Mail

Canadian retail chain Zellers marked its official comeback on Thursday with the opening of a dozen stores in Ontario and Alberta and new website.

The relaunch of the popular discount department store comes amid a wave of nostalgia for the brand and growing demand for affordable goods amid sky-high inflation.

The company plans to open 25 stores in total.

The 10,000 square foot stores will be located within Hudson’s Bay department stores and feature an assortment of private-label products, including clothing, toys and home and living items.

Tiffany Bourre, a spokeswoman for Hudson’s Bay Co., says the products are exclusive to Zellers and there is no crossover of product with Hudson’s Bay stores.

A sneak peek inside the relaunch of Zellers, and what the resurrected discount chain means for Hudson’s Bay

The company has also launched a new Zellers e-commerce website, with all items online and in-store featuring so-called rounded pricing, so for example £5 rather than £4.99 or £5.49.

Bourre says it’s about offering customers a “simplified and easy” shopping experience with low prices and quality products.

The relaunch of Zellers comes a decade after the discount department store closed most locations.

It comes at a time when Canadians are seeking relief from the highest inflation in nearly 40 years, offering more competition in a discount market largely dominated by Walmart, Giant Tiger and Dollarama.

The resurrection of the retailer also taps into the nostalgia of the Zellers brand, evoking memories of its popular diner and its teddy bear mascot Zeddy.

While the footprint of the new Zellers stores – within the existing Hudson’s Bay department stores – does not accommodate a restaurant, the company will have food trucks at some locations offering the top menu items, Bourre said.

The five menu items are the big “Z” burger, hot chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and fries with gravy.

The chain’s Zeddy mascot – which arguably evoked some of the greatest sentimentality among some former shoppers – is expected to make a return soon, Bourre said.

The mascot was adopted by a charity after Zellers winded down operations, she said.

“Zeddy has been in active service since Zellers closed,” she said. “He’s working hard in the background.”

The store is hoping to bring Zeddy back into stores soon with a charity component, Bourre said.

Tags:

gardening-express listed on couponmatrix.ukjd-williams listed on couponmatrix.ukrepresent-clothing listed on couponmatrix.uksimply-supplements listed on couponmatrix.uksnuz listed on couponmatrix.ukticketmaster-uk listed on couponmatrix.uk
gardening-express listed on couponmatrix.ukEstablished in 1990, Gardening Express has grown from a humble nursery in Essex to one of the largest independent garden centres in the UK. From primroses and poinsettias to bonsai and bamboo, Gardening Express stocks only the finest plants, flowers and trees. Make your savings bloom with a Gardening Express voucher and enjoy the beauty of mother nature for less. Ditch the trip to the garden centre - order online from Gardening Express and have your plants delivered to your doorstep.
jd-williams listed on couponmatrix.ukAs one of Europe’s largest marketplaces for fashion, electricals, lifestyle products and household furnishings, JD Williams can factor into every element of one’s home – from the fibres of your carpet to the threads in your wardrobe. With such a diverse range of items at your fingertips, you’ll want a JD Williams discount code to help secure savings on everything from bedding to ballet shoes. Housing some of the world’s most notable brands in a single space, it’s no wonder so many pick the convenience and quality of JD Williams.
represent-clothing listed on couponmatrix.ukRepresent Clothing, founded by two brothers in 2011, has become a prominent luxury streetwear label known for its impeccably crafted garments. If you value quality design in your men's clothing, you'll appreciate these everyday essentials, such as Represent hoodies and T-shirts, made from heavyweight cotton. For those seeking bold designs, unique artwork and premium materials, a Represent discount code can help you maintain affordability while elevating your style. Take advantage of the free Prestige Membership, which offers a 10% discount on your first order, along with the opportunity to accumulate points with each purchase.
simply-supplements listed on couponmatrix.ukDo you feel run down, or don’t think that you’re operating at 100%? Modern lifestyles and lack of nutrition from our diets can lead to deficiencies, and when we become deficient in things it can affect our health and our mood. This is where Simply Supplements steps in. Offering a massive range of vitamins and food supplements, they can help redress the balance in our bodies and create perfect equilibrium. Grab a Simply Supplements discount code to save when you stock up! Whether you’re looking for some fish oil, collagen powder, garlic extract or horny goat weed, Simply Supplements has it all.
snuz listed on couponmatrix.ukSnuz is an online retailer that specializes in selling high-quality baby sleep products and accessories. They offer a wide range of products, from moses baskets, cots and pregnancy pillows to bedding and mattresses, all of which are designed to help you and your baby get a good night's sleep. Plus, with their Snuz discount code, you can save even more on your next purchase. So whether you're looking for a new bedside crib for your little one or just want to save some money on your next order, be sure to use Snuz's discount code. At Groupon, we understand that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best discount codes and deals on behalf of our customers. When it comes to Snuz, we are constantly on the lookout for the best offers so you can be sure you're getting the best deal possible. Whether it's a discount on your next purchase or free shipping on orders over a certain amount, we'll make sure you know about it. Plus, our discount codes are always up-to-date so you can be confident you're getting the best savings. So if you're looking to save money on your next purchase from Snuz, be sure to check out Groupon first. Looking for a great way to save money on your next purchase from Snuz? Then be sure to check out their Snuz promo codes. Don't wait any longer, head over to Snuz and start shopping today.
ticketmaster-uk listed on couponmatrix.ukFrom festivals to club-nights, from family attractions to sporting events, if you need a ticket to get in, Ticketmaster can deliver the goods. Add one of our Ticketmaster vouchers to your purchase to cut the cost of the hottest tickets in town and get set for an event to remember while keeping your bank balance intact. Whether you’re looking to support your favourite football team or snap up seats at the concert of the year, Ticketmaster’s seamless booking experience and diverse variety of events will leave you hungry for more.