Zellers Set to Return to Edmonton Mall in Former Hudson’s Bay Space

A new Zellers store is set to open in Edmonton’s Londonderry Mall, marking the revival of the iconic department store brand in Canada. This location will be the first to occupy a former Hudson’s Bay space, according to Henry Zavriyev, the chief executive officer of the mall’s owner, Leyad. The opening is planned as a soft launch, following the departure of Hudson’s Bay from the retail centre’s southern end two months ago.

Zavriyev announced the news in a media release, highlighting that Londonderry Mall is the first shopping centre in Canada to secure a tenant for an ex-Hudson’s Bay store since the department store chain closed its locations at the end of June 2023. The new Zellers store will occupy approximately 60,000 square feet on the main floor, and is expected to feature a range of home goods and clothing for men, women, and children. Additionally, the store plans to reintroduce its beloved mascot, Zeddy the teddy bear.

The decision to open a Zellers in this community was informed by the demographics surrounding Londonderry Mall. Zavriyev noted that the area is home to many families, with a school located directly across the street. He expressed confidence that Zellers’ product offerings would resonate well with local residents, stating, “We think that the kind of products that Zellers sells serve the community well and are good for the mall.”

While Zavriyev refrained from disclosing the specifics of the deal or the stakeholders involved in the new Zellers store, it is known that the Hudson’s Bay Company had sold its name and trademarks to Canadian Tire for $30 million in May 2023. This included the rights to Zellers’ slogan, “Lowest Price Is The Law.” Canadian Tire outbid 13 other contenders to acquire the intellectual property of Canada’s oldest retail company.

The revival of Zellers comes after a brief period of pop-up stores within some Hudson’s Bay locations, which occurred two years ago. The parent company had initially closed most Zellers stores in 2013, with the last two shutting down in 2020. This new initiative signals a significant shift in the retail landscape, as the Zellers brand seeks to reclaim its place in the Canadian market.

As the grand opening approaches, the community eagerly anticipates the return of a familiar name in retail, one that has long been associated with affordable shopping options across the country. The new Zellers at Londonderry Mall is expected to become a staple for local families, restoring a sense of nostalgia while meeting contemporary shopping needs.