Zellers is making a comeback: hundreds attend store opening
From the moment employees opened the doors to White Oaks Mall on Thursday morning, hundreds of people flocked to Zellers.
Curiosity and low prices have enticed many to head to the mall for Thursday's official opening.
“When you're looking for a store as iconic as Zellers you’re looking for nostalgia and low prices,” said Liam O’Brien, who was excited to step foot back inside the store.
O’Brien explained how looking around Zellers was a trip down memory lane, adding, “Among other stores, there’s something about Zellers that has a magic touch.”
Joan Belifi said the last time she was in a Zellers was likely 10-15 years ago.
“It’s great to see it open again!” she said at the opening.
Zellers employees will be handing out tickets for customers to win prizes including gift cards and t-shirts for the remainder of the day.
In 2013 Zellers closed hundreds of its stores in Canada once Target bought the company in a $1.8-billion deal with Hudson’s Bay.Liam O’Brien was one of dozens to attend Zellers official opening at White Oaks Mall on March 23, 2022. (Jenn Basa/CTV London)
The return of the low-cost department store is a relief for many who are tired of feeling the weight of inflation.
“It’s a lot cheaper, it seems, compared to back then,” said one shopper.
Zellers offers a variety of lifestyle goods including home decor, clothing, toys and more.
“I’m going to come back again this afternoon!” said Jessica Belifi, who was one of the first people to make their way into the store.
The history of Zellers in London stems back to 1928 when Walter P. Zeller started the chain on Dundas Street in downtown London.
It was an instant success sparking him to sell it off to another retailer, who renamed the stores and expanded to 14 other markets.
Zellers is now located on the second floor of the Hudson’s Bay at White Oaks Mall.
Another 25 locations will open in Canada, including nine in Ontario.
Zellers’ representatives were not available for an interview on Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.