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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.