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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.