Zellers Unveils Three New Ontario Stores, Led by Cambridge Debut

Zellers is expanding its presence in Ontario with three new stores, beginning with a grand opening in Cambridge this week. The move marks the second location in the province for the department store chain, following its initial return to Toronto's North York in June. Company executives stated that customer response has driven the decision to accelerate the national comeback.

The original North York store opened in June 2026. Since then, Zellers has confirmed plans for two additional Ontario locations scheduled for 2027. A site in Windsor, previously targeted for a July opening, is also moving forward, with the company expecting to release an updated date soon. Joey Benitah, chief operating officer, said the momentum reinforces that Canadians are excited to have the brand back.

The new Cambridge store at 355 Hespeler Road will occupy approximately 25,000 square feet. It adheres to the brand's strategic small-format concept, featuring apparel, toys, home goods, and seasonal products. The release notes that the store includes an electrically certified, TSSA-permitted kiddie ride shaped like a bright red sports car. Merchandise will continue to be added based on customer feedback.

Grand opening events run from Thursday, Nov. 12, to Sunday, Nov. 15. Carnival-inspired activities, including face painting and free balloon animals, take place Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 100 customers that day receive an exclusive collectible key-chain. Weekend celebrations continue from Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Store hours for the opening week are set as follows: Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Zellers mascot, Zeddy Bear, returns across all stores on Nov. 12. The company is developing a dedicated family experience called Zeddy's World, which will allow customers to customize bears with clothing and accessories. A launch date for that concept will be confirmed in the near future.

The next two Ontario locations will open in 2027. One will be located at Shoppers World Brampton, and the other at the Malvern Town Centre in Scarborough. Each is expected to be about 25,000 square feet. Zellers indicated that further store openings under its ongoing expansion plans will be announced in the new year.