Zellers making a comeback in southern Ontario. The discount retailer announced it is opening a new store in Cambridge, Ont., this Thursday. Shoppers who swing by the Cambridge Centre, located at 355 Hespeler Rd., starting Thursday can add Zellers to the list of shops to visit. The new 25,000-square-foot location will have a red sports car ride for young children. During its opening weekend, Zellers says the branch will host a variety of carnival-themed activities, including free balloon animals and face painting for children, and free popcorn with shoppers’ purchases. The first 100 customers will also receive a collectible Zeddy keychain. Zellers will also be adding two more locations in the Greater Toronto Area next year: one at Shoppers World Brampton, located at 499 Main St. S., and one at Malvern Town Centre, 31 Tapscott Rd. These department stores will also sprawl 25,000 square feet. It is unclear when exactly these locations will open. While there is no opening date yet set for a branch at Tecumseh Mall in Windsor, Ont., the discounted retailer said it is “progressing well” and anticipate providing a date soon. On top of Thursday’s store opening in Cambridge, the retailer said the Zeddy Bear is making a comeback to its shelves. The mascot will be available for purchase in two formats: a small key chain and plush bear toy. “We’ve been incredibly encouraged by the response to Zellers’ return, and the momentum we’re seeing reinforces that Canadians are excited to have the brand back,” Joey Benitah, Chief Operating Officer of Zellers, said in Monday’s news release. “We’re continuing to listen to our customers, introduce new offerings and bring Zellers to more communities.” Zellers opened a branch at 80 Orfus Rd. over the summer, which was the first location to open in the GTA since the last store closed in 2020. Most stores closed in 2013.
