Ross of Ottawa

Just reading in #OttawaLookout newsletter that there's a big actual "Zellers" dept store opening in Edmonton (It was an old now-defunct low-mid tier department store in Canada).

"…The new Zellers will be run by Les Ailes de la Mode," says the article - ie the Montreal-based retailer.

Sounds like a better move than the HBC's attempt.That was bait-and-switch where they Zellers' return only to then roll it out as a corner within their (also now defunct) stores.

#CanadianRetail

Oct 23, 2025 at 6:54pmWeb
Show threadMarielle QuintonOct 23, 2025
@ottaross News from August. I guess we'll see if they really do open. They pushed the date back to the end of October, but haven't heard anything else.
Show threadRoss of OttawaOct 23, 2025

@mariellequinton interesting. Seems like a bit of a trial balloon. The retail landscape is rather in a mess.

There's potential for a bit of rebound in in-person shopping, I'd say, as we're all thoroughly experienced with online now and it lacks a few elements in the experience.

Show threadMarielle QuintonOct 23, 2025
@ottaross I agree. I'm curious as to what they sell. As someone with kids it's hard to find clothes, shoes, etc for them. No Sears, HBC, Zellers/target etc etc. We're stuck with Walmart or specialty stores. But the thing HBC did with Zellers was just useless.
Show threadRoss of OttawaOct 23, 2025
@mariellequinton agreed. Would be interesting to hear how that came about. Did they intend that from the start, or just chicken out halfway through the project.
Show threadbjb  Oct 23, 2025

@ottaross

I wish the retailers would face it: Zellers is gone, and move on.

The only thing a retailer shows by buying the Zellers name and inevitably mishandling it is their own laziness and inability to make their own brand.

Grump.

Show threadRoss of OttawaOct 23, 2025
@bjb I'd have thought so too, but there seems to be some nostalgia thing they're trying to tap into.
Show threadThe S Kate M 💛💙Oct 24, 2025
@ottaross @bjb it’s unfortunate that Zeller’s was so much maligned way back when. I still have quality clothing from them and I hope that Les Aisles de la Mode, notes and avoids the Target and Bay mistakes.
Show threadbjb  Oct 24, 2025

@skatem @ottaross

It's just a name! There is nothing else that carries on. The whole retail landscape (supply chain) is completely different.

They need to run their own business and stop pretending to be something they are not and that has ceased to exist.

Show threadThe S Kate M 💛💙Oct 24, 2025
@bjb @ottaross nostalgia is a powerful motivator 🙂