Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) has announced plans to expand its iconic Zellers brand across Canada, increasing the store's presence in cities nationwide. This expansion will be supported by significant liquidity to enhance the company's offerings and further invest in its operating businesses.
Zellers, one of HBC's most beloved brands, holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians. The brand recently launched its first e-commerce site and opened select stores within Hudson's Bay locations. Now, Zellers is setting its sights on new locations, initially through a series of pop-up boutiques within Hudson's Bay stores. These pop-ups will help measure customer response in each market to determine the best fits for the Zellers store experience.
The first pop-up is set to launch at Hudson's Bay's flagship Queen Street store in June, with up to 20 additional pop-ups expected to open in August. Customers can expect a helpful, playful shopping experience packed full of low prices day in, day out. With a core focus on design and value, Zellers aims to become the new go-to for lifestyle, home, and almost everything in between.
"We have always said that we will listen to Canadians, and they will tell us where to grow," says Sophia Hwang-Judiesch, President, Hudson'sBay. "With these pop-ups, our expansion strategy will be fueled by the interest and feedback from our customers across the country."
Zellers' price philosophy revolves around everyday low prices, offering products built on three pillars: quality, design, and value. The brand serves customers across key lifestyle categories, including kitchen and bath, accent furniture and home decor, organization and storage, baby and kids toys and apparel, pets, and apparel basics for men and women.
HBC, the holding company of investments and businesses that include Hudson's Bay and Zellers, as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off Fifth, has also raised $240 million of additional liquidity to further invest in and grow its operating businesses. This capital will strengthen the company's strategic position while taking advantage of opportunities created as other retailers exit the Canadian market.
"As we diversify our consumer offerings, we are strongly positioned to expand on the retail experience customers have come to expect from Hudson's Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Off Fifth and now Zellers," says Richard Baker, Governor, Executive Chairman and CEO of HBC. "With this incremental liquidity, we will strengthen our businesses and build upon the great foundation we have established."
Hudson's Bay, North America's longest continually operating company, helps Canadians live their best style of life. With a reputation for quality and style, the company offers an unrivaled assortment of products and categories through its e-commerce platforms and network of 83 brick-and-mortar stores from coast to coast.
As Zellers continues to expand its footprint across Canada, the brand's growth strategy will be fueled by the interest and feedback from customers across the country. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to diversify its consumer offerings and strengthen its businesses.
