Revitalization of Winnipeg Zellers stores continues the retailer's long-time
history with the city

WINNIPEG, Aug. 20 /CNW/ - The city of Winnipeg and Zellers have long shared a history, and now, the retailer is proud to announce another milestone: the $20 million re-vamp of seven Zellers locations - the doors to five of which officially open today. Winnipeg is the only city in Canada to experience this update.  The stores will feature a new Zellers store format, offering an improved shopping experience for Winnipeg shoppers.

Stores included in today's grand re-opening are Polo Park, Northgate, Kildonan Place, Southdale Mall and Grant Park, with two additional renovated locations to come in November. 

"This revitalization is part of our ongoing commitment and investment in the city of Winnipeg," says Mark Foote, president and CEO of Zellers Inc. "Our goal is to make the store easier to shop for local consumers, offering them a shopping experience that is intuitive to their needs." 

Given Winnipeg's competitive market and orientation towards discount retailers, this update provides an optimal opportunity for the evaluation of a new Zellers format. 

New features of note include:

• Fresh and Frozen Grocery: offering a variety of fresh produce, dairy and baked goods for quick, easy and affordable meal ideas.
• Updated Exterior: all stores now feature a consistent look, with environmentally friendly upgrades, including the use of LED energy-saving bulbs.
• Expanded Fashion and Toy Departments: featuring a huge selection of the latest styles, brands and 'must haves' the Zellers consumer desires.
• New store layout: wider aisles and a complete store re-flow allows for easier accessibility and navigation within the stores.

"We look forward to hearing from our customers and employees about the new store format," says Adrienne Pavik, District Manager, Zellers Winnipeg. "We're confident that our customers will be excited about the changes we've made and will continue to enjoy the same price competitiveness and breadth of merchandise that Zellers has always offered."

To celebrate the re-opening of each revitalized location, all stores opened today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and have planned events for each store throughout the week including appearances by kid-favourites, Dora and Diego; fashion shows featuring top stylists; a cooking demonstration with Chef Roger Mooking and an appearance by dynamic design duo, Colin and Justin.

This comes after last week's announcement of a $300,000 donation as part of Zellers' new community investment, the Zellers Community Project. The donation will directly benefit members of Winnipeg's West End community through new programming hours at Magnus Eliason Community Centre, heritage visits to historical city sites and community shuttle vans for free transportation for Winnipeg families in need.

The history between Winnipeg and Hbc is a long one. In 1881, Hbc opened its first retail location in Winnipeg at Main and York Streets as part of the growing city. Zellers first opened its doors in Winnipeg in 1933 and now has seven store locations across the city.

About Hudson's Bay Company:

Hudson's Bay Company is the Canadian retail entity of Hudson's Bay

Trading Company (HBTC). Founded in 1670, The Hudson's Bay Company operates the Bay, a major department store, Zellers, a mass merchandise format, Home Outfitters, a kitchen, bed and bath specialty store, and value-priced Fields stores. With more than 600 retail outlets and over 60,000 associates in Canada, Hudson's Bay Company banners provide Canadians with stylish, quality merchandise at great value and with a dedicated focus on exceeding customer expectations.

About Hudson's Bay Trading Company:

The Hudson's Bay Trading Company (HBTC) is a leading North American retailer with key banners spanning Canada and the United States. HBTC's Canadian retail entity, the Hudson's Bay Company, operates the Bay, a major department store, Zellers, a mass merchandise format, Home Outfitters, a kitchen, bed and bath specialty store, and value-priced Fields stores. Hudson's Bay Company has more than 600 retail locations and nearly 60,000 associates across Canada. HBTC's US banner operations include Lord & Taylor, an upscale specialty retailer with 46 stores across nine states.

For further information:

or to schedule an interview with a Zellers representative, please contact:
Nicole Paara

Harbinger

416.960.5100 ext. 252

[email protected] 

cell: 647.802.5027