Rumours have been circulating forever now that Target is joining the ranks of U.S. retailers setting up in Canada, alongside J. Crew, Kohl’s, J.C. Penney and Crate and Barrel. Well, today those rumours were confirmed—and Toronto Life’s prediction from early 2010 was right. Target—or Tar-jay, in sarcastic French—will open in the Great White North by 2013, replacing the HBC-owned chain Zellers.
In a $1.8-billion deal announced Thursday, Target Corp. will acquire and convert most of the Zellers stores in Canada from parent company Hudson Bay Co., while the rest of the Target stores will be picked up by other retail enterprises. The Zellers takeover is similar to when Wal-Mart entered the Canadian market after snapping up Woolco stores in 1994.
The deal includes complex negotiations with Zellers landlords and is heralded as “industry-changing” by the Globe and Mail: “Zellers store leases will now be auctioned off to an array of other retailers, including potentially foreign players who have a growing desire to launch stores in Canada.”
“Industry-changing,” indeed. Target’s Canadian debut comes as welcome news for fashionistas on a budget who can finally pick up the much touted Rodarte for Target collection on this side of the border. Others—mainly such retailers as Canadian Tire, Winners, Great Canadian Superstore and Wal-Mart—are likely less keen, seeing as they’ll soon have a competitor that has more hype than all of them combined.
WHY!!! Do Canadian’s really want to become American’s???
January 13, 2011 at 11:20 am | by DeborahWHY … Target’s NOT that great of a store, why don’t Canadian’s come to the US and find out just how frigging rude the US can be towards them.
Keep Canada – CANADA!!! This annoys me to no end!
This is not Target’s “debut” in Canada, it’s their RETURN!
I used to live in Gander, Newfoundland, CANADA. We had a Target Store there about 15 – 20 years ago. It was a very low-end, messy setup that went out of business. I worked right next door (at a BiWay of similar fate). I remember the older version of the target logo and I think of it every time I see the Target commercials on air today. I watch the commercials and think how much nicer the store appears to look now.
I wish I had some pictures. I’m sure some resident or former resident of Gander (and any other possible Canadian locations) might have some. But they were definitely in our country before.
January 13, 2011 at 11:27 am | by rjunedJust a quick guess Deborah…you wrote this post on your Apple MacBook while sipping on a Starbucks Venti Soy Vanilla Latte after driving to work in you new Chevrolet Cruze? All products of American origin sold (and sometimes manufactured) here in Canada.
January 13, 2011 at 1:26 pm | by DaneThis is a business decision made by an American company venturing to Canada because we will support their brand and purchase their products.
I dont think anyone wants to be americans but Target has a very good offering in the US right now and this is something that canadian retailers have not been able to do…so Canada will gladly take their money for renting space on their land.
January 13, 2011 at 2:41 pm | by FrancisXLHurrah hurrah hurrah sellers sucks and target is wonderful
January 13, 2011 at 3:17 pm | by NicOh and marks and spencers please buy sone of the zellers stores as well there is no choice for mid markets goods in this city ….another reason why Toronto is so expensive!!!!!!
January 13, 2011 at 3:22 pm | by NicTarget – Newfoundland discount variety store chain (1981–1995) – never related to American company.
January 13, 2011 at 3:31 pm | by Wm TargetYIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
January 13, 2011 at 5:04 pm | by Kateyes this Hapen before but it was the same name and it was not the American chain does it mean that target Menes discount
Target – Newfoundland discount variety store chain (1981–1995) – never related to American company did you get this from Wikipedia or something because of that is something Eh Target/Zellers that Wikipedia Says im from St jonhs Newfoundland we used to have them In Newfoundland also but i thing it was the same what that person was Describing I just found out there was one in New Brunswick somewhere in Fredericton but i can not member where and what place and it looks like i saw it before but can not member where so can you help me out
thank you
January 13, 2011 at 8:38 pm | by UNKOWNUNKNOWN
now this lady is being rude to the U.S. Just moved home to Canada and the sadest thing about leaving the U.S. was no Target. You will regret saying that once you find great clothing and everything at so much better quality and style than any Walmart or Zellars. There is no comparison; Target can’t even be compared as they are in a different league. Can’t wait! The best news ever. Now I am really home in Canada!!!
January 13, 2011 at 11:20 pm | by ljcThis whole Target thing is a bit meh on my part. I’m looking forward to J.Crew coming this year though!
January 13, 2011 at 11:34 pm | by CynthiaTarget is just like Zellers. It’s just an American version of Zellers. I’m a proud Canadian and support the Canadian business. I think Zellers should stay and should not have to sell out to Target. If Target wants to branch out north of the border, they shouldn’t have to take over Zellers.
I AM CANADIAN AND PROUD OF IT! =)
January 14, 2011 at 2:10 pm | by KarenDeborah – I suppose you think that if a foreign chain of business comes on-land in Canada, then you’re trying to be like them (i.e., American). It’s called business. there are many business chains that are not Canadian (Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, etc, etc.). C’mon, don’t be ridiculous. You know you probably cross the border to “shop in the States”.
January 14, 2011 at 3:59 pm | by UsRocksI think Target being here will be a great addition. And yes, I’m an American living in Canada and I think that prices here for goods are way too high.
Deborah-GET OVER IT!!! I love Canada and the store is going to be a Canadian Target. It’s going to bring many new jobs and maybe Canadians will shop in Canada instead of crossing the border to find these stores. It’s great for the country. If you had a bad encounter with some American’s that’s unfortunate but it doesn’t mean they are all bad. That’s like saying all men are bad when one acts like a jerk. It’s time to grow up and stop thinking someone or something is taking over what you deem to symbolize your patriotism. If you are a true Canadian then you are for what’s best for Canadians, which is jobs and supporting our economy and eachother. We are known to be kind people in general but your not being very kind, are you. I don’t think the Canadian Zellers owners are traumatized they were bought out by Target so you shouldn’t be either. Turn your frown upside down and be positive. Maybe you can get a job at Target:)
January 14, 2011 at 7:38 pm | by HeatherCanadian? What Canadian? This is the 51st state of America. Canada shops American, follows American troops wherever they go, vacations in America, buys american dollar savings and the list goes on. Where is the Canadian identity? I think it lies in Canadian protectionism and hypocrisy.
January 15, 2011 at 12:42 am | by Rajiv