FreshCo expansion lands in Alberta

 

FreshCo continues its expansion across Western Canada with the opening of six stores, two of which mark the discount banner's foray into Alberta.

In addition to the two Edmonton stores, the Empire-owned chain is also opening four FreshCo locations in Winnipeg, Manitoba. All six locations are scheduled to open in spring 2021.

"Breaking ground in Alberta is a significant milestone in our Western Canadian expansion. We have now opened or planned locations in every province in Western Canada," said Mike Venton, general manager, discount, Sobeys Inc., a subsidiary of Empire, in a press release.

"Our FreshCo expansion into Western Canada is more relevant than ever before, as economic realities continue to shift," added Venton. "We are seeing a strong appetite for discount grocery options as the brand continues to resonate with the Western Canadian shopper."

In 2017, Empire Company announced it would expand FreshCo into Western Canada through the conversion of around 25% of its 255 Safeway and Sobeys full-service stores.

The company has announced 28 locations to date, including 16 now open in B.C. and Manitoba, three B.C. stores opening soon, and four planned to open in Saskatchewan this summer.