Seafood City picks Winnipeg for second Canadian location

Seafood City is headed to Winnipeg.

The Filipino-focused grocery chain is scheduled to open in the Garden City Shopping Centre next summer. The mall has recently undergone a major renovation and will redevelop a 92,000-sq.-ft. space once occupied by Sears to accommodate Seafood City (43,000 sq. ft.) and other stores.

The chain has said part of its appeal was that it offered Filipinos a “home away from home” and served as a community gathering spot. But, it also contended that non-Filipinos love shopping at the store for its huge variety of seafood and unique products not available in other stores.

In an interview with The Winnipeg Free Press, local area resident Leila Castro said social media is often abuzz with talk of Seafood City and she looked forward to having the store in her neighbourhood.

"It’s in the heart of the place where many Filipino immigrants are. It’s something that’s going to add to make an exciting life here in Winnipeg," she told the paper.

Seafood City made its Canadian debut in Mississauga, Ont. last October. It has 24 locations scattered across the United States including California, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii and Illinois.