Sobeys downtown?

[flatlander]

I hear Sobeys is building downtown stores in Regina and Saskatoon. Is this true? I'd love to get a Sobeys in downtown Winnipeg.

[macca]

Where did you hear that? I've heard nothing of the sort (for S'toon at least).

[CCF]

Have heard nothing about this in Regina either. We are supposed to get a grocery store, but I believe it will be a private, non-franchise one. I'm interrested to hear where you picked that up?

[flatlander]

There was an article in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 26 about a new distribution facility in Winnipeg, and how they would like to open a couple of new stores in the city. Downtown was mentioned, with a size of about 10-15000 square feet.

I bumped into a guy who used to work for Sobeys corporate office and he thought there were stores going into downtown Regina and Saskatoon. Maybe he was wrong?

I'm going to check with Sobeys in Edmonton.

[CCF]

Hmm would be great if it happened. Let us know what you hear.

Thanks for the info.

[rgalston]

If Sobey's, or any other major chain supermarket were to open downtown, where would they open? The customer base just doesn't seem to exist anywhere north or Broadway. Then again, I think with a good selection of ethnic foods, a supermarket on Notre Dame would do well--capitalizing on the densley populated but poor Central Park area, and the sparsely populated but affluent Exchange District.

[flatlander]

10-15000 square feet isn't really that big. I am guessing the existing Bay groceteria is at least 5000. I wish it was on the ground floor rather than in the basement. It was always my experience that when i lived downtown or had friends living downtown, they would leave the neighbourhood to shop (Osborne Village or Harry's likely). I think if there was a viable option it would attract downtown employees as well as residents. Also, the new Sobeys model sounds like it has more prepared foods than typical. That would likely work well downtown.

I could see something like that going on Portage close to P+M, or even Main north of P+M. Or on Broadway. Used to be a Safeway on Broadway not that long ago...

[bc2mb]

bottom of the avenue building?

or to fill one of the countless vacant spots at cityplace?

[Andy6]

Originally Posted by bc2mb

bottom of the avenue building?

or to fill one of the countless vacant spots at cityplace?

Wouldn't it have to be somewhere you could drive up to? What about somewhere in south Point Douglas, close enough to walk to Waterfront Drive condos etc. and able to attract commuters on their way home from work?

[biguc]

What are the hours like at the grocery store in the Bay?

[flatlander]

I believe same hours as the Bay. Certainly no longer - there would be no access. But it may close earlier although i don't think so.

I quite like the Bay grocery. They have lots of good winnipeg products, especially baking from Kub, City, Gunns, Natural and I'm probably missing a few.

I just wish it was on the main floor.

[DAVEinEDMONTON]

Originally Posted by flatlander

There was an article in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 26 about a new distribution facility in Winnipeg, and how they would like to open a couple of new stores in the city. Downtown was mentioned, with a size of about 10-15000 square feet.

I bumped into a guy who used to work for Sobeys corporate office and he thought there were stores going into downtown Regina and Saskatoon. Maybe he was wrong?

I'm going to check with Sobeys in Edmonton.

There is definitely a new Sobey's going in downtown Edmonton...about 50% complete.