MOOSE JAW — The Civic Centre Plaza in Moose Jaw has recently expanded its range of business options with the addition of a new grocery store this month.
No Frills is now located in the northeastern portion of the plaza and announced its grand opening on the morning of Dec. 5.
The new No Frills store in Moose Jaw is part of Loblaw Companies’ push to introduce small-format discount stores across the country. These compact locations aim to offer customers cost-saving opportunities, all while adapting to changing shopping habits and rising food costs.
This location, roughly one-third the size of a typical No Frills store — as is the format for each of the new store models, which average 10,000 square feet (929 square metres) or less — reflects a growing trend among Canadian grocers to lower costs and increase discounts.
The smaller store locations, for instance, are expected to cost around 10 to 20 per cent less than a regular-sized No Frills store, according to Loblaw’s president and CEO, Per Bank.
By reducing the selection of some items — offering five brands of spaghetti instead of 10, for example — these stores are better able to maintain affordability while streamlining inventory. Loblaw’s smaller format is intended to address rising food costs, and considers that some shoppers favour discount and private-label brands — which No Frills offers exclusively.
Bank emphasized that these smaller stores allow the company to serve communities more effectively. These smaller stores are designed to fit into more neighbourhoods, thereby making them accessible to a broader range of shoppers, according to the company.
The move is part of the company’s $2 billion capital investment plan, which will see the addition of 40 new discount stores across Canada.
Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada’s largest retailer and private-sector employer, serving over one billion customers annually through its 2,500 stores and e-commerce platforms, according to an official Loblaw statement.
The company offers food, pharmacy, beauty, apparel, and financial services through popular brands including No Frills, President’s Choice, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the Real Canadian Superstore.
For any questions or for further information, the store can be reached at 1-866-987-6453.
No Frills is located in the Civic Centre Plaza, located at 1251 Main Street North and adjacent to the Town ‘N’ Country Mall.