Starting this spring there will be a new grocery option for shoppers in several B.C. communities, as Sobeys moves their FreshCo brand of markets into the province.
Located in Winnipeg, the format is a converted former RONA Home and Garden format that has been refined by “taking the best” of Lowe’s and RONA, the retailer said. The opening marks Lowe’s Canada’s 67th store to operate under the Lowe’s banner. The new format includes a wider assortment of seasonal products such as Craftsman snowblowers and outdoor power equipment, patio furniture, and seasonal decorations. A complete selection of appliances and the introduction of entirely new product categories including Lowe’s private labels, and top brands such as John Deere, Husqvarna, and Cub Cadet are also part of the mix.
A broader selection of fashion plumbing products such as tubs, showers, toilets, vanities, sinks and faucets with the introduction of high-profile brands such as Kohler and Grohe have been included as well.
Faced with a choice of pinpointing the flow of each gram of marijuana through their inventory or risking steep fines and licence suspensions, cannabis stores are reaching for help from a spinoff niche: point-of-sale technology. Failing to accurately track cannabis could mean $50,000 penalties and suspended licences.
Fort Saskatchewan council is looking at ways to improve their downtown core.
At a meeting earlier this month, city staff said they need to make an action plan to bring more traffic in if they want businesses to stick around.
The retail community was top of conversation, as administration pointed out that Fort Sask's downtown region has an 11 per cent vacancy.
"I think a new plan is an opportunity to preserve a really great community asset," said economic development officer Mike Erickson.
Another major discussion point was the lack of traffic that actually sees the downtown stores.
A Winnipeg wine store is suing alcohol regulators in the province, alleging they are allowing online retailers to sell wine to Manitobans at a discount and siphon off customers from local brick-and-mortar businesses — and accusing the online retailers of "bootlegging."
Banville & Jones, a wine shop on St. Mary's Road, is suing the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries for "turning a blind eye" to out-of-province alcohol retailers.