For more than 30 years, community grocer Choices Markets has earned a name as one of Western Canada’s largest retailers of organic, local and specialty foods. The B.C.-owned and operated company is opening its first location on Vancouver Island.
In 1990, Choices Markets opened its flagship store in Kitsilano. The company became an industry leader, focusing on alternative food options such as local, organic goods and hard-to-find items necessary for specialized diets. Its ownership also established a complimentary nutrition program and many community outreach initiatives that have grown steadily as the company expands. In 2017, Choices Markets joined The Jim Pattison Group of companies.
Set to open in the fall of 2022, the newest Choices Markets will be located in Parksville, B.C. It will be a 22,000 square-foot operation and will continue to live up to the company brand by supporting small local producers; sourcing the highest quality, ethically raised or sourced meat, poultry and seafood; providing a large variety of local, organic produce, dairy and grocery options; offering complimentary trusted nutrition services; serving as a one-stop-shop for foods for specialized diets; and stocking thousands of natural wellness products.
Choices Markets was founded in 1990 by brothers Wayne and Lloyd Lockhart, who later partnered with Salim Ahmed in 2000. The Choices Markets chain has 10 locations spanning Vancouver, Burnaby, South Surrey, Abbotsford and Kelowna and also includes an industrial kitchen and bakery in South Burnaby. The Parksville location will be the company’s 11th store.
