Empire has announced three new FreshCo locations in Alberta, advancing its expansion of FreshCo.
With this announcement, Empire has now confirmed 40 out of about 65 planned locations in its expansion in Western Canada, with 28 now open across Western provinces.
The three Alberta FreshCo stores are Jasper Gates in Edmonton, Lewis Estates in Edmonton, and Downtown Fort McMurray.
Respective Safeway and Sobeys stores will close mid 2022 and open as FreshCo stores by the end of 2022.
In 2021, Empire has opened 15 stores, consistent with its plan to open 10-15 FreshCo stores per year.
“Customers in Alberta are welcoming FreshCo with open arms, thrilled to see a new and fresh discount option in their local markets,” says Mike Venton, general manager, Discount. “Our team of frontline leaders and store teammates in the West is committed to continue opening stores that deliver on our freshness, price and in-stock guaranteed promises. The customer response to our entry into the market gives us great confidence in our brand and marketing strategies.”
By the end of 2022, the company plans to have all 40 FreshCo stores confirmed in Western Canada.
Store closures and conversion costs are expected to be about $6.3 million before tax to be expensed in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
