Work continues at the FreshCo store at the Bedford Place Mall ahead of its grand opening slated for Aug. 20. Photo by Tim KrochakArticle contentThe long-awaited launch of discount grocer FreshCo in the Halifax area will occur at two locations later this month.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentFreshCo, Empire Company’s discount chain, will open on Aug. 20 at the Bedford Place Mall and on Cobequid Road (the former Lawtons building) in Lower Sackville. A third FreshCo is slated for the former Bay space at Micmac Mall and is expected to open in the late fall.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“These are the first FreshCo stores in Atlantic Canada, and we look forward to opening our doors to a new format store experience for the region,” said Caitlin Gray, an external communications advisor for Sobeys, part of the Empire Company.Article content“Customers can expect a bright and welcoming store with fantastic multicultural foods, fresh produce and a broad assortment of products at low prices.”Article contentGrocers ‘typically offer savings in the range of 10–15 per cent’Article contentIn April, the news that FreshCo and No Thrills, Loblaw’s competitor discount grocer, were coming to the Halifax area was well received by food industry expert Sylvain Charlebois.Article contentCharlebois, the director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, stated at the time that discount grocers would have a ripple effect that benefits consumers.Article content“Discount formats typically offer savings in the range of 10–15 per cent on a basket, depending on how much private label you buy,” said Charlebois. “The real impact isn’t just lower prices in those stores; it’s competitive pressure. When a FreshCo or No Frills opens, nearby stores often sharpen pricing.”Article contentArticle contentCharlebois added that mindsets were changing in the purchasing of private-label products, such as Sobeys’ Compliments and Loblaws’ President’s Choice and No Name.Article contentArticle content“Twenty per cent of all food sold now in Canada is private labelled,” said Charlebois.Article contentThe Bedford Place Mall announced on social media that part of their parking lot is paved and ready for the opening of the FreshCo store.Article content“We understand this has been an overwhelming amount of excitement for one shopping centre, and we appreciate your patience during these incredibly dramatic times! On the bright side, the fresh pavement will have somewhere new to take you,” read the statement. “So mark your calendars, grab your reusable bags, and get ready because after all the questions, rumours, guesses, and ‘When is FreshCo opening?’ comments… The answer is August 20th. We’ll see you there!”Article contentThe No Frills store is expected to open later this year in Dartmouth Crossing at the former Toys ‘R’ Us location.Article content
Discount grocer FreshCo to open stores in Bedford and Lower Sackville
