Sobeys' Unveiled a New Express Store Concept in Nova Scotia
Laura McQuarrie — January 21, 2016 — Business
References: supermarketnews & newswire
Antigonish, Nova Scotia is now home to the first Sobeys Express store, which the brand described as a new type of "a new convenience and fuel format."
The new retail format was inspired by the Sobeys IGA Express stores in Quebec, but it puts more of an emphasis on fresh food options for on-the-go activities. In place of many packaged snacks that are found at other c-stores, Sobeys Express is designed to offer fresher alternatives. A few of these options include butter croissant sandwiches, hot soups, cookies and other pastries that are freshly baked in-store each day. The Sobeys Express is almost like a small-scale supermarket and convenience store hybrid, especially as it stocks an assortment of rotisserie chickens and fresh salads.
Months earlier, Sobey's also launched 'Chalo FreshCo,' its version of a discount Asian supermarket to appeal to Ontario's diverse and multicultural consumers.
The new retail format was inspired by the Sobeys IGA Express stores in Quebec, but it puts more of an emphasis on fresh food options for on-the-go activities. In place of many packaged snacks that are found at other c-stores, Sobeys Express is designed to offer fresher alternatives. A few of these options include butter croissant sandwiches, hot soups, cookies and other pastries that are freshly baked in-store each day. The Sobeys Express is almost like a small-scale supermarket and convenience store hybrid, especially as it stocks an assortment of rotisserie chickens and fresh salads.
Months earlier, Sobey's also launched 'Chalo FreshCo,' its version of a discount Asian supermarket to appeal to Ontario's diverse and multicultural consumers.
Trend Themes
1. Express Grocery Stores - The rise of express grocery stores presents opportunities for innovative convenience and fuel formats that prioritize fresh food options.
2. Fresh Food On-the-go - The increasing demand for fresh on-the-go food options creates opportunities for retailers to offer freshly baked items, hot soups, and other convenient, healthier alternatives.
3. Discount Ethnic Supermarkets - The growth of discount ethnic supermarkets, such as Chalo FreshCo, caters to diverse and multicultural consumers, opening up disruptive innovation opportunities within the grocery industry.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Innovative retail concepts and express grocery stores have the potential to disrupt the traditional supermarket model and create new shopping experiences.
2. Food Service - The focus on fresh food options in express grocery stores presents opportunities for food service providers to collaborate and supply ready-to-eat meals and bakery products.
3. Convenience Stores - The emergence of express grocery stores challenges convenience store operators to update their offerings and incorporate fresher alternatives to stay competitive.
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