CALGARY – September is fresher than ever at Calgary Co-op ("Co-op") food stores, thanks to a significant number of food store renovations and their expanding product selection, including chef prepared meals, organic and all-natural, local and gluten-free options.
Renovations are complete (or nearing completion) at 12 of Co-op's 24 food stores, with the continued overhaul of remaining food store locations taking place in the coming months. The list of renovated food stores includes: Shawnessy, Crowfoot, Macleod Trail, Midtown, Forest Lawn, Richmond Road, Village Square, Deer Valley, Hamptons, Creekside and High River. (The 12th location, West Springs, will be complete in October 2014.)
In addition to a broad range of new products and services, and an overall offering that is sure to set Co-op apart from its competitors, the local co-operative is focused on ensuring 'best in class' experience for shoppers.
"We are proud to say that we are investing in fresh," said Ken Woo, Calgary Co-op Chief Executive Officer, "and want to invite our members to rediscover their local Co-op store."
Co-op embarked on this ambitious redevelopment project in 2012 when they began renovating their flagship store in Crowfoot.
"We learned a great deal from opening Crowfoot last year," said Woo, "One of the biggest take aways [for us] was the appreciation our customers have for fresh, local products."
At all 24 Co-op food stores shoppers will find over 1,000 local items and more than 800 gluten-free items. Plus, Co-op sells over 30% of Calgary's organic produce.
Some of the new offerings to look forward to include:
Fresh To Go Kitchens – Red Seal chefs prepare fresh ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat meals, including a $10 daily dinner feature (Monday-Friday). Available at Crowfoot, Macleod Trail and Shawnessy Co-op locations; a fourth location will open at West Springs Co-op in October.
Local Roast Coffee Bars – Some of the finest batches of globally-sourced green organic beans are roasted, ground and brewed on site. Enjoy a freshly brewed latte while you shop, or take home a bag of your favourite coffee beans. Available at Crowfoot, Macleod Trail and Shawnessy Co-op locations; a fourth location will open at West Springs Co-op in October.
Curry Bars – Co-op's self-serve curry bars include a selection of chef-created Indian curries: butter chicken, tikka masala, chicken vindaloo and vegetarian chana masala. Aromatic basmati rice and fresh naan bread are also available. Now available at the following ten Co-op locations, in the deli: Midtown, Macleod Trail, Forest Lawn, Village Square, Deer Valley, Crowfoot, Shawnessy, Richmond Road, Hamptons and Creekside Co-op locations; an eleventh location will open at West Springs Co-op in October.
Co-op Perfect Meat – This premium line of locally sourced meats is fresh from the abundant farms and ranches of Alberta. This new line of products, exclusive to Calgary Co-op, serves the high-quality and choices their members request. Now available at all Co-op food stores.
Co-op has been Calgary's local grocery store for almost 60 years and the organization looks forward to continuing to serve the community as it grows bigger, more dynamic and more diverse. Membership costs only one-dollar, and as a Co-op member one receives an annual refund based on the amount of purchases made each year.
This year there are many reasons to take a fresh look at your local Co-op.
About Calgary Co-op
Owned by our members, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America. With over 440,000 members, 3,500 employees, assets of $485 million and annual sales over $1.1 billion, Calgary Co-op is committed to lead in food; petroleum; home health care; pharmacy; wine, spirits, beer and travel. In 2013, through the Co-op Community Foundation and community initiatives, Calgary Co-op invested over $4.2 million into local youth programs, education, environment, preventative health and poverty relief. For more information please visit www.calgarycoop.com
Source: Calgary Co-Operative Association Limited (Calgary Co-op)