Sobeys revamps IGA’s Western Canadian image
For the first time in 15 years, Sobeys Inc. has opened a new store under its IGA banner in Western Canada. The new Emerald Park location, found just east of Regina, marks a new direction for the IGA brand—one that is focused on a sense of community.
The banner currently has 32 locations in Western Canada, which are located primarily in small towns.
“We refer to (IGA) as our community banner,” Keri Scobie, communications manager for Sobeys in Western Canada, told the Regina Leader-Post. “They’re in a few larger centres, but mostly in smaller towns. This one is really kind of a flagship, a look to what the future of the community banner will be for Western Canada. It’s an entirely different-looking store. It won’t feel like you’re at a regular IGA.”
Scobie added that the new store has a much more modern feel than its predecessors, with many new prepared food and shopping options. For instance, the Emerald Park location offers stir-fry dishes, store-made flatbreads, a curry bar, organic and natural products, premium meat and seafood departments, as well as a pet boutique.
The new store’s operators are Wayne and Joan Zook, seasoned veterans of Saskatchewan’s grocery business.
“Franchisees Wayne and Joan Zook have more than 40 years of combined grocery retail experience,” says Jana Sobey, vice-president of community stores for Sobeys Inc. “Before their transition to the IGA banner, they led Sobeys Albert Street in Regina. We’re excited to have this incredible husband-and-wife team lead the way for the community banner with the newest IGA.”
