Central Alberta Co-op says Red Deer is ready for three of its grocery stores.
Construction is progressing on schedule for a spring opening on a new 40,000-square-foot grocery store in Timberlands Market just south of the 30th Avenue roundabout. It will also include liquor and convenience stores and a gas bar.
Co-op general manager Gerald Hiebert said there are no plans to close the 26,000-square-foot store just a few blocks south in Deer Park. Co-op also has a downtown grocery store at 5118 47th Ave.
“We’re confident we’re going to be able to keep three stores surviving in the food end of it,” he said. The liquor store and gas bar are also expected to do well in Red Deer’s growing market.
“We’re confident in all three aspects of this business.”
Hiebert said their decision to make such a significant investment in trying economic times was driven by the amount of membership support they have.
“This is just something that our members have had the desire for and we’re just pleased to be able to commit to a long-term facility and ride out this downturn and be ready when the economy comes back to life.
“You don’t just worry about today, you think about tomorrow. That’s what we’re doing here.”