Save-On-Foods is officially opening a new Coquitlam City Centre store tomorrow (Sept. 1).
It's moving one block east of the Pinetree Village location, which is set to close today, and it's set to offer a different experience with a range of options in hopes of meeting every shopper's expectations.
The () — the third store in the community — is being dubbed as the Save-On-Foods of the future, according to a company statement sent to the Tri-City News about the grand opening.
Coquitlam will be the first of the western Canadian franchise to launch an automated online ordering centre in the same building as its general shopping area.
That feature, however, won't be fully operational until November.
"Our amazing team has been working tirelessly to get our new store up and running and we are excited to finally welcome in our community this week," said store manager Ralph Peragine.
"This store is an innovative addition to Save-On-Foods and we are proud and excited to welcome this fantastic community to Save-On-Foods Sunwood."
So, what is an automated online ordering centre?
According to the release, Save-On-Foods' latest innovation will cover 16,000 of the 72,825 sq. ft. building, which began renovations in the spring.
The centre uses its network system to fill online shopping orders "quickly and efficiently," said company president Darrell Jones, which hopes to free up more floor space for customers.
"Save-On-Foods Sunwood is truly one-of-a-kind and offers customers the quality, value and convenience they want in their neighbourhood grocery store alongside the latest and greatest programs and products that make Save-On-Foods unique," Jones added.
"That’s going to change the way we deliver our online shopping orders through Save-On-Foods and improve the customer experience – our ultimate goal."
As well, Coquitlam city council approved Save-On-Foods' , which will allow the store to sell a variety of B.C. wines.
Its Pinetree Village pharmacy will also be .
Other features aimed at improving customer experience at the Sunwood Square location include:
- Grilling station = customers can have steaks grilled by a chef to their specifications
- Oyster bar = a wider seafood selection, both local and Ocean Wise
- Custom cake centre = the "ultimate personalized dessert experience"
- Full-service cheese counter
- Mediterranean bar = products to reflect the local Middle Eastern population
- Fresh-pressed juice bar
- Bulk candy store and popcorn kiosk
- Wine department = more than 1,500 varieties of made-in-B.C. wine
- Experts will also be on hand to recommend pairings with in-store items
- Kitchen grab 'n' go = hand-stretched, Napoli-style pizza; homestyle fried chicken; fresh poké bowls; and in-store rolled sushi
Coquitlam's new Save-On-Foods is scheduled to be open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Grand opening
Thursday's grand opening will be highlighted by several freebies and giveaways.
Save-On-Foods Sunwood Square's first 500 customers are set to receive gift cards, two of which will have $500 while the rest will be loaded with $10.
In the days that follow, the company says customers will be selected at random to receive other free items, such as floral bouquets, cookies, chips and Kitchen grab 'n' go coupons.