Lower Lonsdale grocery shoppers can expect a change in scenery over the coming months.
A new Fresh St. Market location will replace the IGA location at 150 Esplanade West, which has operated in North Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»for 22 years.
But the grocery store will remain fully open during the transition, which is expected to be complete by this fall, according to Georgia Main Food Group, a company that owns a number of IGA and Fresh St. locations in B.C.
The renovation is in its early stages, with various departments undergoing transformations, and customers can expect the same “seamless and enjoyable shopping and customer service experience” along the way, the company said.
In an emailed statement, Georgia Main CEO Gary Sorenson thanked loyal IGA customers, and said the new store will bring an “exciting” experience: “a place where you will find the best local produce and ready-to-go foods and where you can dine-in with friends and family at your leisure.”
Once renovated, the new store will mark the second Fresh St. location on the North Shore, adding to the West Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»market in Ambleside.
Looking at renderings of the renovated store, customers can expect elements similar to other stores, as well as some unique to the area, Sorenson said.
“It will really reflect the Lower Lonsdale living experience with sections like our Esplanade Delicatessen, Shipyards Kitchenware – nods to its location – and more,” he said. “This Fresh St. Market location will have its first-ever Burrito Bar, a hot meal self service bar and carving station, and it will also have a seating area for customers to comfortably enjoy their food and beverages.”
“We are beyond excited to bring Fresh St. Market’s fresh food and shopping experience to Lower Lonsdale,” Sorenson said.
Dates for the store’s official opening will be announced “in the near future.”
Regarding other businesses at the 150 Esplanade West address, like Shoppers Drug Mart, a spokesperson said the grocery store’s footprint would remain the same.
In January, Georgia Main announced it was launching an “Asian grocery store experience” with Meiga Supermarket, replacing another IGA location in Port Moody.
