Sometime next summer Cochranites will have a fifth major grocery chain store option to choose from when Calgary Co-op opens their 41,275 sq. ft. food store as well as Co-op Cannabis, Wine Spirits Beer (WSB), a service station, car wash and convenience store.
A ground breaking was held April 18 at the site just north of Cochrane’s SLS Centre with local dignitaries, Co-op officials and Greystone developers.
The complex will be the anchor to a centre that will include approximately 31,000 sq. ft. of additional commercial retail space. This is Calgary Co-op’s first food store built in Cochrane where it presently has a wine, spirits and beer store only. It is also the first store to be built since its Calgary Sage Hill location opened in the fall of 2021.
Ken Keelor, President & CEO of Calgary Co-op said the new facility will succeed because it will provide a reason for people to become more than just occasional shoppers, as they will access a unique shopping experience.
“The first thing is team members who really care about the customer. A meat counter – I would say, the freshest meat in town, the best quality produce, we have an amazing assortment of grocery products, focussing on local products, a full service bakery and deli – we’ve recently been really picking our game up in the bakeries,” Keelor said.
“Our cakes are fantastic so get ready for those,” he said.
Keelor also stressed the importance of the one-stop shopping experience that will include pharmacy, wine and beer, cannabis, and a gas station/car wash with convenience store.
“When it’s 30 below we will gas up your car and check the oil,” he said.
He also pledged to be responsive to feedback from local residents and grow with the community.
“It’s a wonderful culture and a great company that is member owned, so we look forward to members joining.”
He said pharmacy is important, as more and more people are relying on pharmacies for health and wellness services like vaccinations.
The complex will employ 700 workers while under construction and then 150 permanent jobs after it’s up and running.
Cochrane mayor Jeff Genung, attending his second celebratory business news event of the week, was all smiles.
“I am thrilled to be standing here today. In the beautiful, vibrant community of Greystone, Co-op is going to be an anchor tenant,” Genung said.
“I want to thank Calgary Co-op for choosing to invest in Cochrane.”
Owned by members, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America.
Locations in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, and Strathmore include food centres, pharmacies, gas stations, car washes, Home Health Care centres, Wine, Spirits, and Beer locations and cannabis. In addition, Calgary Co-op owns and operates Community Natural Foods, Beacon Pharmacies, and Willow Park Wines & Spirits and is the majority shareholder of Care Pharmacies.
Originally established by local farmers and ranchers, Calgary Co-op now has more than 400,000 members, 3,850 employees, assets of $700 million and annual sales of $1.3 billion.
