Is European food retail strategy gaining momentum in Canada?
From small-format supermarkets to in-store cafes, experts say Canadian retailers may be taking a page from Europe’s grocery playbook.
With the number of retailers offering European fare expanding in Canada—and the recent hiring of European executives to lead giants like Loblaw Cos. Ltd.—it would seem the country’s grocers are taking inspiration from their continental counterparts, industry analysts say.
Smaller format stores, for one, are a sure sign of European influence, says Bruce Winder, a retail analyst based in Ontario with more than 30 years of experience in the retail sector.
“Just like in Europe where everything is smaller, more grocers here are launching smaller locations with smaller SKU counts for city dwellers,” he says, pointing to No Frills, which recently launched its fourth small-format store, a new concept introduced by the Loblaw-owned discount banner this year.
He says another growing trend that’s “a page from Europe,” is the popularity of little stores within stores offering high-quality pastries and breads. For full-line stores in particular, Winder says having dedicated spots where people can grab a freshly baked treat and quality coffee feels very European. “Europe is central in terms of being a foodies’ place and this store within a store offering premium products definitely reminds me of my visits there.”
To read the full article, please visit Is European food retail strategy gaining momentum in Canada? | Canadian Grocer. Published on October 2, 2024.