A new Provigo Le Marché (TM) opens in Pierrefonds

60 jobs created with the opening of the 11th Provigo Le Marché in Québec

PIERREFONDS, QC, July 10, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - (TSX: L) - The 11th Provigo Le Marché store in Québec was inaugurated on Thursday morning in Pierrefonds. Québec's Minister of Finance and MNA for Robert-Baldwin, Carlos Leitão, as well as the federal MP for Pierrefonds–Dollard, Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe, accompanied staff from the store, numerous national suppliers, industry partners and customers in discovering a range of new products at their local supermarket—the second of its kind to open on the West Island of Montréal. The renovation of the Pierrefonds store resulted in the creation of 60 new jobs and is part of Loblaw's 2013‒2014 investment program in Québec of more than $210 million.

Inspired by large fresh-produce markets, the Provigo Le Marché concept offers a modern atmosphere and a sleek design that creates an unparalleled shopping experience. "The Provigo Le Marché concept is born of our desire to offer Quebecers a supermarket that focuses on new arrivals, seasonal products and Québec foods, coupled with an unequalled set of in-store tools and services that help consumers make informed choices," said Pierre Dandoy, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Provigo, Provigo Le Marché and Loblaws banners in Québec.

"I am very proud to join my 170 employees in welcoming Pierrefonds residents to their brand new Provigo Le Marché store," said store manager Stéphane Guenette. "We have spent the past three months creating an environment in which consumers can take pleasure in discovering the fresh and local products we have to offer every day, and benefit from the advice provided by our in-store experts. We have done everything possible to offer Pierrefonds residents an unequalled experience that will undoubtedly redefine the way they shop."

Numerous services will be available in the store, which will improve the shopping experience for Pierrefonds residents. A chef will be on site to share his tips and tricks with clients and help them find creative flavour combinations for their dishes. Pharmacist Marie Kazarian will continue to welcome consumers with valuable advice and a vast selection of health and wellness products.

The Pierrefonds store will also inaugurate its brand new 5,300 sq. ft. Joe Fresh^® clothing boutique. Thanks to a complete lineup of trendy outfits for all ages right in the store, clients will now be able to take care of all their needs under one roof.

As part of the transformation of the 71,800 sq. ft. store that has taken place in recent months, the fresh products section was expanded by more than 5,500 sq. ft. and is now able to offer many additional services and several new products:

• An extensive range of fresh products and products from Québec growers and producers.
• An expanded selection of over 100 organic fruits and vegetables, a salad bar as well as a juice bar with freshly squeezed juices every morning.
• A daily shipment of seafood products from sustainable fisheries and an oyster bar.
• Beef aged in store, several varieties of sausages and smoked meat made on site, as well as local products such as Québec pork, milk-fed veal and lamb, which consumers can discover thanks to our butchers, who are very happy to share their expertise.
• An incredible variety of ready-to-eat meals, pizza from the popular Pizzédélic brand and ready-to-heat meals prepared by our chefs.
• A wide variety of cupcakes and macaroons as well as bagels baked in store.
• A new sushi counter that allows customers to have their personalized order prepared before their eyes or while they finish their shopping.
• An impressive wall of over 400 cheeses, 300 of which are from Québec, a selection of imported prosciutto as well as local pâtés and terrines.
• An expanded assortment of over 250 gluten-free products and a wide range of natural and Kosher products.
• A cooking school where residents can hone their skills with experienced professionals.

Customers at the Provigo Le Marché in Pierrefonds also have access to the Guiding Stars^® program, an impartial food-rating system that assigns stars and helps identify healthy foods at a glance. Customers who would like more details about this food-rating system can visit the following website: www.guidingstars.ca.

Stéphane Guenette and his team continue to support the community and the inauguration was an opportunity for them to make a $1,000 donation to Breakfast for Learning, which will benefit the Harfang des Neiges school, among others. Marie-Josée Mastromonaco, Regional Coordinator of Breakfast for Learning, was at the event to thank members of the Provigo Le Marché team for their generosity and involvement.

Follow Provigo Le Marché on Twitter: @ProvigoLeMarché

About Provigo, a member of the Loblaw group
Provigo is a member of the Loblaw group, one of the largest private sector employers in Québec and Canada's largest food retailer. The Loblaw group employs nearly 30,000 people in the province of Québec through its 400 corporate, franchised and affiliated stores operated mainly under the Provigo®, Provigo Le Marché^TM, Maxi®, Maxi & Cie®, Loblaws®, Club Entrepôt Provigo® and Les Entrepôts Presto® banners. Loblaw also offers Canada's largest control label program, including the President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, it makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

Image with caption: "Marie-Josée Mastromonaco, Coordinator, Breakfast for Learning, Marie Kazarian, owner-pharmacist affiliated with the CENTRESanté banner, Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe, federal MP for Pierrefonds-Dollard, Carlos Leitão, Québec’s Minister of Finance and MNA for Robert-Baldwin, Roger Trottier, Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough Councillor, (Bois-de-Liesse), Justine McIntyre, City Councillor for Pierrefonds-Roxboro (Bois de Liesse) with the Provigo team. (CNW Group/Loblaw Companies Limited)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140710_C2334_PHOTO_EN_4222.jpg

SOURCE: Loblaw Companies Limited

Members of the media are invited to contact: Jessica Drolet, Advisor Syrus, [email protected] or 514-935-2777 ext. 205 or [email protected] or 1-800-361-1168