A new Provigo Le Marché(TM) opens in Aylmer

Nearly 70 new jobs were created thanks to the opening of the first store of this innovative concept in Outaouais

GATINEAU, QC, May 29, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - (TSX: L) – Provigo, a member of the Loblaw group, proceeded today with the opening of its first store under the Provigo Le Marché concept in Outaouais. The opening was attended by industry partners, several Provigo suppliers and many shoppers coming to discover a range of new products. The store conversion has created around 70 new jobs and is part of a more than $210 million investment program in Québec in 2013–2014.

"Over the last year, we have had the pleasure of opening nine Provigo le Marché stores in different regions of Québec and seeing Quebecers' enthusiasm for this innovative experience, which is centred on the discovery of new products and flavours, and exceptional customer service," said Pierre Dandoy, Senior Vice President of Operations for Provigo, Provigo Le Marché and Loblaws in Québec. "I am therefore very excited today to welcome Gatineau residents to the first Provigo Le Marché store in the region. I am certain they will be won over by the experience and, above all, by our colleagues' commitment to service."

"We have been present in Gatineau and have had the honour of being a part of the Gatineau community for more than 20 years. We know and share our customers' values and priorities, particularly the importance of healthy eating," said Julie Goulet, Store Manager. "That's why my 200 colleagues and I are thrilled to welcome customers this morning and introduce them to our new store, since we truly believe that the Provigo Le Marché concept will exceed their expectations. In addition to being able to learn tips from our three chefs, they will have access to a vast selection of fresh and local products and outstanding customer service."

The new Provigo Le Marché store is located at 375 Aylmer Road and is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. With a total area of more than 5,800 m² and a larger space allocated to fresh products, this modern store boasts a sleek design and a welcoming market-style atmosphere, and offers its customers a complete range of services provided by a team that knows how to offer an exceptional shopping experience.

Features of the Provigo Le Marché store in Aylmer

• An extensive range of fresh products and products from growers and producers from Québec and Outaouais.
• More than 120 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables, a salad bar and freshly squeezed juice every day
• A daily shipment of seafood products from sustainable fisheries, and an oyster bar
• Beef aged in store, several varieties of sausages made on site as well as local products such as Québec pork, milk-fed veal and lamb, which customers can discover thanks to in-store butchers who are happy to share their expertise
• An incredible variety of ready-to-eat meals, including smoked meat, several varieties of pizza from the popular Pizzédélic brand, and ready-to-heat meals prepared by our chefs
• A gelato bar, a wide variety of cupcakes and macaroons, as well as bagels baked in store
• A new kind of sushi counter that allows customers to have their personalized order prepared before their eyes or while they finish their shopping
• An incredible wall of cheeses  offering a line-up of 400 cheeses, including 300 from Québec, located next to the deli counter, which features an impressive selection of imported prosciutto and pâtés and terrines from here

The Aylmer Provigo Le Marché store relies on a team that's dedicated to wellness and ready to answer any questions consumers may have about health and nutrition. In addition, the new owner-pharmacist affiliated with the CENTRESanté banner, Ghassan Jamoul, offers customers a wide range of services such as measuring blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as free delivery and renewal by phone or online of prescription medications. Customers at the Aylmer Provigo Le Marché can now also take advantage of Guiding Stars®, 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: http://guidingstars.ca/.

In addition, an all-new Joe Fresh clothing boutique featuring a full line-up of trendy outfits for the whole family has been added within the store. Customers can thus take advantage of their visit to get all their shopping done under one roof.    

Julie Goulet and her team continue to support the community, and took advantage of the opening activities to make a $1,300 donation to Breakfast for Learning and to the Aylmer Food Centre in order to help implement nutrition programs for children and to support members of the Aylmer community. Marie-Josée Mastromonaco, Regional Coordinator of Breakfast for Learning, will be at the opening to thank members of the Provigo Le Marché team for their generosity and involvement.

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. The Loblaw group also offers Canada's strongest control (private) 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: "André Fortier, Provigo Le Marché, Marie-Josée Mastromonaco, Breakfast to Learn, Karine Parenteau, political advisor to Richard M. Bégin, municipal councillor for the Deschênes district, Donna Lévesque, Aylmer Food Centre, Ghassan Jamoul, owner-pharmacist affiliated with the CENTRESanté banner, Diane Monssen, Julie Goulet, Anita Jarjour, Martin Patenaude and Pierre Dandoy, Provigo Le Marché. (CNW Group/Provigo, member of Loblaw group)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140529_C3789_PHOTO_EN_2374.jpg

SOURCE: Provigo, member of Loblaw group

For more information or an interview, the media are invited to contact: Jessica Drolet, Advisor, SYRUS, [email protected] or 514-935-2777, ext. 205; Geneviève Poirier, Specialist, Corporate Affairs and Communication, Provigo, a member of the Loblaw group, [email protected] or 1-800-361-1168