Calgary Co-op Celebrates the Re-opening of its Shawnessy Store

April 25, 2003 Calgary, Alberta - Calgary Co-operative Association Limited is excited to announce the grand re-opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its Shawnessy Centre on Monday, April 28, 2003 at 9:00 am. The ceremony marks the re-opening of the newly renovated store located at 100, 250 Shawville Boulevard SE.

Shawnessy centre first opened its doors in April 1992, and now this centre boasts the most extensive remodeling effort Calgary Co-op has undertaken to date.

"The redesigning and renovation of our Shawnessy Centre represents part of Calgary Co-op's five year strategic development and enhancement plan to upgrade our existing locations. We could not have completed a more comprehensive restructuring without building a brand new store. The exterior of the centre received an overhaul as well as the inside. Every department in the store has been relocated. We were fully operational throughout the renovations and we thank our members for their loyal support during the transition", states Milford Sorensen, chief executive officer of Calgary Co-op.

The store offers many new and expanded services and features, including a full service butcher shop offering some of the best selections of fresh meats in the city and a floral department with on site staff. Every area in the centre has been expanded and relocated. This includes the natural foods, bakery, produce, travel and customer service departments, as well as the Kiddies Korral. There is also a meeting room, which is available for use by various community organizations. These changes will make shopping easier and more convenient for our customers.

One of the most significant additions to this centre is the new Bistro Marketplace, which features an on-site chef, and a wood stone oven for fresh baked pizzas, calzones and other delectable offerings. The refurbished and expanded seating area boasts a fireplace and lots of natural light.People can relax, have lunch, sip coffee and enjoy the fireplace before or after shopping.

Locally owned and operated, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America, with assets of $252 million, annual sales of $730 million, 380,000 members and 3,700 employees. Calgary Co-op currently operates eighteen retail shopping centres in Calgary, Airdrie and Strathmore, Alberta, and has its head office in northeast Calgary.

For more information, contact:

Milford Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
2735 - 39 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025

Darwin Flathers
Vice President, Capital Investment and Development
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
Telephone: 403-219-6025, ext. 6263

Donna Burn
Director, Member and Public Relations
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
Telephone: 403-219-6025, ext. 6258