Major Renovations Underway at the Strathmore Co-op

The Strathmore Calgary Co-op Centre will be undergoing extensive interior and exterior renovations beginning the week of July 27 and continuing for several months. The store will remain open during renovations for the shopping convenience of customers, with as little disruption to services as possible.

Renovation plans include closing the cafeteria on July 26 so that renovations can begin in that area of the store. All of the employees who work in the cafeteria have been offered other positions during the renovation.

"The loyalty and continuing support of our customers has enabled us to undertake this major renovation," says Steve Jones, centre manager of the Strathmore Co-op. "We are extremely excited about the new design and renovations plans, which will provide our valued customers with enhanced services, greater selection and a modern, attractive, fresh centre in which to shop," adds Jones.

Renovations include:

• Replacing the existing cafeteria with a new marketplace bistro, similar to those in other Calgary Co-op centres.
• Expanding the fresh produce area, with new, larger fresh product displays and natural lighting. Installing new bakery/deli equipment and larger display cases to offer greater selection and service.
• Installing larger, energy efficient freezer and dairy equipment for greater efficiency and energy conservation and to "keep the cool air in the freezers and the warm air in the aisles" for added customer comfort.
• Relocating the pharmacy within the centre and upgrading this area to offer more health and beauty care items, greater privacy, and an area for health and wellness counseling for customers.
• New checkouts and customer service office for easier access. Building a new, brighter Kiddies Korral that will offer more comfort and fun activities for children while their parents shop.
• Upgrading the west entrance and closing the east entrance to make better use of interior space, provide greater security and a larger shopping area for customers.

Renovations will not affect the Calgary Co-op liquor store located next to the centre, or the centre's parking lot, which will continue to operate as in the past.

Locally owned and operated, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America with assets of $252 million, 380,000 members, sales of $730 million, and 3,500 employees. In addition to its head office in Calgary, Alberta, Calgary Co-op operates eighteen retail shopping centres in Calgary, Airdrie and Strathmore, Alberta.

For more information, please contact:

Donna Burn, Director, Member and Public Relations.
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
2735 - 39 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025, ext. 6258

Steve Jones, Centre Manager
Strathmore Calgary Co-op
320 Second Street
Strathmore, AB T1P 1K1
Telephone: 403-934-2928