Calgary Co-op Celebrates Grand Opening of Midtown Market

September 30, 2004, Calgary, Alberta - The Calgary Co-operative Association Limited will celebrate the grand opening of a new food centre today. The grand opening ceremony for Calgary Co-op's Midtown Market will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 30 at 1130 -11 Avenue S.W. in Calgary, Alberta.

"We are delighted to be opening a new centre to serve our loyal members and customers in the downtown area," says Ken McCullough, chief executive officer for Calgary Co-op. "We are extremely excited about our new location, which will provide customers with enhanced services, greater selection and a modern, attractive, fresh centre in which to shop," adds McCullough.

Midtown Market has all the high quality products and services offered at all Calgary Co-op locations, in addition to a variety of unique features. Unique offerings include an in-store Spolumbo's deli with delicious hot and cold items, Cheeses of the World island, Calgary Co-op's own line of sausages made fresh in-store each day, sushi prepared by a professional sushi chef, woodstone oven for pizza and other delectables, in-store butcher shop, delightful candle shop, and enhanced floral area. The new centre also features a bistro with options for dining in or take-out for busy customers on the go.

This new centre is part of Calgary Co-op's five-year strategic development plan to build new centres in emerging markets and serve our members throughout Calgary. "Three years ago we closed our aging downtown location and today we want to welcome all our loyal members and customers to our new Midtown Market," says McCullough. "The new Midtown Market is evidence of Calgary Co-op's long-term commitment to the downtown community and specifically to the revitalization of the downtown core," concludes McCullough.

Locally owned and operated, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America with assets of $272 million, sales of $750 million, 390,000 members and 3,600 employees. In addition to its head office in Calgary, Alberta, Calgary Co-op operates 19 retail shopping centres, 23 gas bars, 12 liquor stores and 12 travel agencies in Calgary, Airdrie and Strathmore, Alberta. In October, Calgary Co-op will open another new centre in the Rocky Ridge community in N.W. Calgary.

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For information, please contact:

Ken McCullough, 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
2735 - 39 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025 ext. 6263

Donna Burn, Director Member and Public Relations
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
2735 - 39 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 7C7
Telephone: 403-219-6025, ext. 6258
Cell: 403-816-7419