The much-anticipated Choices Market officially opened its new Parksville location on Aug. 31.
The Parksville store is the grocery chain’s first foray onto Vancouver Island.
“It’s been 32 years since we expanded from the Lower Mainland. It’s our first voyage over on Vancouver Island and we’re happy we’re a new alternative for grocery shopping for organic specialty foods,” said Jon Janower, Choices Market chief operating officer.
Parksville has a knowledgeable and health-oriented senior demographic, he added.
“So we thought Parksville is central — we believe we’re going to draw from Nanaimo, all the way through to the Comox Valley. So being in the centre, we thought it would be an idea location for us,” Janower said.
The 22,000-square-foot store sells ethically raised or sourced meat, poultry and seafood and local organic produce, dairy and grocery items.
READ MORE: Choices Market opens first store on Vancouver Island
Along with all the traditional grocery shopping essentials, the store will also be home to Choices’ first coffee and smoothie bar, thousands of natural wellness products and complimentary nutrition services.
Choices Market supports community health beyond food by offering a complimentary nutrition program and community outreach initiatives. The Parksville store will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Choices Market is an organic and specialty foods grocer dedicated to helping people discover the best ways to nourish a healthy body and mind.
Founded in 1990 by brothers Wayne and Lloyd Lockhart and now part of the Pattison Food Group of companies, Choices Market has 10 other retail locations spanning Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and the Okanagan and an industrial kitchen in South Burnaby.
The Parksville store is the company’s 11th location.
— NEWS Staff
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