Canadian retailer Metro has announced plans to launch its namesake banner in Ottawa, where it previously operated the Loeb format.
The company will initially open nine stores in the capital, with a total of 20 expected to be operational by the beginning of June.
“Ottawa grocery shoppers will see that Metro has everything they have grown to love about their community grocer, only now with an enhanced offering,” said Eric La Flèche, president and chief executive officer.
“Our unwavering focus on quality food, convenient store locations, and a knowledgeable staff will ensure the needs of all our customers are met.”
Metro has identified five focus areas that it claims will act as points of difference: meat, bakery, floral, its private label brands, Irresistibles and Selection, and home meal replacement developed under the Fresh 2 Go brand.
In a bid to woo price conscious consumers, Metro stores also operate two value promotions – the company accepts air miles and its Red Flag Savings programme offers deals on “items shoppers buy every week”, including staples such as bread or eggs.
