Safe Talk

Steinbach residents will notice some changes over next couple months at the local Sobey's store at Clearspring Mall.

According to spokesperson Mike Lupien, upcoming renovations will be quite extensive both inside and outside.

"The first thing we're doing is consolidating the space inside the store. Right now, it's sitting at about 56,000 sq.ft. and we're going to reduce that to about 40,000 sq. ft. and that will bring the store more in line with the size of a typical Sobey's store. We're also adding a new entrance on the exterior of the store. Back on the inside, we'll also be adjusting the layout and expanding the Pharmacy."

Lupien admits it is not typical for a store of this size to be reducing their space but says it's all about being more efficient.

"It's space that we haven't been using effectively. Now, with changes in a lot of the display cases and things, rather than going out, you can go up and so that really brings the store in a little bit closer. A lot of it is to bring it in line with the style of a typical Sobey's store."

He adds they hope the renovations will cause minimal disruption to the consumer shopping experience.

"We always try to do these things and keep the store open at the same time with the least amount of disruption. So, a lot of the changing out of units and what not will most likely happen once the store is closed and they'll try to do as much as they can without causing too much inconvenience."

As for a time line for completion, he figures everything will be complete sometime this spring.

"We should be done in the early spring, knock on wood."

Lupien wouldn't elaborate on the cost of the renovations. He was asked whether the adding of an exterior entrance means there will be an adjustment to the store's hours of operation, perhaps to mirror that of the soon-to-be arriving Walmart (open until midnight in some centres). He says the hours of operation are in line with their competition and would not be changing at this point.

There is also some speculation that Sobey's 'Compliments' brand is set to be carried in the new Walmart. Lupien says there's no truth to that.

"Walmart has their own private label. We do not have a supply arrangement with them. We do have an arrangement with 'Target', and their stores are set to open next year, but that doesn't really apply here."