The Moose Jaw Co-op is midway through a total facelift, if the scaffolding covering the entire outside of the building didn’t clue Moose Jaw residents in that something exciting was underway.
A number of projects are currently in the works, shared marketing and community relations manager Michaela Turner, including the construction of a new liquor compliment inside the Co-op Marketplace building and a new modern look for the outside of the building.
Once complete, the liquor store will take up 1,500 square feet in the store and will feature a large walk-in cooler, a growler bar, and products from a number of local breweries.
“We are pleased to be able to make it easier for our members to offer a one-stop-shop,” said Turner, in an email with the Moose Jaw Express. “If they’re headed to the lake for the weekend, you can grab fresh foods from all of our departments, beverages from our liquor store, ice for your cooler, fill up with fuel and be headed on your way!”
Other parts inside of the food store are also being updated, including the ceiling tiles, lights, freezer and fridge units, as well as expansions for both the meat and bakery departments.
The bakery is expanding its workspace and adding a new viewing area where customers can see the Co-op’s popular custom-order cakes being decorated.
A new walk-in freezer is being added to the meat department’s workspace, and the deli will be expanding to offer new fried chicken products as part of its hot meal selection — which have been very popular at other Co-op locations in Saskatchewan.
The outside of the Marketplace is also receiving attention, with a change in the exterior of the building and new signage. The parking lot is also in the process of being repaved.
“It’s been 12 years since our last food store renovation, so we felt it was time for a refresh and an updated look and feel,” said Turner. “We want our shopping experience for our members to be welcoming, and part of that is having a wonderful facility.”
Replacing the lights and cooler units will increase energy efficiency, said Turner, while the changes to the inside of the building will expand service and improve the flow of the shopping experience.
The major renovation project began back in June and is expected to be entirely completed by the Christmas season of this year.
The new liquor store is aiming to be open for customers in time for September long weekend, with the remainder of the work to be completed sometime in November.
The Co-op Marketplace remains open during all of the renovations, with as minimal disruption to the store’s regular services as possible.
Moose Jaw Co-op is working with local contractors C&S Construction on the project, and Turner expressed gratitude to both the company and to Co-op members for helping make the project go as smoothly as possible.
“We really appreciate our members’ patience throughout this entire process,” said Turner. “Everyone is excited to see the end result, and we all know it will be worth it when it's complete.”
The large project follows closely on the heels of the recent opening of Co-op’s second pharmacy location on Thatcher Drive and will preface the upcoming 2021 plans to update all three Co-op gas bars in Moose Jaw.
“The Moose Jaw Co-op is investing in our business so we can continue to be a strong part of the community of Moose Jaw,” said Turner. “Being part of something bigger at the Moose Jaw Co-op and supporting us, means we can support our community and give back even more.”
