Family History
Country Grocer first opened its doors in December 1986--Co-founder Brett Large envisions the future...
The past two decades have been a rewarding and energizing experience and we look forward to continuing our growth over the next twenty years and beyond.
Country Grocer first opened in the Esquimalt neighbourhood of Victoria, BC in December 1986 as an independent store buying from a wholesaler. We developed our business with a key set of values in mind. First and most importantly, our customers would receive the best in meats, seafood and fresh produce with a wide variety of quality foodstuffs and grocery items at reasonable prices. Secondly, Country Grocer would provide support to community groups, sports teams and local charities in the neighbourhood surrounding our stores. Furthermore, our staff would be committed to getting to know our customers better in order to deliver on their expectations and desires. Much to our delight, the Esquimalt store was immediately successful and we quickly followed up with a second store in 1987. Located in the Royal Oak Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC the store became the primary grocery retailer for this fast growing and affluent suburb.
In 1997, we saw a unique partnership opportunity by joining forces with the new owners of Food Country, combining our properties to form the Island Independent Buying Group (IIBG). With our three stores, the IIBG included five retailers, serving customers in Greater Victoria and Saltspring Island. Through the partnership we developed a warehouse and delivery system allowing our stores to increase their buying volumes significantly. By being able to stock larger quantities of popular products, we were able to pass along the savings to our customers, which in turn, earned all of our stores stronger loyalty.
Even with our quick growth, we remained committed to our core values, ensuring that selection, service and community support were integrated into the operation and development of all our stores. Our customers appreciated this dedication and continued to reward us with their business.
Over the next two years, we improved our stores through upgrades and renovations. In 1999, we saw an opportunity to expand our service to the fast growing up Island community of Cobble Hill and purchased an existing store to convert into a Country Grocer. In 2000, we undertook a massive renovation to a larger space in the Royal Oak mall, allowing our store to move into completely "new" space. The Royal Oak Country Grocer opened with a fresh new look that our customers loved. Thanks to this larger space, we're able to continue meeting the needs of a growing customer base in this busy neighbourhood.
In 2006, the Lake Cowichan Country Grocer opened its doors and another beautiful, new grocery store was welcomed to another growing community. In October 2008, Country Grocer in South Nanaimo opened the doors to a new 39,000 square foot home. Our newest addition boasts a huge produce department, service meat and seafood counters, a full scratch bakery, a deli and in-store cafe featuring freshly made soups, sandwiches and organic coffee. In September of 2009 we celebrated the grand re-opening of Country Grocer Esquimalt. Our newly renovated store looks great and we thank all customers, team members and suppliers who endured the year long construction zone.
Currently, we are renovating our Country Grocer Ganges store. Stay tuned updates on the many changes to all departments, updated decor and many other suprises. See you there!