Quality Foods, which began in 1982 as Qualicum Foods in Qualicum Beach, expands their award-winning grocery shopping experience in the Greater Victoria region in just a few short weeks.
As one of three founding partners, Ken Schley believes the time is right for a move into View Royal. “We’re very excited to expand our unique brand of grocery retailing to residents of View Royal and the surrounding communities,” states Schley. “Eagle Creek Village is destined to be an active hub for the area, and we’re thrilled to be the grocery store for this vibrant multi-use development.”
The island-owned grocery company opened their QF WestShore location in Langford, their first foray into the Capital Regional District, in July 2014. “The Western Communities have welcomed us with open arms, and we couldn’t be happier with the relationships we have established in the community so far.”
Quality Foods has a well-established presence on Vancouver Island with 10 stores north of the Malahat, and another in Powell River. The new 45,000 square foot QF View Royal location positioned on Helmcken Road raises the store count to 13. Schley anticipates that it may potentially appeal to residents beyond the Western Communities.
“With our close proximity to Victoria General Hospital, we feel that a more diverse group of people will have the opportunity to experience our unique brand of grocery retailing, and hopefully continue to shop with us over time.”
“We will have all of the same features available to shoppers that has made our Langford store an award-winning shopping destination,” says Schley, “with the additional mezzanine floor which will be home to A Step Above, our signature store within a store featuring the best in kitchen, home décor and giftware.”
Thursday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. is the selected time for the official ribbon cutting and opening doors to the general public. A special sneak preview evening, on Wednesday, Feb. 24, has been set aside for seniors aged 65-plus and those with mobility issues to beat the crowds and experience the store beforehand.
“We are proud of the result of nearly 34 years of learning, innovating and tweaking that has culminated in what we believe to be a flagship independent store in the grocery industry. The powerful blend of information we have accumulated from our customers’ feedback, applying new methods of doing things — from technology to work flow — and being open to change, even when it’s difficult, has made us stronger as store operators and as people over the years.”