Mac Olsen
Express Staff
After several months of renovations, ‘Red Apple’ has taken the place of ‘The Bargain! Shop’ in Falher.
A grand opening was held Aug. 27, with staff and senior representatives of the chain in attendance. A ribbon cutting was held prior to the doors being opened, which included Deputy Mayor Sandy Primeau in attendance.
Primeau is pleased with the opening of ‘Red Apple’.
“It’s nice to see the store supporting the community and reinvesting in the people,” says Primeau.
“It’s bright, cheerful and well laid out. It’s a fresh look for the community too.”
Bernie O’Ray, the district manager for ‘Red Apple’ and ‘The Bargain! Shop’ in Mississauga, Ontario, notes that big brands and big savings are key to their marketing in small communities.
Michael Fitzpatrick, the vice-president of logistics for ‘Red Apple’ and ‘The Bargain! Shop’, adds that smaller communities are their focus.
“We’re a small town Canada store,” says Fitzpatrick. “We like to invest in our communities.”
The renovation process took six weeks to complete. It included new flooring, signs, fixtures and lighting.
Ergonomically, the layout has changed so that there are fewer cross aisles and longer aisles. This makes merchandise easier to see and access, adds Fitzpatrick.
As per a news release from a few weeks earlier, the 6,690-square- foot store boasts an assortment of brand name fashions and home products at incredible savings, as well as all of the trusted big brand grocery items and household basics, which are priced right every day. In addition, Red Apple features a fun candyworksÔ candy shop that will have a constant array of sweet treats to tantalize everyone’s taste buds.
“Red Apple is your trusted neighbourhood store where value minded families can doe their everyday shopping for less. The store has been redesigned to greatly improve the shopping experience,” says the news release.
On the grand opening morning, as soon as the ribbon was cut, the customers entered the store with great enthusiasm. They were lined up outside, to the end of the block and vehicles lined both sides of Main Street. Each of the first 100 customers to enter received a free $10 gift card and a laundry basket. Guests and customers were also treated to coffee and cake.
