- What Grocery-store square footage per capita is down significantly in Calgary and Edmonton
- Why Population gains have outpaced grocery-store growth
- What next Both cities are expecting at least three new stores in the coming years
Rising populations in Alberta’s two major cities have led to a growing demand for grocery stores, Avison Young said in a recent data release.
In Calgary, grocery-store space per capita has dropped a full point since its 2008 peak of 3.5 sq ft/capita, now resting at 2.5 sq ft/capita.
In Edmonton, meanwhile, there has been a 0.7 sq ft/capita decrease in the availability of grocery-store space, falling to 2.3 sq ft in 2024 from 3 sq ft in 2000.
The average size of grocery stores in both cities shrank from a peak of 62,000 sq ft in the 2000s down to 41,000 sq ft for newly developed stores.
Densification and changing consumer preferences contributed to the growth of smaller store formats, Avison Young said. Population growth has outpaced the grocery-store growth and, in response to the shortfall, companies are opening smaller outlets more quickly.
Both cities are expecting at least three new grocery stores each, according to local media.
In Calgary, two Calgary Co-op locations are planned, as well as a Costco just outside the city limits. Edmonton can expect a new No Frills, L’OCA Quality Market and FreschCo.
