By Glenn Hicks

Coop liquor stores taking shape

Oct 18, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Lake Country Coop says the first of their two new liquor stores in Prince Albert is slated to be open in December.

The member-owned organization, which is taking its first foray into the liquor retail business, was given the go ahead by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. The company recently gave public notice of applications for stand-alone liquor outlets at the Cornerstone shopping development and their gas bar on Marquis Road.

The store at Cornerstone will be the first to open.

“We’re just awaiting our coolers and we hope to be open in December,” Executive Director of Growth and Development Geoff German told paNOW. “We’re doing electrical upgrades, dry walling, flooring, and the shelving is en route.”

German explained hiring was already underway and they expected up to 40 people would be employed initially at the store which he said would offer some unique elements.

Court proceedings

Drugs and weapons bust in Stanley Mission, results in two year sentence

12h ago

health care

La Loche recipient of new portable blood analyzer, printer kit

14h ago

Crime

Dangerous driving report at Red Wing, leads to arrest of man with gun

17h ago

“Some of the exciting parts will include the craft beer section with a large size walk-in beer cooler, and we’ll have nearly 5,000 products on offer in total.”

He added the near 16,000 square foot space would allow for wine and spirit tasting bars so they can partner with groups, events and restaurants.

While the Cornerstone store is being finished, work has also started on their 4,000 square foot stand-alone extension to the Coop gas bar on Marquis Road. German expected that to open by March or April.

“We have our pilings in the ground, they’re working on the footings, our steel is ordered, and we’re moving as fast as we can move it,” he said.

That location is expected to employ up to 20 people.

German said while it was an exciting time for the Coop, their customers and job creation, he added they were very aware of doing the right thing given they will be retailing liquor.

“We’re working towards being socially responsible, with the training of the team and partnering with SGI on being a good wing man is an important part,” he said.

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow