Loblaw Companies Ltd. will open a new 13,000-square-foot Maxi grocery store inside the historic Montreal Forum by late 2027. The project, which involves a multi-million-dollar renovation, marks the fourth "urban format" location for the discount banner in Montreal, aiming to provide affordable food options in a high-density, transit-oriented downtown sector.
Expansion of the Maxi Urban Format
The upcoming location at the intersection of Atwater Avenue and Sainte-Catherine Street West follows a specific retail strategy for Loblaw. Unlike traditional large-format suburban stores, these urban Maxi locations feature a smaller footprint—approximately 13,000 square feet—and a curated inventory of roughly 6,000 products.
According to the company, this format is designed to serve residents, students, and workers in densely populated neighborhoods. Existing urban Maxi stores are already operational on René-Lévesque Boulevard, the Plaza Saint-Hubert in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, and on Sainte-Catherine Street East in the Village. Patrick Blanchette, senior vice-president at Maxi, stated that the company chose the Forum site for its high foot traffic and central location, noting that recent urban openings have confirmed a strong consumer demand for lower-priced groceries in the city core.
Competitive Landscape at Atwater and Sainte-Catherine
The new store will enter a competitive retail environment. The Montreal Forum building is located immediately adjacent to the Alexis Nihon complex, which has hosted an IGA supermarket for several years. Additionally, an Adonis grocery store—a subsidiary of the Metro group—has maintained a presence on Sainte-Catherine Street West for some time.
Corporate Investment Strategy
This project is part of a broader capital expenditure plan by Loblaw Companies Ltd. In February 2024, the parent company announced billions in investments for its national store network for 2026. Within that budget, millions are specifically allocated to the Quebec market.
The company’s growth plan includes the opening of 70 new stores across Canada in 2026, with at least nine of those locations designated as Maxi stores in Quebec. The renovation of the space within the former Montreal Forum—once home to the Montreal Canadiens—is expected to take over a year, with the grand opening projected for the final quarter of 2027.
Key Details of the Montreal Forum Project
- Location: Intersection of Atwater Avenue and Sainte-Catherine Street West.
- Store Format: Urban-style Maxi (approx. 13,000 square feet).
- Product Range: Approximately 6,000 items.
- Timeline: Construction is underway with an expected opening in late 2027.
- Context: Fourth urban-format location in Montreal; part of a multimillion-dollar provincial investment by Loblaw.
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