(Central Alberta Co-op)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

long history

Co-op closing downtown Red Deer location this summer

Apr 18, 2019 | 9:15 AM

The downtown Red Deer location of Central Alberta Co-op will close this summer after 56 years in business.

The company states in a release that because of the city’s growth and shifting shopping habits, several months of review led them to the conclusion that they need to close the store.

The pharmacy will remain operational in a new downtown location.

Grand opening of the downtown Co-op on Nov. 1, 1962. (Red Deer and District Archives P4063)

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“Central Alberta Co-op has a responsibility to their entire membership to ensure that long-term sustainability of your Co-op is maintained. As a result, we must adapt and unfortunately tough decisions like this one are necessary to remain viable long-term,” said Gerald Hiebert, Chief Executive Officer.

“One of our first concerns when making this decision was the impact it would have on your Plaza Food Store team members. We will be working closely with our team members to assist them through this transition and we wish to extend a sincere thank you to them for their commitment to Central Alberta Co-op and to our member customers.”

The store first opened November 1, 1962 and featured groceries, meat, bakery, hardware and dry goods along with the pharmacy.

In 1974, hardware and dry goods were expanded with the purchase of the downstairs bowling alley, and then in 1975, a cafeteria was opened.

The grand opening of the Co-op on Nov. 1, 1962 coincided with that of Red Deer Plaza — now Plaza Centre. (Red Deer and District Archives P4074)

“From all of us at Co-op, we wish to thank you in advance for your understanding of what has been an extremely tough decision and for the support you have given us over the 56 plus years at this location,” said Hiebert. “We invite each of you to continue to support your local Co-op by visiting your Deer Park or Timberlands Food locations in Red Deer.”

The company has also provided an FAQ for customers who have questions about equity and seniors’ bus and delivery service.

Meantime, the company is opening a new store in Spruce View.