WEST SHORE – When I lived in the U.K., I regularly shopped at one grocery store – not because it was my favourite, but because it was the only choice. One of the many things I love about returning to Canada is the healthy grocery competition, with many diverse shopping opportunities within a small geographic area. The West Shore is no exception – we’re absolutely spoiled for choice!
One of our grocery options is Western Foods, which was founded by Charles and Theresa Low in 1974 and built from the ground up. In 1996, the store expanded to what you see today with a full deli and bakery, over 2400 natural and organic products, and hundreds of gluten free products. Western Foods is the only locally owned and operated store with the same original owners in Langford. As the smallest local grocery store in the community, Western Foods prides itself on getting to know its customers by name and is happy to source a product for a customer in both their Langford and Sooke locations. They are big believers in supporting the community, and one of their charities is the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.
Quality Foods is a Vancouver Island owned and operated business of 12 grocery stores, one of which is in Langford. It first started in Qualicum Beach in 1982, and right from the beginning the focus was on making the shopping experience both unique and positive. Quality Foods introduced the first preferred shopper program in the Canadian grocery industry in 1991, and offered Western Canada’s first full online shopping service in 1997. Sourcing Vancouver Island products wherever possible, Quality Foods has an extensive range of services and departments from many and varied grocery offerings, to a hot Chinese food counter, to wedding services. A community supporter, Quality Foods was a sponsor of the Canada Women’s Seven International Rugby Tournament that was held in Langford in April.
The Market on Millstream is one of the two Market Stores in the Victoria area, and their motto is “When you love food, you love the Market Stores.” Decked out with funky colours and neon signs, the Market describes itself as “the perfect blend of cool trendiness and warm traditional” style. From the deli to the floral section, every Market department prides itself on providing unparalleled selection and quality. Organic, gluten free, locally produced, vegan – whatever you’re after, they have it or will source it out for you. To better serve their customers, The Market offers custom orders and seven-day-a-week delivery service.
Starting off with one Victoria store in 1977, Thrifty Foods has expanded to 26 stores across the Island and on the lower mainland, with a West Shore location in Colwood. When it comes to sourcing, Thrifty’s focus is on “picking BC first” and supporting BC growers and producers. Thrifty Foods stands by a code of ethics which includes putting their customers first and supporting their communities. Their many signature products and brands include Coastal Waters Seafood, which proudly supports the sustainable fishing movement and is an Ocean Wise partner. Thrifty Foods was a sponsor of West Shore Parks and Recreation’s popular summer Neighbourhood Nights and is a huge supporter of the JDRF ride to improve the lives of people with Type 1 Diabetes.
Can you pick out the thread that connects them all? Its pride in customer service – a critical attribute in such a competitive market.
– Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.
You can reach her at 250-478-1130 or jlawlor@westshore.bc.ca
