Canadian Asian grocery retailer T&T Supermarket is expanding its footprint in the Ottawa region with the opening of its second store in the suburb of Kanata. Spanning 38,000 square feet, this new location will officially launch on Thursday, October 24, at Hazeldean Mall, situated at 300 Eagleson Road. An invitation-only opening ceremony is planned for 8:00 a.m., followed by public access starting at 9:00 a.m. The event promises to be lively, featuring traditional performances, including the vibrant lion dance.
For loyal customers, T&T Kanata will bring familiar favorites, including its self-serve hot food, sushi, Papa Chicken, Lava Mochi Puff, and Egg Tart. To enhance customer engagement, the supermarket is encouraging patrons to enroll in the T&T Rewards Program before their visit, allowing them to accumulate points for every $20 spent both in-store and online. This strategy ties into broader trends in loyalty programs which can significantly boost customer retention and spending; according to research by Bond Brand Loyalty, 79% of consumers are more likely to continue doing business with brands that offer a loyalty program.
T&T Supermarket operates seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., aiming to cater to diverse shopping patterns, especially considering the increase in demand for convenient shopping solutions in the post-pandemic retail landscape.
This expansion is not a standalone effort. T&T has been experiencing growth beyond Canadian borders, with plans for three new outlets in the United States—two set for Washington State and another in San Jose, California. This strategic move underscores a calculated approach to penetrate the U.S. market, which is increasingly receptive to ethnic grocery options. Chris Pine, an expert in U.S. retail real estate, was appointed last year to spearhead T&T’s expansion efforts in the U.S., suggesting a strong commitment to finding the right locations to meet market demand.
Richmond, British Columbia-based T&T currently operates over 30 stores across Canada and is celebrated for its extensive array of authentic Asian products. These products range from fresh produce to a full-service meat counter, alongside the availability of live seafood tanks, which appeal to a broad segment of consumers looking for quality and authenticity in their grocery options.
The parent company, Loblaw Cos., ranks as one of the largest retailers in Canada, operating more than 2,400 stores and employing over 190,000 full- and part-time staff. Its significant scale allows it to leverage purchasing power and supply chain efficiencies, benefiting its supermarkets, including T&T.
In terms of market recognition, Loblaw has made it into The PG 100 list of top food and consumables retailers in North America, placing at No. 10. This solid ranking is indicative of the competitive space T&T occupies, especially as it seeks to grow its U.S. presence further.
Given the changing landscape of retail, where consumer preferences are shifting toward diverse and authentic food options, T&T’s commitment to authenticity and quality sets it apart. The new Kanata location aims to provide a local hub for Asian cuisine lovers and anyone curious about the varied offerings available at T&T.
With the store’s opening, T&T Supermarket not only amplifies its brand but also addresses an emerging need among consumers for quick access to multicultural food sources. The success of this new store will likely be monitored closely as it can inform future expansion strategies both domestically and internationally.
In conclusion, the opening of T&T Supermarket in Kanata represents an exciting development for retail in Ottawa while highlighting ongoing trends in consumer preferences for diverse dining experiences. For those eager to participate in this rich mosaic of flavors, T&T offers a unique shopping experience that promises to expand further in the years to come.
