Overwaitea is introducing shoppers to a whole new experience this fall as they reline and remodel the locally loved grocery store.
“Our store hasn’t been relined in four and a half years,” Overwaitea store manager Mark Lento said, adding that this change is long overdue.
The first phase of the restructuring of the store, which is currently underway, is estimated to take about three weeks, and will entail re-sorting grocery items.
“We are getting rid of certain sections that don’t sell very well and expanding on other sections,” Lento added.
A popular food choice for Elk Valley locals, Overwaitea plans to expand their gluten-free section, in addition to offering more natural foods and whole foods.
The current structure of the personal care section and the pharmacy section of the store will be adjusted as well.
Lento noted that the first phase of construction will be followed by the remodeling of the store.
Set to begin on September 9, Lento said, “The remodel is going to consist of a new front end.”
The meat department will also be expanding, with new coolers, in addition to an expansion of the hot meal section of the store.
“It’s quite an extensive remodel,” Lento said of the project. “The reason we’re doing it is to look after the people in Fernie.”
He added that the changes will make it easier for people to shop at the Fernie Overwaitea store.
With the expansion, Overwaitea will also be looking for as many as 10 additional employees, Lento said.
Lento is encouraging anyone with further questions to call the store and ask for him.