Sobeys closing up shop for switch to Chalo FreshCo in Brampton

Yet another major grocery store in Brampton is shutting down for a switch to a low-cost value chain.

The Sobeys location at 8975 Chinguacousy Rd. in Brampton will be shuttered as of Sept. 30, according to the store’s parent company Empire Company Ltd.

Once the doors close work will begin on converting the store from a Sobeys into a Chalo FreshCo location which isn’t expected to open until the summer of 2024.

Chalo FreshCo is Empire’s discount chain, boasting to have lower prices and a “double fresh” guarantee. The company said the decision to change a store “is never taken lightly, and many contributing factors are always considered before making these decisions.”

“We regularly review our business assets and real estate operations, and the decision to close this store is driven by our regular assessment process and is in line with our normal course of business,” a spokesperson said.

Empire declined to comment on whether Sobeys staff will be laid off or offered new positions when the FreshCo opens, but said the company is “grateful for the dedication and service provided by the store team in Chinguacousy.”

“Their commitment to their customers and the community has been exceptional,” the statement from Empire reads.

When pressed on whether staff would be let go, Empire said it is “providing support and guidance to our impacted teammates as they navigate this transition.”

“Together, we will ensure that they are given fair options and opportunities to continue their careers within our organization,” a statement reads.

The company’s house brands include Compliments, Panache, Best Buy, Eight Treasures, and Chalo.

News of the Sobeys closure comes weeks after the Real Canadian Superstore at Hurontario St. and Steeles Ave. was changed over to a No Frills grocery store. , with workers saying they were forced to take a pay cut or walk away from their jobs.

Staff said they were left in limbo by the change, and that the old managers and some staff were sent to different stores with no guaranteed positions while other part-time workers under United Food & Commercial Workers 175 stayed on.