Farm Boy, one of Ontario’s fastest-growing fresh-market retailers, recently marked an important milestone in its expansion across Ontario with the opening of a new store in Collingwood.
It’s the company’s 52nd store in Ontario.
“As the province’s fastest‐growing fresh‐market retailer, the opening of our Collingwood location on March 26 marks our 52nd store in Ontario; a meaningful step as we continue bringing “A Farm Boy Fresh Twist” on the food experience to new communities,” said Shawn Linton, President and General Manager of Farm Boy Company Inc..
“The town of Collingwood is also a strategic fit: a vibrant community with a strong local identity, a growing year‐round and seasonal population, and customers who value fresh, high‐quality food and exceptional service. It aligns perfectly with our neighbourhood‐focused approach and our commitment to offering elevated fresh‐market options, convenience, and excellent value.
“Beyond physical store growth, Collingwood reinforces our broader expansion strategy, which includes a continued focus on local and Ontario‐first suppliers, with an “open for business” mindset toward new vendor relationships.
“That deep continuity, combined with a passionate team that believes in the brand and its future is what fuels our momentum. Together, these elements reflect how Farm Boy is scaling intentionally, while preserving the heart, freshness, and community connection that define our brand.”
Founded in Cornwall in 1981, Farm Boy has grown from a small produce store to its current presence across Ontario, with further expansion plans on the horizon.
“In Collingwood, our goal is not just to offer groceries, but to deliver “A Farm Boy Fresh Twist”, an exciting, engaging shopping experience that complements the region’s vibrant local food culture,” explained Linton.
“Farm Boy stands apart by offering a unique fresh‐forward experience rooted in quality, convenience, and customer delight. From butcher‐quality meats and fresh seafood to artisan cheeses, deli selections, and in‐store–made baked goods, we prioritize freshness at every turn.
“For customers on the go – including busy locals and visitors, we offer a wide assortment of chef‐prepared grab‐and‐go meals made fresh in-store daily. Shoppers can also choose from our curated Farm Boy Private Label products, made with premium ingredients and available exclusively at Farm Boy.”
While other grocers may focus on efficiency or scale, Farm Boy elevates the shopping trip into an inspiring, enjoyable, market‐style experience, added Linton.
He said the differentiation comes from:
• Freshness and quality customers can taste
• Local and Ontario‐first product curation
• Private Label innovation customers can only find at Farm Boy
• Friendly, engaged Team Members who make customers feel like neighbours
“For more than 44 years, this experience‐first philosophy has allowed shoppers to enter as customers and leave feeling like a neighbour,” said Linton.
He said hyper‐local products and community-focused design elements are important in building customer loyalty in new markets.
“These elements are essential. At Farm Boy, we design each store to reflect the character and pride of its community. In Collingwood, shoppers will find a custom mural inspired by Collingwood and Blue Mountain – a centerpiece that visually connects the store to the region,” he said.
“A dedicated hyper‐local area showcases products from local vendors, including Root to Fruit and Georgian Bay Granola, giving customers a direct connection to the food makers in their own backyard. This hyper-local focus not only supports small businesses but also strengthens customer loyalty by celebrating what makes each community unique.”
Linton said customers today want both convenience and choice.
“Our evolving store format responds directly to those expectations.
Our in‐store kitchens offer a robust assortment of chef‐prepared meals made daily for customers looking for quick, high‐quality options. At the same time, we’ve expanded our curated international selections and Private Label offerings to meet demand for global flavours, specialty products, and premium pantry staples,” he said.
“The goal is to provide a holistic food experience, one that fits busy lifestyles, encourages exploration, and ensures shoppers can always find something new, fresh, and exciting at Farm Boy.”
More from Retail Insider:
what ever happened to the farmboy opening on king west in metro hall building?
I took a tour with Oxford Properties last year. Plans have changed. Retail on the concourse will ‘serve the community’ with Health One, a liquore store (targeted and possibly not secured yet), and other businesses for those living nearby. A smaller-format grocer might be able to secure space if it could function in less than 8,000 sq ft.
It’s great to see Farm Boy expanding in Ontario! As someone with experience in the grocery retail industry, I appreciate how they focus on fresh, locally sourced products. It truly makes a difference for communities. Do you think this expansion will inspire similar initiatives from other local chains? By the way, I’ve found that using driving directions helps navigate to new locations easily!