Ontario-based grocer Farm Boy recently opened its 52nd location at 39 Huron Street in Collingwood, marking continued expansion across the province. The Farm Boy Collingwood store opening brings the brand’s fresh-market concept to the Georgian Bay region, with a strong emphasis on local integration and in-store experience.
The Collingwood location reflects Farm Boy’s expansion beyond major urban centres into high-growth secondary markets. Since its 2018 acquisition by Empire Company Limited for $800 million, the brand has scaled rapidly while maintaining a distinct identity separate from Sobeys.
The Farm Boy Collingwood store opening marks the company’s first significant move into the Georgian Bay area. This aligns with a strategy focused on markets with population growth, tourism, and demand for premium grocery offerings.
The store replaces a former Sobeys location, allowing Farm Boy to leverage an existing footprint while introducing its refreshed retail concept.
Local Workforce and Community Integration
Farm Boy is welcoming back several employees from the previous Sobeys store, maintaining familiar faces for customers and reinforcing local ties.
This approach supports the brand’s neighbourhood positioning and strengthens continuity within the community. The Farm Boy Collingwood store opening combines expansion with a deliberate focus on preserving existing relationships.
The Collingwood store incorporates local design elements, including a custom mural inspired by the region and nearby Blue Mountain. The feature creates a visual connection to the community and anchors the in-store experience.
This localized approach reflects Farm Boy’s strategy of tailoring each store while maintaining a consistent brand identity.
Fresh-Market Offering and Product Mix
The store offers Farm Boy’s full fresh-focused assortment, including produce, meats, dairy, and private label products, with an emphasis on Ontario-sourced goods.
A dedicated local section features products from vendors such as Root to Fruit and Georgian Bay Granola, reinforcing community connections. The Farm Boy Collingwood store opening also includes an expanded grocery selection with international items through a World Market concept.
Prepared foods remain a key draw, with hot bar, soup bar, and salad bar options designed for both residents and visitors. The store also features an Arterra Wine Rack, along with a range of everyday essentials.
Founded in Cornwall, Ontario in 1981, Farm Boy has grown into a provincial grocery player with more than 50 stores. Expansion has accelerated following its integration into Empire’s broader platform.
The brand’s focus on private label products, fresh offerings, and an engaging in-store experience continues to differentiate it in a competitive market. The Farm Boy Collingwood store opening highlights how the retailer is extending its reach while maintaining its core identity.
Farm Boy’s growth has accelerated significantly in recent years, particularly following its acquisition by Empire Company Limited. The retailer has expanded its footprint across Ontario through a mix of new builds, relocations, and conversions of existing Sobeys locations.
Recent openings in markets such as Oshawa, Mississauga, Burlington, and Toronto reflect a strategy focused on both urban density and high-growth suburban communities. At the same time, the company has begun moving into new regional markets, with Collingwood representing a notable step into the Georgian Bay area.
A key driver of this expansion has been Farm Boy’s differentiated positioning. Its strong private label program, now exceeding hundreds of exclusive products, continues to build customer loyalty. At the same time, the retailer has broadened its assortment to include more everyday essentials and international offerings, allowing it to compete more directly with full-service supermarkets.
Integration with Empire’s broader infrastructure, including supply chain and e-commerce capabilities, has further supported growth while allowing Farm Boy to maintain its distinct in-store experience.
The Farm Boy Collingwood store opening reflects this next phase of expansion, as the retailer continues to scale while adapting its format to new communities across Ontario.
