Princess Auto says it is opening a 100,000-square-foot flagship store in Winnipeg next month as the privately-owned retailer shifts toward a more experiential retail model focused on community engagement and hands-on customer experiences.
The company said the store at 500 Panet Rd. will open June 2 and represents what it described as a new phase in its retail strategy. The Winnipeg location will serve as a testing ground for concepts the company may expand to other Canadian markets.
The flagship store introduces several features not currently found in other Princess Auto locations, including an expanded assortment of recreation, hardware, electrical and plumbing products, after-hours support for emergency and time-sensitive trades work, and a dedicated in-store workspace called The Shop where customers can test equipment and work on projects.
The company said the new format is intended to better serve industrial, trade, agricultural and do-it-yourself customers while strengthening customer loyalty through community-focused programming and hands-on experiences.
“This flagship allows us to re-imagine what a Princess Auto store can be,” said Ken Larson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Princess Auto. “What we are building in Winnipeg is rooted in this community, but also part of a broader vision for the company. The learnings and successes from this model will help us bring the best of this experience to other markets across Canada.”
Princess Auto said the project was designed by Winnipeg-based architects and built by local construction workers and tradespeople. The retailer said the development reflects a broader local investment effort tied to the company’s Winnipeg roots.
“This isn’t just a Princess Auto project, this opening represents a truly Winnipeg community effort,” added Larson. “This store represents the strength of meaningful partnerships. We are grateful for the support of local partners and of the City of Winnipeg throughout this process and look forward to celebrating with the community.”
The Panet Road location will become the 59th store in the Princess Auto network and the 14th store opened under third-generation owners Matthew Tallman and Marc Tallman.
Princess Auto said the new flagship is intended to evolve beyond a traditional retail format by combining shopping, demonstrations, workshops and community events in one location.
Opening celebrations are scheduled throughout June and will include motocross shows, a Transcona tailgate party featuring an appearance by the Grey Cup, and two ticketed concerts featuring Gord Bamford and Crash Test Dummies. The company said proceeds from the concerts will go to the Princess Auto Foundation.
Princess Auto is headquartered in Winnipeg and employs more than 3,500 people across Canada. The company operates 59 stores, a national call centre and an online retail business serving tradespeople, farmers, industrial workers and other customers.
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