Fresh St. Market to Become Grocery Anchor for CF Richmond Centre Redevelopment

Date:

Share post:

Fresh St. Market will open its first Richmond location in Summer 2027, bringing a long-absent grocery component to CF Richmond Centre as the property continues its transformation into one of Canada’s most ambitious mixed-use retail developments.

The 26,425-square-foot store will be located at 6553 Park Road within the CF Richmond Centre redevelopment, becoming Fresh St. Market’s 10th location in British Columbia and its first in Richmond.

The announcement represents more than a new grocery store opening. While CF Richmond Centre has evolved into one of Metro Vancouver’s premier shopping destinations, the property does not currently have a grocery anchor. As thousands of new residents move into homes being built as part of the redevelopment, the addition of a full-service food retailer adds an essential daily-needs component to Cadillac Fairview’s vision for a complete urban community.

“Richmond has one of the most exciting food cultures in Metro Vancouver with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients making Fresh St. Market an exceptional fit for this municipality and its residents,” said Palle Knudsen, Vice President of Retail Operations & Marketing at Georgia Main Food Group Limited.

“We have been looking for the right opportunity to bring Fresh St. Market to Richmond for years and this location at CF Richmond Centre is centrally located in the hub of the city and abundant with visitors.”

Rendering of Fresh St. Market at CF Richmond Centre. Image supplied

Grocery Retail Plays a Key Role in Mixed-Use Communities

Across North America, major shopping centre owners are increasingly incorporating residential density, public spaces, restaurants and everyday services into their properties. Grocery stores have become particularly important because they generate regular visits and serve residents, workers and shoppers throughout the day.

The redevelopment of CF Richmond Centre is among the most significant examples of this trend in Western Canada. The project is transforming the shopping centre into a large-scale mixed-use district featuring residential towers, new retail streets, public gathering spaces and a broader range of uses than the traditional enclosed mall model.

Within that context, Fresh St. Market fills an important role.

The store is expected to serve residents living within the redevelopment as well as those in surrounding neighbourhoods, office workers, transit users and visitors to CF Richmond Centre’s retail and dining offerings. Its presence helps establish the type of daily activity that supports successful mixed-use developments while providing a service that residents can access without leaving the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Fresh St. Market to CF Richmond Centre. This key development perfectly aligns with our vision of transforming the centre into a truly vibrant community hub,” said Julia Dow, General Manager of CF Richmond Centre.

“This opening is another exciting step in creating a space where our community of residents and shoppers can gather, connect, and enjoy modern amenities.”

Fresh St. Market Enters a Competitive and Food-Focused Market

Fresh St. Market’s arrival in Richmond comes after years of searching for the right opportunity in a municipality widely recognized for its strong food culture and sophisticated grocery sector.

Richmond is home to a diverse mix of grocery banners, specialty food retailers and international food concepts. Consumers are often highly engaged with food, fresh ingredients and culinary experiences, creating opportunities for retailers that can offer a differentiated approach.

Fresh St. Market has built its reputation around a public market-inspired format that combines traditional grocery shopping with prepared foods, specialty offerings and an emphasis on local suppliers.

The Richmond location will feature many of the elements associated with the Fresh St. Market brand, including locally sourced produce, Certified Angus Beef, freshly made sushi, prepared foods, a carvery, bakery offerings and dedicated seating areas. Customers will also find the retailer’s signature Peak Donuts and fresh-baked cookies.

“What excites us most about Richmond is the opportunity to connect with so many passionate food lovers who care deeply about where their food comes from,” said Knudsen.

“That shared commitment to quality and local is at the heart of everything we do at Fresh St. Market, and we look forward to earning a place in this community for years to come.”

Rendering of Fresh St. Market at CF Richmond Centre. Image supplied

Supporting Local Suppliers and Community Programs

The company said the Richmond store will create local employment opportunities and continue Fresh St. Market’s longstanding commitment to supporting British Columbia suppliers and producers.

The location will also participate in two company-wide sustainability initiatives. Through a partnership with FoodMesh, Fresh St. Market has helped divert surplus edible food to charities and community organizations across the province. Customers will also have access to the retailer’s Borrow a Bag program, a reusable shopping bag system designed to reduce single-use waste.

A Strategic Addition to CF Richmond Centre

Fresh St. Market currently operates locations in Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, Whistler, Kamloops, Langley and North Vancouver. The Richmond store will bring the chain’s total store count to 10 locations across British Columbia.

The opening also marks another milestone in CF Richmond Centre’s ongoing evolution. As residential construction continues and new retail concepts are introduced, Fresh St. Market will provide a service that residents rely on regularly while contributing to the broader vision of creating a complete urban neighbourhood.

For Fresh St. Market, the project delivers a long-sought entry into one of Metro Vancouver’s most desirable grocery markets. For CF Richmond Centre, it secures a tenant that helps bridge the gap between destination shopping and everyday living—a key ingredient in the next generation of mixed-use retail developments.

More from Retail Insider:

RELATED ARTICLES

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

CIBC says retailers and wholesalers may absorb higher costs, limiting Canadian inflation

CIBC economists say elevated retail and wholesale profit margins could help shield Canadian consumers from rising business costs and temper inflation in 2027.

The Children’s Place Bankruptcy Puts 56 Canadian Stores in Focus as Retailer Seeks Buyer

The Children's Place has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, bringing its Canadian operations into a court-supervised sale process. The retailer reported 56 Canadian stores earlier this year, with the future of its network dependent on a buyer and the outcome of restructuring proceedings.

Daily Synopsis: November 9, 2026

Canada Post disruptions impact domestic shipments, Canada launches instant payments networks after delays, Costco prepares to open in Lloyeminster, No Frills expands in Toronto, and other news.

CT REIT reports property revenue hike to $161.3 million in Q3

Net income however for CT REIT declined by 5.8% to $110.3 million from $117.1 million last year.

Canadian Retailers Delay Hiring as Three U.S. Chains Postpone Expansion

Suzanne Sears says three American retailers postponed Canadian expansion plans amid tariff uncertainty, while holiday hiring and recruitment decisions slow.

Haleon Canada Launches Health House to Boost Consumer Health Literacy and Self-Care Confidence

Haleon Canada’s Health House brought Advil, Centrum, Sensodyne and other brands together in Toronto to help Canadians build health knowledge and confidence in everyday self-care.

How Oori Noa Founder Hanna Kim-Yoo Uses AI to Manage Cash Flow and Grow Her Kidswear Business

Oori Noa founder Hanna Kim-Yoo uses Intuit Intelligence AI tools to manage expenses, improve cash flow visibility and make smarter inventory and growth decisions.

Quince launches largest marketing campaign in Canada with David Schwimmer partnership (Video)

The Canadian campaign features a 60-second film starring David Schwimmer and a dedicated media investment as the retailer builds brand awareness following its 2026 market entry.

Canadian lifestyle brand Medium opens first retail store at CF Chinook Centre in Calgary

The watch brand, relaunched by entrepreneur Darren Bondar, is testing a standalone retail concept with a 1,600-square-foot location operating through the holiday season.

Retail Insider “Q3 2026 Sporting Goods & Outdoor Report”: Participation Meets a Productivity Test

Sporting goods retailers are investing in bigger assortments, smaller formats and lifecycle services. Retail Insider’s Q3 report examines why participation must translate into productivity before those investments demonstrate lasting returns.

BOSS Returns to Vancouver’s Oakridge Park with New Flagship Store

BOSS has returned to Vancouver's Oakridge Park with a 3,500-square-foot flagship featuring tailoring, lifestyle collections and personalized styling services. The store opened in May and was celebrated in October.

Retail Leaders Discuss Customer Loyalty and Growth at Retail Insider @ Rotman Event

Retail Insider and Rotman brought together leaders from Harry Rosen, Roots, SMYTHE and Absolutely Fabrics on November 3 to discuss customer loyalty, brand strategy, physical retail and growth.

Zellers Expands Canadian Store Network with Three New Ontario Locations

Zellers is opening a 25,000-square-foot store at Cambridge Centre on November 12, with additional locations planned for Shoppers World Brampton and Malvern Town Centre in 2027. The expansion builds on the retailer's Edmonton and Toronto openings and includes the reuse of former Hudson's Bay retail space.

Canadian Denim Brand Triarchy Rethinks Manufacturing with New Dye Technology

Vancouver-founded Triarchy is adopting WTRLSS digital dye technology to rethink denim production, reduce fabric purchasing commitments and improve inventory flexibility. The premium brand plans to introduce additional products to wholesale buyers in February 2027.

Canadian Shoppers Still Want Human Reviews as AI Changes Product Research, Butterly Survey Finds

Butterly's 2026 consumer survey finds Canadians increasingly use AI for product research while continuing to value authentic reviews. Founder Ali de Bold discusses brand reputation, review credibility and checkout transparency.

How Canadian Brands Can Use Digital Out-of-Home Advertising to Reach Sports Fans Beyond Game Day: Vistar Media

Vistar Media’s Scott Mitchell explains how DOOH advertising helps Canadian brands connect with sports fans through relevant, location-based campaigns beyond traditional broadcasts and sponsorships.

Roku Canada Launches Hockey Zone to Simplify Sports Streaming and Attract Advertisers

Roku Canada’s Hockey Zone brings live games, hockey movies and documentaries together, creating new content discovery and advertising opportunities.

Canadians Are Tipping Less, but Guest Recognition Could Help Restaurants Increase Tips: Guestologie

Guestologie data from more than 600,000 restaurant tables finds personalized guest recognition is associated with higher tips, offering restaurants a way to build loyalty as tipping declines.

Calgary retail vacancy holds at 3% as suburban centres tighten and downtown supply grows: Barclay Street

Barclay Street Real Estate's third-quarter 2026 report finds Calgary's suburban retail markets remain tight, while new ground-floor developments push vacancy higher downtown.

Cozey to open fifth Canadian store at West Edmonton Mall

Montreal-based furniture retailer Cozey will open a 5,385-square-foot store at West Edmonton Mall on Nov. 20, expanding its Alberta presence ahead of further North American growth in 2027.