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.”
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.”
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.
