CF Polo Park is preparing to add T&T Supermarket in 2028 as the Winnipeg shopping centre continues to attract major retailers and expand its tenant mix, with several new stores opening over the past year.
The supermarket will occupy space in the former Sears basement, marking the final phase of the mall’s Sears redevelopment, and will be accessible through a new entrance on the south side of the property.
Several new retailers to the Winnipeg market
Peter Havens, General Manager of CF Polo Park, said the shopping centre has welcomed several retailers to the Winnipeg market, including Uniqlo, which opened its first Manitoba location in the spring, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Other additions include the return of Nespresso, a new Hollister concept and a Duer pop-up. Miniso is also expanding into a larger Super Miniso location, while OshKosh is expected to open in December.
Havens said the Winnipeg retail market has remained relatively stable because of the city’s diversified economy, with CF Polo Park recording strong back-to-school traffic and sales this year.
The shopping centre is now achieving more than $1,250 in sales per square foot, he said. CF Polo Park is also exploring opportunities to densify surrounding lands with its partner Shindico, although those plans have been delayed by economic conditions.
Successful Uniqlo launch
Havens said the shopping was really pleased to open Uniqlo earlier in the year.
“It was the first one in Winnipeg. It was one of their best openings they’ve had in North America. They were really pleased with the results, and they really exceeded what they expected out of Winnipeg in terms of sales and the wealth of the market,” he said.
“On the heels of that, we opened Abercrombie & Fitch. That market, that segment and popularity of retail has been really growing, and they found a really good footing here to convert here.
“On top of that, a brand-new Hollister concept opened as well. We had Hollister in the building before, but they moved into a new spot in the style of their current look. Beyond that, we just recently opened Duer, which is a great pop-up we have in here. They tested the market, and they’ve been very happy so far.
“We brought back Nespresso. They’re back in the Winnipeg market. They were here several years ago, left, and now they’re back again.”
Impact of T&T Supermarket
Not so long ago, but probably 20 years ago, it was not uncommon to see grocery attached to retail in a mall, said Havens.
“I think it goes back to where everybody can be and kind of be seen and shop the whole mall and find everything where you need it. I think we’re going back to that. We’re looking at doing service and making things exciting. So T&T was a natural fit. They’re looking for expansion,” he explained.
“We have a big partnership with them with Cadillac Fairview. When they came to town looking to do a store here, this was their first stop. They had some others to balance against, but they’re very excited to work with us, and it’s going to drive a tremendous amount of traffic for us.
“It just brings another level, another element, especially T&T, which has some really incredible merchandising. We’re really excited for it.”
Other openings upcoming
Havens said the T&T opening is the final piece of the redevelopment of the former Sears space.
And there’s excitement about a couple of other store openings in the near future.
“Super Miniso. We had a Miniso here. They’ve done very well in that market, so they’re now expanding into a new location. It should be open early (November). And they’re calling themselves Super Miniso, so that’s pretty good,” he said.
“OshKosh is under development right now. It should be open early December, potentially mid-December. It depends on how construction goes. It’s great to have a kids’ offering back in the shopping centre.
“T&T is the one that’s really taking our opportunity right now. We’re working on some other deals with other tenants that I can’t share yet, and I think that’s where we’re really leveraging the gravity that Polo Park creates, not only in the city but in the province. Our territory goes from eastern Saskatchewan all the way to northwestern Ontario. Believe it or not, people will drive from Thunder Bay, seven hours away, to come to Winnipeg, and they shop at Polo Park.”
The Winnipeg retail market
Havens described Winnipeg as a really interesting market.
“We don’t have a lot of boom-and-bust cycles. We’re very steady Eddie. We have a diverse economy. There’s no one major economic driver for the province and for the city. So that’s allowed us to be very steady. For instance, back-to-school is one of the best back-to-school periods we’ve ever had. Traffic was strong. Sales were really strong. The shopping centre is achieving over $1,250 a square foot now. So we see Winnipeg as a very positive market,” he said.
“Obviously, there are concerns in the environment. We’re all living in the same economic climate. But because there is enough diversification, it’s kept us in good stead, and there’s some positivity.”
More from Retail Insider:
- DUER expands to Winnipeg market with new store at CF Polo Park
- First T&T Supermarket in Manitoba coming to CF Polo Park in Winnipeg
