In mid-January, the Société des alcools du Québec reported that it is advancing a series of initiatives aimed at responding to evolving consumer shopping habits that favour convenience, speed and spontaneity. Following a year of pilot projects, the SAQ confirmed its strategic direction through concepts such as SAQ Zones, SAQ Express 2.0 store redesigns, SAQ POP pop-ups, simplified redesigns, etc. Building on these results, the SAQ has issued a call for tenders to deploy 92 SAQ Zones—small product displays offering 30 to 40 items—within urban businesses already licensed to sell alcohol, with rollout targeted for Summer 2026. The agency is also launching a Montreal-based pilot with Uber Eats in late February, offering approximately 150 products via convenience delivery. Meanwhile, the SAQ continues to refine its retail network, planning 15 new agency stores across several regions while closing underperforming locations to better align with customer expectations. Currently there are about 400 SAQ stores in the province and generally in the 3600 square foot range.
Société des alcools du Québec, 7500 rue Tellier, Montreal, Quebec H1N 3W5 (514/254-2020 www.saq.com)