Princess Auto reports that in early June, it will open the first-of-its-kind 100,000 square foot flagship store at 500 Panet Rd. in Winnipeg. Marking a significant evolution in the company’s national retail strategy and a major investment in experiential, community-driven retail, the store’s design moves away from standard retail layouts, focusing instead on bringing people together and creating a unique environment tailored to the needs of hands-on customers. The Winnipeg flagship introduces several new features including an expanded assortment of products in recreation, hardware, electrical and plumbing, after-hours support for emergency and time-sensitive trades work and The Shop, a first-of-its-kind in-store workspace where customers can test equipment, showcase their projects, and use the space as an auxiliary workshop. “This flagship allows us to re-imagine what a Princess Auto store can be,” said President and CEO Ken Larson. “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 is a family-owned Canadian company with 59 stores from coast-to-coast that for over 85 years, has been supplying tradespeople, hobbyists, handyman and anyone who loves to fix and build things, with the tools and equipment they need. The Panet Rd flagship will be the 14th store opened under third generation owners.
Princess Auto Ltd., 475 Panet Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba R2C 2Z1 (800/665-8685 www.princessauto.com)