Store manager Steve Gray cuts the ribbon to launch the Giant Tiger store opening in downtown North Battleford Saturday morning. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Business support

Big crowd for Giant Tiger opening downtown North Battleford

May 11, 2019 | 9:53 PM

Shoppers filled the parking lot starting at 6:10 a.m. to be the first into the brand new Giant Tiger store opening in downtown North Battleford Saturday.

Resident Bernice Pellack who joined the line up said having the new Giant Tiger store downtown will be convenient for her and other residents to do their shopping locally.

She was excited to be one of the first in the new store.

“It’s nice to have it here,” she said.

Election

Hawtin elected mayor in North Battleford; Battleford, Meadow Lake await results

10h ago

NURSES UNITE

'Giving back' : BUH nurses merge to expand community impact

18h ago

High school CPR

RM of N. Battleford to propose CPR be part of school curriculum

19h ago

The 15,785 square foot store located at the corner of 102 Street and 11 Avenue was constructed over the past year.

Mayor Ryan Bater said the store will be a boon to the city’s economy and downtown development.

“It’s a great day in North Battleford,” he said. “I just know this business is going to be a great addition not only to the entire city but especially to the downtown. I think it will serve the people who live and visit here very well.”

He said the business also fits in well with North Battleford’s plans for downtown revitalization, and provides a strong business anchor as well to the downtown core.

Giant Tiger store manager Steve Gray was thrilled to welcome shoppers into the store during the grand opening celebration.

“It’s a beautiful day and we’re excited to be in the community,” he said. “We’re having lots of sales today. We had quite a few people line up this morning for our grand opening.”

Gray said Giant Tiger decided to build in downtown North Battleford because it identified the area needed more services for residents to shop for groceries and other products in the central part of the city.

The store employs 40 staff members.

“All the employees pretty much are all local,” Gray said, adding a couple employees are from just outside of North Battleford also.

Giant Tiger made a $1,000 donation to The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords. Kerry Reimer (Battlefords Lighthouse General Manager), left, and his wife Tracey, front centre, accept the donation at the Giant Tiger store launch Saturday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Giant Tiger also made a community contribution during the launch, donating $1,000 to The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords homeless shelter and programming. Proceeds from an afternoon barbecue also benefited the Lighthouse.

–

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow