GRAND & TOY EXPANDS IN ALBERTA MARKET
By Adnews Staff
Grand & Toy of Toronto has made a few purchases. The office product retailer has struck an agreement with Calgary-based Willson's Stationers to purchase four Alberta-based locations. The agreement includes the inventory and leasehold interests of the locations. Three locations, including Willson's Calgary South Centre Mall, Bow Valley Square in Calgary and The Edmonton Centre, have been renovated and are opening today, bringing Grand & Toy's presence in the Alberta market to nine locations. According to Grand & Toy, the company's strategic retail plan includes selecting locations and designing stores that support the commercial side of the company's business as well as the growing need of its retail consumers and small and home based businesses. The Bow Valley and Edmonton Centre locations will target the commercial business customer while the South Centre Mall store is an additional retail mall location. The renovated stores feature new departments and specialty boutiques including a Technology section with a selection of computer accessories, a Digital Zone which features digital telephones and accessories, and a Fine Writing Boutique offering a selection of specialty paper. Kidoffice features educational and creative products for children. The department will be located in a dedicated section of the store. Grand opening celebrations, set for the end of the month, will include give-aways, special promotions and a grand opening sales flyer. Electronic advertising for Grand & Toy is done by Harrod & Mirlin/FCB. The company's flyers are created by Sherman Laws of Toronto. Grand & Toy operates 72 retail locations from Ontario to British Columbia.