On Thursday, October 12, the new Maxi store at the corner of routes 201 and 338 in Coteau-du-Lac officially opened. For the occasion, many local residents were on hand to discover the new store, which was sporting its new colors after months of renovation.

The new banner has moved into the former Provigo Steve McKinnon premises. An investment of $5 million was required to transform the store, which becomes the 149th of this chain in Quebec. The opening of Maxi in Coteau-du-Lac has created 35 new jobs, bringing the total number of full-time and part-time staff to 95.

A new look, but the same popular products

"In 2023, we converted 27 Provigo stores into Maxi stores across the province. This store is based on a 3.0 concept, meaning that regulars won't be completely disoriented because they'll find the products they know and love, but in a new decor. We've changed the store's colors, lighting and flooring. We've also incorporated the Maxi image on the walls, with all the humour we know," explains Patrick Blanchette, Maxi's Vice-President Operations for Quebec.

Among the products on offer at Maxi de Coteau-du-Lac are ready-to-eat spaghetti sauce, a deli counter, ready-to-eat meals, bakery products such as pastries baked on site, and organic fruits and vegetables cut and ready to eat.

Showcasing local products

Maxi de Coteau-du-Lac offers its customers a wide range of Quebec meats, even though a butcher's counter is not available on site. "We offer ham from Lac-Saint-Jean and pork, beef, veal, sausages, poultry from Quebec and duck from Lac-Brome. It's important for us to encourage local products," he adds.

The company is also adapting to today's realities by offering organic products such as soy milk, halal items and a wide variety of fish.

A Saint-Lazare-born store manager

Saint-Lazare native Simon Legault has been entrusted with the role of store manager. "I'm very happy to be able to work close to home in Soulanges. My children go to school in the region and I really hope to offer the best service to the citizens of Vaudreuil-Soulanges who come to visit us. It's not just residents of Coteau-du-Lac who will be visiting the store, but neighbouring communities too," he stresses.

Mr. Legault points out that of the sixty or so employees who worked at Provigo before its conversion, three-quarters, or around 45, are still employed by the new banner.

Maxi is open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm.