The grocery banner Les Marchés Tradition was launched in 1998 by Marchands en alimentation Agora, formerly known as Hudon and Deaudelin, property of the Oshawa Group, which was purchased by Sobeys in 1999, one year later.
The big idea of this new concept was centered on freshness. It prides itself at offering superior freshness when it comes to fruits and vegetables, meat, bakery, delicatessen items, cheeses and prepared meals. Les Marchés Tradition therefore offer fewer canned or processed food products and devote nearly half of the sales area for fresh produce. Their slogan at the beginning was: “All fresh and very close” (or “Tout frais, tout près” in French).
The initial objective was to launch 25 grocery stores of 6,000 to 15,000 square feet grocery stores in Quebec, an intermediate size between supermarkets and convenience stores. The first four groceries opened in Frelighsburg, Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Lac-Brome. Almost 20 years later, their total number amounts to 43.
Type of Franchise
Sobeys offers an “affilliation agreement” with independent owners for the operation of a convenience store under the Les Marchés Tradition banner of a usual five-year term, possibly with the right to extend the term for a period of five years and also, a right of first refusal during the term of the lease if the lessor receives an offer to purchase concerning the rented premises. The agreement allows retailers access to wholesale prices as well as marketing support (advertising, flyer, etc.).
Profil de la bannière
| Name: | Marchés Tradition |
|---|---|
| Ranking (banners): | 34th of 63 |
| Number of stores: | 43 |
| Description: | Distinctive grocery store banner |
| Franchisor: | Sobeys Québec |
| Type of Franchise: | Type C) Store franchisee |
| Foundation date: | 1998 |
| Head Office: | Montreal |
| Website: | Marché Tradition |