A decades old grocery chain on Vancouver Island is set to merge with Country Grocer after being sold off.
Country Grocer announced that starting on Monday, February 20th, it will be purchasing four 49th Parallel Grocery locations in Ladysmith, Chemainus, Cedar and Duncan.
This acquisition will bring the number of Country Grocers to 11.
In a tweet released on February 14th, the popular grocery chain added, “It’s true! Getting a taste of the Island life just got even sweeter with Country Grocer’s acquisition of four stores from 49th Parallel! Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith and Cedar. We are very excited!”
It’s true! Getting a taste of the Island life just got even sweeter with Country Grocer’s acquisition of four stores from 49th Parallel!
Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith and Cedar. We are very excited! pic.twitter.com/NhqXbS2ZwE— Country Grocer (@CountryGrocer) February 14, 2023
Currently owned by company president, Peter Richmond, the 49th Parallel Grocery was founded in 1977 by the Richmond family as a local grocery alternative.
“The Richmond family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our loyal communities where we operate, and to the entire 49th Parallel Grocery team for their enduring commitment to quality and service over the past 46 years,” said Peter Richmond, president and CFO of 49th Parallel Grocery.
The four 49th Parallel Grocery locations will be converted into Country Grocers starting later this year, with the first conversion starting in March at the Duncan store.
As the longtime grocery chain turns the keys over to Country Grocer, the 380 employees at 49th Parallel will be kept on after the transition.
