Just a week after announcing that the Victoria Public Market would be shutting down, a major grocery retailer has confirmed it will be moving into the space.
Loblaws says it plans to open a No Frills grocery store in the historic Hudson’s Bay building on Douglas Street. Known for its signature yellow branding and no-name products, No Frills is one of several chains operated by Loblaws, which also owns Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, T&T Supermarket, Extra Foods, and Wholesale Club.
The announcement comes shortly after Townline Group of Companies—owner of the Hudson building and the five residential towers that surround it—confirmed the market’s permanent closure and eviction of its seven remaining tenants, most of which are eateries.
Tenants have been given six months to vacate, with the new grocery store expected to open in early 2026.
The Victoria Public Market first opened 12 years ago, bringing a vibrant mix of local vendors and food purveyors to the north end of downtown. But over the years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, the market has struggled.
Townline president Daryl Simpson said pandemic-related impacts and broader social challenges in the area made it difficult to sustain the concept.
“Unfortunately, like countless businesses, our tenants felt the impacts of the global pandemic. Today, only seven spaces are occupied, while 11 sit empty,” wrote Townline in a media release.
Simpson noted there may be future opportunities for some of the current tenants to relocate elsewhere in the Hudson District.
There are currently about 20 No Frills locations in BC, including one on Vancouver Island—Tyler’s No Frills in Port Alberni. Stores are typically named after their franchise owner, whose first name appears before the “No Frills” signage.
No Frills stores offer a wide selection of groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and President’s Choice products, and there are roughly 250 locations across Canada.
The company said it will reveal more information as it approaches an opening date.
La Pizza La Pasta, Roast, VicExpress Teriyaki & Roll, Victoria Pie Co and Two Crows Mustard, Whisk Victoria, Naami’s Mediterranea, Dhaga Fashions, Coho Collective Kitchens and lastly, Shashwat Indian Cuisine will all be out of a workspace in six months time.
Following this announcement, Two Crows Mustard made a post on the Victoria sub-Reddit detailing their experience.
“Our leasess grant us 180 days notice but they have asked us to vacate in 90 days,” said Two Crows Mustard.
“It wasn’t a total surprise but it didn’t give any of us any time to figure out what we’re doing, where we’re going, or what comes next. Please be patient with us. We are getting asked that by everybody who comes in to see us and it’s extremely exhausting.”
Related: Victoria Public Market to close with new grocery store opening in its place
They added that they will be trying to keep their energy up and ask that anyone who knows their products, or who are curious to try them, come in before they have to vacate.
“We’re grateful for the support you’ve shown us over the years and we’re extremely grateful for the support you’ll show us in the coming weeks,” Two Crows Mustard added.
“Local small businesses are the backbone of our community and if we don’t support them then we lose a lot of who we are.”
Townline did note that they may have some space in other properties they own in Victoria, such as the Hudson District, which they may offer to current market tenants.
Additionally, Townline says that it is important for them to make good on their commitment to make the neighbourhood more of a walkable community, which helped guide their decision of what to do with the soon-to-be vacant space.
“We are happy to announce that a full-service, urban-format Canadian grocery store will open in the space early next year,” said Townline.
With files from Curtis Blandy
