Sobeys
The Project
Traugott has partnered with Sobeys Inc. to support their continued expansion from Ontario to British Columbia. This multi-site relationship includes the construction and renovation of grocery retail spaces under both the Safeway and Foodland banners. Each location is tailored to the unique operational and design needs of the brand it represents, with build sizes ranging from 30,000 to 80,000 sq. ft.
Our work includes both new construction and updates to existing properties. Projects are delivered with efficiency and consistency by deploying dedicated project teams assigned to each banner. This structure ensures that communication with Sobeys stakeholders remains streamlined from planning through to completion. The result is a series of grocery developments that support strategic retail growth while meeting the needs of communities across urban and rural settings.
The Conversation Pieces
Safeway stores delivered under this program were conceived as large-format, full-service locations designed to enhance the shopping experience. These builds emphasized space, accessibility, and customer service—hallmarks of the Safeway brand.
In contrast, Foodland developments were smaller in scale but highly community-focused. These compact stores were tailored to meet the specific demands of local markets, often in rural or remote areas where accessibility and regional engagement were top priorities. Together, these projects reflect Sobeys' ability to adapt its retail strategy while maintaining brand consistency.
Project Specs
- Longstanding partnership delivering grocery stores under Safeway and Foodland banners
- Projects span both new builds and renovations across urban and rural locations
- Stores tailored to the specific brand, design, and operational requirements of each banner
- Dedicated project teams deployed by store type for efficient, consistent delivery
- Construction work aligned with Sobeys’ strategic retail goals and timelines
The Challenges
Each build presented unique complexities. Traugott was tasked with coordinating timelines across multiple banners and provinces, managing simultaneous construction schedules, and delivering a consistent level of quality across varied store formats. Urban builds required tight logistical coordination, while rural sites posed access and infrastructure challenges.
Further complexity came from navigating differing regulatory environments between provinces with their own permitting processes, codes, and compliance requirements, requiring adaptable solutions and region-specific expertise.
The Solutions
Traugott responded by assigning banner-specific project management teams, allowing for focused communication and execution. Construction approaches were tailored to match each store’s format—larger-scale solutions for Safeway builds, and more agile, compact strategies for Foodland. This flexibility ensured efficient delivery regardless of project scope or site conditions.
We also implemented proactive site planning and value engineering to address issues before they impacted schedules. Our deep familiarity with interprovincial requirements meant regulatory compliance was built into the planning phase, keeping projects on time and within scope. This collaborative, adaptable approach continues to make Traugott a trusted partner for Sobeys’ evolving retail portfolio.