THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay residents were out in force Saturday to take advantage of the city’s newest – and long-awaited – retail option, as a Giant Tiger franchise officially opened its doors at the Thunder Centre across from the Intercity mall.
Some shoppers lined up as early as 6 a.m. to be among the first through the doors, said Alison Scarlett, director of brand communications for the company. The enthusiasm was evident well before the company opted to expand into the city.
“The community of Thunder Bay has absolutely been asking for a Giant Tiger for a very long time,” she said. “We’ve been getting emails, calls, and even letters from residents asking us to open a store.”
What sets the store apart, Scarlett believes, is that shoppers can find nearly any everyday need – groceries, clothing, household items, outdoor gear, and more – at affordable prices, without wandering endless aisles.
“One of our secrets is that we have a bit of a smaller footprint than a lot of other retailers,” she said. “We understand Canadian families are very busy, and they want to come in, get what they need, and get on with their day.”
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the store’s opening by about two months. The company has around 260 stores across the country.
