PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2012
Jackson Square is pleased to announce the arrival of a full service supermarket in downtown Hamilton
Nations Fresh Food will be opening a major new supermarket in Jackson Square Mall in the Spring of 2013. The store will be located at the West end of the mall, near the intersection of Bay and Market Streets. Nations will open a full service supermarket, providing an excellent multi-ethnic fresh food shopping experience.
This 55,000 square feet supermarket, owned by the Ocean’s Fresh Food Group, will be the largest in the chain and the second to operate under the Nations banner. The store will feature foods of the world under one roof, a large fresh fish market, meat and deli counters, extensive fruit and vegetable markets, a large salad bar, in-store bakery and international prepared foods for eat-in and take-out.
This new full service supermarket represents a key missing piece in the puzzle of downtown renewal. Nations Fresh Food will provide a necessary service in the heart of the City, and will promote further residential development in and around the core.
“This announcement justifies the new confidence being expressed about the vibrant future of the Downtown core. Since its opening 40 years ago Jackson Square has been an outstanding corporate citizen of Hamilton, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and maintaining its buildings to the highest standards. It’s fitting that the City’s anchor downtown property was chosen by Nations to host their newest store. My sincere congratulations as Mayor to both landlord and tenant for their exciting new contribution to the growth of our City.” – Mayor Bob Bratina.
Everyday low prices, combined with a wide product selection will make Nations a destination for all grocery shoppers. People living in downtown Hamilton will now be able to easily walk or take transit for all of their grocery shopping. Also, downtown office workers will be able to pick-up either a quick take-out dinner or do their weekly grocery shopping before heading home.
The Hamilton Farmers Market will directly benefit from having a full service supermarket in close proximity. This symbiotic relationship will allow shoppers a “one-stop” grocery experience, combining buying weekly staples with buying wonderful fresh, local foods from the regions best farmers market. This combination will create a new destination for fresh food in the heart of City.
Jackson Square will be investing significant capital improvements to prepare for the arrival of Nations, including new elevators which will allow easy access from the mall to our ample, convenient underground parking. Combined with the fact that Nations will be building an entirely new store, the total new investment in Hamilton will be in excess of seven million dollars ($7,000,000.00). Once open, Nations will employ in excess of 200 people.
Now in its 40th year, Jackson Square has always been the heart and soul of downtown Hamilton. A new energy has come to the mall, with expansions and new stores over the last year. The mall vacancy is now under 10%, and discussions are currently underway with a number of new retailers.
We are certain that securing the lease with Nations Fresh Food will act as a catalyst for downtown renewal and redevelopment. As a long standing corporate partner, Jackson Square is proud to make this important contribution to the renewal of downtown Hamilton.