Grocery shoppers in downtown Hamilton now have some new stores in their neighbourhoods.
The Market on James opened earlier this month in the ground floor of a new residential building on James Street South, between Augusta and Young streets.
The location is the first-of-its-kind, said Marietta Cini, the director of store operations for Hasty Market corporation.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The concept, which is being launched in Hamilton before rolling out “across Ontario,” is essentially a mash-up of a convenience store and a traditional grocer. A “convenient grocer,” explains Cini, who also says the markets will have a “smaller footprint” than typical supermarkets.
The Market on James has produce and grocery sections, frozen food, toiletries, home essentials and a takeout counter. Unlike convenience stores, it emphasizes variety and premium items. For instance, the selection of cheeses includes brie and havarti. And customers can buy skinless boneless chicken breasts, a box of spinach or several different kinds of mayonnaise, including Japanese imported Kewpie mayo, popular with chefs.
A multitude of mayo options at The Market on James.
Jeremy Kemeny The Hamilton Spectator
The takeout counter features regular convenience store fare like subs and samosas, but also protein bowls, fruit shakes and sushi.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The company is also empowering franchisees to bring in goods to suit their local market, Cini says, such as Portuguese tarts, a large selection of ramen and that specialty mayo at the James South location.
And with few grocery options in Durand and Corktown, Cini hopes residents will welcome their new neighbour.
A wall of noodles at The Market on James.
Jeremy Kemeny The Hamilton Spectator
Further west, Halal grocery chain Samir Supermarket opened recently at the corner of Caroline and George streets, also at the base of a newly built residential tower.
Specializing in halal meats and Middle Eastern goods, the market also sells grocery essentials as well as diverse foods from “different cultures and backgrounds,” its website says.
The downtown location is part of a small chain of four, with other stores on the Mountain, in Stoney Creek and in Burlington.
The Market on James is open 24/7. Samir Supermarket is open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation