The Kirkland location is the second Provigo Le Marché. Five additional locations are planned for this year.
Danny Leblanc, Provigo Le Marché Kirkland store manager, cutting the baguette at the official inauguration of the flagship store, accompanied by other Loblaw/Provigo management and, at left, Kirkland Mayor John W. Meaney.
The 82,000-square-foot store features a “fresh take” on supermarket design with what the company describes as a “sleek, yet warm atmosphere” with a distinctive, food-market-style layout.
The design of the store mimics a massive food market, with departments clearly labeled in French.
The patisserie is located in a central area of the store rather than against a perimeter wall.
Baked goods include store-baked cupcakes, macaroons and bagels.
The store carries an assortment of 400 cheeses, including 300 from Quebec.
The “wall of cheese” — about 10 feet high — is located next to the deli counter, alongside a selection of imported prosciutto and local pâtés and terrines.
Offerings include beef aged in-store, several varieties of sausages made on site, and local products such as Quebec pork, milk-fed veal, and lamb.
The store touts its high level of service from professionals such as its in-store butchers.