By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Local shoppers will be looking for liquor in a new place come next year.

The province announced Wednesday that Riverbend Co-op was awarded the permit to operate a new private liquor retail outlet in Davidson.

Riverbend plans to integrate the liquor retail into the Home and Agro centre on Railway Street in Davidson, in what they dubbed a “store within a store.”

The existing public store, located on Washington Avenue and in operation since 1960, will close once Riverbend’s outlet is up and running — expected by the summer of 2017.

The Co-op building has recently been updated on the outside with fresh siding and signage. Interior renovations are planned over the next few months.

Space on the store’s retail floor will be designated for liquor. The company plans to build a 500 square-foot walk-in cooler, allowing customers to purchase chilled products.

Riverbend general manager Greg Sarvis said the company was thrilled to receive the opportunity in Davidson, noting Co-op’s long history in the community.

He said Friday the company is finalizing its plan for the space, so a formal timeframe isn’t ready yet.

“We’ve got the end vision in mind of where we want to go,” he said. “Our hope is that this summer, we’re ready to go.”

 

For the full story, please see the Nov. 28 edition of The Davidson Leader or call 306-567-2047 to subscribe today.