Shopping mall shifts directions

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - May 09, 2008

Major changes are again in the works for a Vernon shopping mall.

Polson Super A Foods is closing its doors, and it’s believed it will be replaced by another grocery retailer at the Polson Place Mall.

“It’s a positive change for the mall,” said Lorne Davis, owner of Super A Foods.

The independent grocer is closing because its lease was not renewed by Sunstone Realty, owner of the mall.

“They are looking for bigger and better things in the mall and I can’t blame them,” said Davis.

However, representatives for the mall are saying little about what may fill the space once Super A Foods is gone.

“The mall is undergoing renovations,” said Pat Davies, with Colliers International, which manages the mall.

The City of Vernon has approved some alignment changes for the mall buildings, but it has not been given any specific information on who will move into the Super A location.

“It does show food store on the site plan but not the name of the actual tenant,” said Dale Rintoul, city planner.

This isn’t the first time change has occurred since Sunstone purchased the mall last year for $12.5 million.

Polson Bowling Centre was closed to make way for a Shoppers Drug Mart, while the Super-Save gas bar was also closed.

Future plans include a Starbucks and a new Royal Bank branch in a detached building.

Davis expects Super A Foods to be closed by the beginning of June, and his main priority is assisting his 35 employees.

“I am in the process of finding jobs for all of them,” he said.

Davis has been contacting local stores, especially in the grocery sector, to determine if they need workers.

“They (staff) have good experience and knowledge and they won’t have any problems finding jobs,” he said.

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Shopping mall shifts directions

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