Hyper/Supermarket Chains Guide
Vancouver has a wide selection of major chain supermarkets and big-box stores. The following is a fairly comprehensive list of the major chains in the area.
Safeway—15 stores conveniently located around the city
Website: http://www.safeway.ca
Good selection of produce, both locally grown and organic; club card from U.S. is accepted; bakery, florist, deli, pharmacy; in-store weekly/club member specials; free parking.
Costco—5 stores in the metro area, one in downtown Vancouver
Website: http://www.costco.ca
Money-saving bulk buying; membership required; seasonal and specialty items offered; electronics, optical, and pharmacy departments; in-store weekly specials; free parking in some locations.
Wal-Mart Supercenter—1 store on the Eastside
Address: 3585 Grandview Highway (same as 12th Avenue) (major intersection is Grandview and Boundary Road; entrance is from Skeena Street off of Grandview).
Website: http://www.walmart.ca
Adequate selection of grocery items; somewhat confusing layout; price roll-backs; free parking
Save on Foods—18 stores in the metro area, one right on UBC campus
Website: http://www.saveonfoods.com
Good prices; great selection of organic and natural foods/products in addition to conventional products, largest selection of organic produce in a major supermarket; bakery, floral department, deli, pharmacy; club card; some bulk foods; free parking in some locations.
Price Smart Foods—6 stores in the metro area, 2 right in Vancouver on the Eastside
Website: http://www.pricesmartfoods.com
Good prices; selection of organic/farm-fresh produce; bakery, flowers, deli, pharmacy; free parking.
Real Canadian Superstore—2 locations in Vancouver
Address 1: 3185 Grandview Highway (Eastside)
Address 2: 350 Southeast Marine Drive (South Vancouver)
Website: http://www.superstore.ca
Low prices; small selection of organic produce, organic milk usually out of stock; large selection of conventional produce; whole aisle devoted to Asian and imported food items; large meat section including live seafood; nice selection of kitchen/housewares; electronics department; clothing department; seasonal items and furniture; pharmacy; free parking.
T&T—8 stores in the metro area, one near the downtown in Chinatown
Website: http://www.tnt-supermarket.com
Low, low prices; great selection of fresh produce (no organic), exotic fruit and vegetables; Asian housewares and kitchen appliances; fresh meat and live seafood; bakery with Asian holiday favorites and all kinds of pastries and sweets; freshly made sushi; hot Chinese food counter; parking details differ from store to store—Chinatown store has only metered street parking.
