Princess Auto has opened a new 100,000-square-foot flagship store in Winnipeg.

The retailer said the new location marks a shift in its national retail strategy, introducing a more experiential format focused on community engagement and hands-on customer experiences.

The Winnipeg location will serve as a testing ground for an evolved retail model aimed at industrial, trade, agricultural and do-it-yourself customers while strengthening long-term customer loyalty.

“This flagship allows us to re-imagine what a Princess Auto store can be,” said Ken Larson, president and CEO of Princess Auto. “What we are building in Winnipeg is rooted in this community, but also part of a broader vision for the company. The learnings and successes from this model will help us bring the best of this experience to other markets across Canada.”

New features at the store include expanded product assortments across recreation, hardware, electrical and plumbing categories, after-hours support for emergency and time-sensitive trades work, and The Shop, an in-store workspace where customers can test equipment, showcase projects and use the space as an auxiliary workshop.

Princess Auto said the project was designed by Winnipeg-based architects and built with the support of local construction workers, tradespeople and community partners.

“This isn’t just a Princess Auto project; this opening represents a truly Winnipeg community effort,” added Larson. “This store represents the strength of meaningful partnerships. We are grateful for the support of local partners and of the City of Winnipeg throughout this process and look forward to celebrating with the community.”

The 500 Panet Road location is the 14th store opened under third-generation owners Matthew Tallman and Marc Tallman and brings Princess Auto’s national store count to 59 locations.

Grand opening celebrations throughout June include motocross shows, a Transcona tailgate party featuring the Grey Cup, and ticketed concerts by Gord Bamford and Crash Test Dummies, with proceeds supporting the Princess Auto Foundation.

Pictured: New Princess Auto store in Winnipeg.

Rendering: CNW Group/Princess Auto