Canadian retailer Metro has announced the launch of the brand in the Ottawa area, taking over former Loeb stores to open nine outlets initially with a further 11 to follow before the beginning of June.

The new stores will stand out in five key areas – meat, bakery, floral, its own private label brands (Irresistibles and Selection) and home meal replacement, Metro said.

'Ottawa grocery shoppers will see that Metro has everything they have grown to love about their community grocer, only now with an enhanced offering,' said Metro president and CEO Eric La Fléche. 'Our unwavering focus on quality food, convenient store locations and a knowledgeable staff will ensure the needs of all our customers are met.'

Metro has invested approximately US$22m in upgrading the stores to offer a 'community market feel' in terms of layout, the group added.