Canada’s largest Asian grocery retailer, T&T Supermarket, has confirmed it is opening its first-ever Manitoba location at CF Polo Park, bringing one of Canada’s most popular grocery chains to Winnipeg.
The highly anticipated store will occupy the former Sears location on the lower level of CF Polo Park, next to EQ3, with an expected opening in Spring 2028.
This announcement ends years of rumours that have circulated throughout Winnipeg. From whispered plans of possible locations to endless Facebook discussions and Reddit threads, Winnipeggers have been hoping T&T would eventually make its way to Manitoba. Now, it’s finally happening.
“We’ve finally figured it out,” said Tina Lee, CEO of T&T Supermarkets. “Winnipeg is more than a thousand kilometres away from the nearest T&T, but we’ve found a way to bring T&T’s immersive Asian food experience to the community.”
Where Will T&T Supermarket Be Located?
The new Winnipeg location will feature approximately 48,000 square feet of retail space and will be located on the lower level of CF Polo Park at 1485 Portage Avenue.
The location is especially significant because it transforms part of the long-vacant former Sears space into a major new destination retailer. The store will be situated beside EQ3 and is expected to become one of the largest grocery stores inside a shopping centre anywhere in Manitoba.
The announcement is another major step in the ongoing transformation of CF Polo Park, which continues to evolve far beyond a traditional shopping mall.
What Is T&T Supermarket?
For anyone who has never visited one, T&T Supermarket is far more than a grocery store.
Founded in Vancouver in 1993, T&T has grown into Canada’s largest Asian supermarket chain with more than 40 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Washington State, and California.
Today, the company is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, and is led by CEO Tina Lee, whose mother founded the company more than three decades ago.
In 2009, T&T was acquired by Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada’s largest food retailer, but it continues to operate as its own unique grocery banner.
What Makes T&T Different from other Grocery Stores?
T&T has built an incredibly loyal following across Canada thanks to its enormous selection of Asian groceries and freshly prepared foods.
Shoppers can expect:
- Fresh seafood and live seafood selections
- Premium meats
- Hundreds of Asian snacks and imported products
- Fresh produce and exotic fruits
- A full-service bakery featuring popular Asian breads and desserts
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Fresh sushi
- BBQ meats
- Dim sum
- Bubble tea ingredients
- Asian beauty and skincare products
- Specialty sauces, noodles and pantry items from across Asia
Many customers visit T&T just for its bakery or prepared foods, while others appreciate being able to find authentic ingredients that can be difficult to source elsewhere.
A Huge Win for Winnipeg’s Food Scene
The arrival of T&T fills a major gap in Winnipeg’s grocery landscape.
While Winnipeg already has several excellent independent Asian grocery stores serving the community, T&T offers a unique large-format shopping experience that combines a massive grocery selection with in-house prepared foods, bakery items and specialty products under one roof.
Its arrival is expected to attract shoppers from across Manitoba and even neighbouring provinces.
“We’re proud to have found the perfect home at CF Polo Park, where customers can discover fresh produce, exotic fruits, trendy Asian snacks, beauty products, and beloved T&T kitchen and bakery favourites.”
A Perfect Fit for CF Polo Park’s Future
The announcement also comes at an exciting time for CF Polo Park.
Cadillac Fairview has been steadily transforming the property into much more than a shopping destination. Plans for new residential developments around the mall will bring hundreds of new residents within walking distance of retailers, restaurants and services.
Adding a destination grocery store like T&T makes perfect sense as CF Polo Park continues its evolution into a mixed-use community where people can live, shop, dine and work in one central location.
The addition of a major grocery anchor will also provide an important amenity for future residents while making the area even more attractive for additional retail and restaurant investment.
When Will T&T Supermarket Open in Winnipeg?
Construction is expected to begin as redevelopment of the former Sears space continues. T&T Supermarket is currently targeting a Spring 2028 opening at CF Polo Park.
While that’s still some time away, the confirmation finally gives Winnipeg shoppers something they’ve been waiting years.
After years of rumours, it’s no longer a question of if. It’s simply a matter of waiting until the doors finally open.
