An artist’s rendering of the first phase of the East Gate retail development to open in the fall of 2016 in High Prairie. In the back is the Peavey Mart location with a greenhouse.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Peavey Mart announced May 10 it plans to open a 16,000 square-foot store and adjacent greenhouse in High Prairie in the fall.

“Amidst the gloom of the Alberta economy, a big bright spot is shining on High Prairie, where the 35th Peavey Mart store location will open in fall 2016,” wrote Jest Sidloski, director of customer experience, Peavey Industries.
The store will offer farming, hardware, pet, workwear, outdoor living, automotive, and other products, and create about 12 new jobs.

“The store and adjoining greenhouse will be the anchor tenant of the first phase of the East Gate retail development that will eventually cover five acres,” reads the news release.

Peavey Mart is pleased to be coming to High Prairie.

“High Prairie is a central hub for a large trade area of about 30,000 people,” says Peavey Industries president Doug Anderson. “The farming history and solid trades sector attracted us, because we have a unique mix of items to serve the people of the area.”

Peavey Mart was designated as one of Canada’s Top 10 Corporate Cultures in 2015. Besides offering traditional farming, hardware, trades and housewares products, stores offer unique items such as honey bees, chicks, and a free electric car charging service.

Anderson adds Peavey Mart stores in Grande Prairie and Westlock have provided years of experience in the area.

“We feel High Prairie and the surrounding area are a perfect fit for Peavey Mart, and we are a perfect fit for the community.”

East Gate’s developer agrees.

“High Prairie has a solid economy with a great agricultural base and a good mix of other businesses,” says Martin Blair, managing director of Calgary-based First Aberdeen Developments which is developing the site.

He also notes a new hospital is to be completed in 2016.

“We feel it’s under-retailed.”

Peavey Mart stores have operated in Western Canada since 1975 and locations currently stretch from Kamloops to Winnipeg. The company is based in Red Deer where its 200,000 square foot distribution centre and home office are located. It also owns and operates Main- Street Hardware stores.
Town council has already green-lighted the development.