T&T Supermarket to open massive new store in former Hudson Bay at CF Markville

According to the company, the upcoming supermarket will span 68,000 square feet on the lower level of the former Hudson’s Bay space at CF Markville, located at 5000 Hwy 7 in Markham. This major development involves the relocation and expansion of the chain's current Unionville store, which has operated in the area for over a decade. The new footprint will provide an additional 18,000 square feet over the existing location, allowing the store to grow from its current 50,000 square feet at Unionville.

Company leadership notes that the project will create a significant retail anchor while securing the title of the largest Asian grocery store in Markham. "Markham has been a key part of T&T’s story, and we see tremendous opportunity to continue investing in this community," said Tina Lee, CEO of T&T Supermarket, in a company news release reported by Thestar.

Media additions

"Unionville has been a wonderful home for us for the past 14 years, and we are proud of everything we have built together with our colleagues and customers. As our customers’ needs continue to grow, this bigger store at CF Markville will strengthen our presence in the market, create an even better experience for our customers, and bring more jobs to the local community"

Tina Lee, CEO of T&T Supermarket, via Thestar and Finance

Property management has also welcomed the massive transformation. "We're incredibly proud to continue our partnership with T&T as they expand their presence in Canada," said Sal Iacono, President & CEO, Cadillac Fairview, in statements carried by Finance. "Welcoming the largest Asian grocery store in Markham to CF Markville is a major milestone for our centre and we're so excited to see the energy this new destination will bring to our guests and community."

Background on the Real Estate Shift

The former Hudson’s Bay store at CF Markville was one of 80 across the country to shut its doors as the longtime Canadian retailer winded down operations after determining its $1.1-billion debt was too insurmountable, as outlined by Thestar. The department store spent the remainder of the year auctioning off some of its 4,400 pieces of art and artifacts, as well as selling leases or handing them back to landlords.

The new venture marks the fourth partnership between the supermarket chain and Cadillac Fairview, following CF Fairview Mall, CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, and CF Polo Park in Winnipeg, according to Finance. Cadillac Fairview is wholly owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, with assets under management totaling $26 billion, and manages a portfolio of landmark properties across Canada while operating as one of the largest owners, operators, investors, and developers of best-in-class office, retail, multi-family residential, industrial, and mixed-use properties in North America.

Expansion Strategy and Store Offerings

Founded in Vancouver in 1993, T&T is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, and is led by second-generation successor and CEO Tina Lee. The retailer operates more than 40 stores across British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Washington, and California. The upcoming CF Markville site will be the chain's 18th location in Ontario. Beyond the Markham project, the company is actively expanding elsewhere, with another store set to open at RioCan Empress in North York and another location in Gilmore, British Columbia.

Shoppers at the forthcoming Markham super-store can expect a wide variety of signature amenities. The location will feature:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Fresh meat counters
• Popular prepared Asian meals
• An in-store bakery
• An Asian beauty section

What to Watch Next

• Transition Timeline: The official relocation and transition from the current Unionville storefront to the new CF Markville space is planned for 2028.
• Construction and Development: Further updates from Cadillac Fairview regarding the lower-level redevelopment within the former department store footprint at CF Markville.
• Concurrent Openings: Progress on other active expansions across the country, including the RioCan Empress location in North York and the Gilmore site in British Columbia.