FORTINOS
Waterdown
“We’re not as big as the competition, but our service is what keeps customers coming through the doors here week after week.” Franchise Owner John MacDonald
F
ORTINOS RECEIVED A SMALLtown welcome with open arms in 1999. Quebec-based Maxi & Co. closed as the anchor tenant of the plaza in the heart of the village. The location needed a great deal of work to bring it up to Fortinos standards, but the community couldn’t go without a grocery store. In just eight days, refrigeration equipment was torn out and replaced, aisles were completely turned around and the Fortinos banner was put in place. Construction continued for another two months, but residents were just happy to see the doors open, and overlooked any minor inconveniences. They were also delighted with additions that included a Pharmacy, Hot Foods department and PhotoLab. Today, Waterdown is part of Hamilton and is the fastest growing community within the city. Fortinos is sandwiched between two major residential developments that will add 8,500 households over the next eight years. Power centres have sprouted up on the edge of the growing community, and the cozy, 37,000-squarefoot Fortinos store is busier than ever. The store is directly across the street from Waterdown’s Memorial Park, a hotspot of community activity throughout the year. “We have a close relationship with the community; our employees know everyone by name and whenever we do a fundraiser everyone gets on board, including
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our customers,” says Franchise Owner John MacDonald, who joined Fortinos in 1987 working on the night crew at the former Limeridge store. Within a year of opening, the dedicated Waterdown service team was recognized by the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce when it was nominated for three Outstanding Business Awards in the categories of Labour Relations, Community Service and Business Growth and Achievement. It was quite the achievement considering the store had been open for only half the year. John notes that the basis of success in Waterdown is the staff, adding many of the employees have been around 30 years or more, including Bonnie Begley, who works in the meat department. Bonnie started with Fortinos in 1981 and helped open the Mount Albion and Greenhill location, the fourth location. The Waterdown location has been through a couple of minor facelifts through the years, but maintains a competitive edge in the community through its approach to service. “We’re not as big as the competition, but our service is what keeps customers coming through the doors here week after week,” notes John.