The Sobeys Ajax closure is scheduled for August 29, with the Kingston Road grocery store expected to reopen in 2027 as a Chalo! FreshCo. The conversion will keep the property within the Sobeys corporate network while changing it from a full-service supermarket to a discount grocery format.
The affected store is located at 260 Kingston Road West in Ajax. Public store listings identify it as one of two Sobeys locations currently operating in the municipality, alongside the South Ajax store at 955 Westney Road South.
Sobeys Ajax Closure Follows Banner Review
A Sobeys spokesperson said the company regularly reviews its stores and services to determine how well they meet changing neighbourhood needs. Following that review, the Kingston Road store will close at the end of August and undergo renovations before reopening under the Chalo! FreshCo banner.
The company has not announced an exact 2027 opening date. Renovation work and other project requirements could affect the schedule, so residents should treat the reopening year as a target until a formal grand-opening announcement is released.
Chalo! FreshCo operates as part of Sobeys’ discount grocery business. Sobeys Corporate describes FreshCo as a discount format focused on fresh food and lower prices, while Empire Company lists FreshCo among the food-retail banners operated by Sobeys Inc.
Multicultural Grocery Selection Planned
According to the company spokesperson quoted in the closure announcement, Chalo! FreshCo will offer multicultural foods, fresh produce and familiar grocery products at discount prices.
Existing Chalo! FreshCo stores carry Chalo-branded products and a range of grocery items aimed at customers seeking South Asian and other multicultural ingredients. FreshCo’s current website lists Chalo products and dedicated Chalo! FreshCo locations within its store network.
The existing wine boutique at the Ajax store is expected to return when the renovated location opens. More information about departments, services, operating hours and employment opportunities has not yet been released.
Alternative Sobeys Stores During Renovation
Customers who normally shop at the Kingston Road location will have several nearby Sobeys alternatives while the property is closed.
Sobeys identified three Durham Region stores:
- Sobeys Whitby at 1615 Dundas Street East
- Sobeys Oshawa at 1377 Wilson Road North
- Sobeys South Ajax at 955 Westney Road South
The South Ajax location will be the closest Sobeys-branded alternative for many local customers. Shoppers should confirm store hours and department availability before travelling because services can vary by location.
What the Conversion Means for Ajax Shoppers
The planned conversion represents a change in grocery format rather than a permanent exit by Sobeys from the property. Sobeys is a full-service supermarket banner, while FreshCo is positioned as a discount grocery operation.
The reopened store may therefore have a different layout, product mix, pricing approach and service model. Final details should become clearer when the company releases plans closer to opening.
The company has not publicly stated how many employees will be affected, whether current workers will be transferred or how staffing will be handled during the renovation. Those questions should not be answered through speculation unless Sobeys or employee representatives provide more information.
Chalo FreshCo Expected in 2027
The Sobeys Ajax closure will take effect August 29, ending regular operations at the Kingston Road store while the property is prepared for its next grocery banner.
Ajax residents will continue to have access to the South Ajax Sobeys during the transition, along with the company’s Whitby and Oshawa locations. The Kingston Road property is expected to reopen as Chalo! FreshCo sometime in 2027, with the wine boutique returning inside the renovated store.
Until an exact opening date is announced, customers should watch for updates from Sobeys, FreshCo and the shopping plaza.
