Princess Auto Opens Landmark Winnipeg Flagship, Bringing a New Retail Experience to the City

WINNIPEG — A major piece of Winnipeg’s business story added a new chapter today as a first-of-its-kind Princess Auto’s 100,000-square-foot flagship location officially opened its doors on Panet Road, marking one of the largest investments in the company’s nearly century-long history.

The new destination is more than just a larger place to shop. It represents a shift in how the family-owned retailer sees its future, moving beyond traditional warehouse-style merchandising and toward a more interactive experience where customers can learn, test products, complete projects, and connect with others who share similar interests.

For many Manitobans, Princess Auto has long been associated with tools, equipment, surplus finds, and practical solutions for work and home projects. The new concept builds on that reputation while introducing features designed to create a stronger sense of community and hands-on engagement.

Company President and CEO Ken Larson described the Panet Road location as an opportunity to rethink what the retail experience can look like. While the concept was developed with Winnipeg customers in mind, he said many of the lessons learned here could eventually influence future locations across Canada.

One of the most talked-about additions is a dedicated workspace known as The Shop. The area allows customers to test equipment, showcase projects, learn new skills, and even use the facility as an auxiliary workspace. Rather than simply purchasing products and leaving, visitors are encouraged to gain experience and confidence through hands-on use.

The Panet location also features expanded product offerings in several categories, including recreation, hardware, electrical supplies, and plumbing. Another new service, After Hours Support, has been introduced to assist customers dealing with urgent repairs or time-sensitive projects outside regular shopping hours.

What makes the project particularly significant is its strong connection to the local community. The facility was designed by Winnipeg architects and constructed with the help of hundreds of local tradespeople and construction workers. From the planning stages through completion, the development relied heavily on local expertise, suppliers, and partnerships.

According to company officials, that community involvement was a key part of the vision from the beginning. The result is a project that not only creates jobs and economic activity but also serves as a showcase of what can be accomplished when local businesses, workers, and organizations collaborate on a common goal.

The opening comes at a time when retailers across North America are looking for new ways to attract customers who increasingly have the option to shop online. Rather than competing solely on price or convenience, many businesses are focusing on experiences that cannot be replicated through a website. The Panet Road concept embraces that trend by creating a destination where shopping is only one part of the visit.

The investment also reflects the continued growth of a Canadian success story that remains family-owned after three generations. The new location is the 14th store opened under current owners Matthew Tallman and Marc Tallman and becomes the 59th location in the national network.

Grand opening celebrations began today with a traditional chain-cutting ceremony, but the festivities are expected to continue throughout June. Planned events include motocross demonstrations, a community tailgate celebration in Transcona featuring an appearance by the Grey Cup, and ticketed performances by Gord Bamford and Crash Test Dummies. Proceeds from the concerts will support charitable initiatives through the company’s foundation.

For Winnipeg, the opening serves as a reminder that one of Canada’s most recognizable retail success stories continues to invest in the city where its roots run deepest. Nearly a century after the business was founded, the company is once again using Winnipeg as the place to test new ideas, push boundaries, and help shape what the next generation of retail could look like.

Whether the concept eventually expands across the country remains to be seen. What is clear today is that the Panet Road development is more than another store opening. It is a statement about where the company believes retail is headed and why Winnipeg remains central to that vision.ed from coast to coast.