Shoppers in Alberta will soon see the end of a short-lived grocery venture as L’OCA Quality Market closing Edmonton and Sherwood Park locations becomes official. The specialty grocery retailer confirmed that both of its Alberta stores will shut down in mid-March, bringing a brief chapter of premium food retail in the region to a close.
The announcement surfaced online Friday afternoon and was later confirmed by an employee speaking with Dished. According to the store representative, both locations will stop operating on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The decision comes less than two years after the brand introduced its first store to local customers.
A Short Journey for a Premium Grocery Concept
L’OCA Quality Market first entered the Alberta retail scene with a large-format store in Sherwood Park. The location at 340 Baseline Road opened to the public on May 10, 2024, occupying a 45,000-square-foot space designed to deliver a premium grocery experience.
The market positioned itself as more than a traditional grocery store. Customers could browse handmade pasta, artisan pizzas, fresh baked goods, specialty meats, and curated cheeses alongside everyday grocery items. The store also featured several in-house services, including a butcher counter, bakery, café, and even a flower shop, creating a marketplace-style shopping environment.
This concept aimed to combine high-quality ingredients with specialty food experiences under one roof. The store quickly attracted attention for its upscale layout and emphasis on freshly prepared products.
Expansion into Edmonton
Following the Sherwood Park launch, the company expanded its presence by opening a second location in Edmonton. The new store at 9106 142nd Street welcomed customers in early 2025.
With two locations operating within the region, the brand hoped to build momentum among shoppers looking for specialty groceries and freshly prepared foods. The Edmonton store mirrored the same concept as the Sherwood Park market, offering a mix of gourmet grocery selections and in-house culinary services.
However, despite the ambitious concept and relatively recent expansion, the company’s time in the Alberta market appears to be ending sooner than expected.
Why the Stores Are Closing
When contacted about the closures, a store employee explained that the decision ultimately came down to financial sustainability. According to the staff member, operating the markets had become increasingly difficult, and the business model was no longer viable.
“It’s just not a feasible business anymore,” the employee said, referring to the reason behind the upcoming shutdown of both locations.
While the company has not released a detailed public statement outlining the specific factors behind the decision, the comment suggests operational challenges played a major role.
Final Days for Customers
With the closing date approaching, shoppers still have a brief window to visit the stores before they shut down permanently. Both the Edmonton and Sherwood Park locations are expected to continue operating until March 12, 2026.
The closure will mark the end of L’OCA Quality Market’s presence in the region after less than two years in operation. For many customers who appreciated the store’s specialty foods and fresh offerings, the news signals the disappearance of a unique grocery destination.
As the final days approach, regular shoppers and curious visitors alike may stop by one last time before the doors officially close.
