On Friday, October 6, Your Grocery People (YGP) in Niverville celebrated their official grand opening with a community event that saw more than 2,000 people check out the store’s new state-of-the-art features—and enjoy free pork on a bun, a kids bouncy castle, door-crasher deals, draws for $5,000 in free groceries, Jets tickets, and more.
Previously called Niverville Bigway, YGP changed its name in spring 2023 and remained open during their renovations.
“Healthy communities need places for people to go shop, play, live and rest. Congratulations, this is a magnificent place,” said Ron Schuler, MLA for Springfield-Ritchot.
“A grocery store is one of those anchors within the community that is so deeply needed,” said Niverville mayor Myron Dyck, who had a previous career in grocery himself. “I got out of the business, but it has always been near and dear to my heart. Thank you to the community for supporting this.”
New Features
The store increased its square footage by 40 percent to create more room to serve Niverville’s growing population. Customers will notice the liquor section of the store is greatly expanded, creating the opportunity for YGP to bring in a wider selection of wine, beers, and spirits.
John Schmitke, owner of Niverville YGP, says that he’s proud to now offer local and craft beer that not even Manitoba LCC locations offer. He believes it’s a good thing that Niverville residents no longer have to drive out of the community to shop for alcohol.
“This way more of the dollars stay local and it meets what our customers say they want,” says Schmitke. “I’m excited about the selection. We have a unique complement of beers here now that enthusiasts will love.”
Another feature Schmitke is excited about is the store’s cutting-edge nebulization technology which mists the fresh fruits and vegetables.
“It’s the first of its kind in a Manitoba refrigeration case for produce,” says Schmitke. “We brought it in from Montreal because nebulization is more eco-friendly, leaves less of a carbon footprint, and is more cost-effective.”
Unlike traditional misting systems, nebulization expresses water molecules so small that they’re absorbed swiftly and naturally through the skin of the produce instead of over-producing moisture which is inefficient and leaves fresh fruits and veggies at risk of premature rot due to excess wetness.
“We’ve also brought in new technology from Europe—refrigeration units with self-contained compressors,” says Schmitke. “They do run on propane, but they are the most energy-efficient system you can currently get. We used to use 600 to 800 pounds of gas. The new refrigeration units, which we have installed in half of the store, require under 100.”
Shoppers may not be able to directly see all the upgrades, including the in-floor concrete slab heating system, but Schmitke says that these choices were absolutely necessary to ensure the store’s long-term commitment to serving the people of Niverville.
The investment in new technologies means the business has been able to cut energy consumption by nearly 60 percent.
“I just did a bill comparison and we are paying the same as last year, but we now have double the amount of refrigeration.”
History and Appreciation
The store has evolved over the years from its original location on the west side of town next to the grain elevator. Both that original building and the elevator are gone now, with the Bigway store relocating to the east side of town across from WM. Dyck & Sons.
“I was looking at pictures from 20 years ago and it’s crazy,” says Schmitke about the way his family’s business has changed. “Sometimes you forget how long the road was to get to where you are, and all the people, and all the things and all the events that you got to do and the things you can shape there.”
Schmitke thanks the critical investors in the expansion project, including the Niverville Credit Union and The Grocery People, the parent retailer for YGP. He also extends thanks to the fire department, his staff, the community at large, and his parents, Tom and Bonnie Schmitke, who started the business in Niverville more than 23 years ago.
“We’ve been a part of this business for over 20 years, for a long, long time anyway,” he says. “The community of Niverville has been really good to our family, and me specifically. So I can’t thank the community enough.”
Local shoppers certainly seem to appreciate the ability to access groceries without having to drive to Steinbach or Winnipeg.
“I shop here regularly,” says YGP customer Lydia Hofer. “Especially if there’s deals, like there are today. So I love it that I don’t need to go somewhere else because it’s right where I am. I love that it’s here. This is awesome.”
Hofer says that she doesn’t plan to personally take advantage the new expanded liquor section, but she appreciates it for her husband.
“My husband loves it. And it’s good to have everything available in one place.”
Jacelyn Boone of Niverville also says that she is a regular shopper and is extremely impressed with all the upgrades to the store.
Boone says that the way a grocery store is organized, including its lighting, aisle size, and product selection, are all important. She is more happy to shop in Niverville now than ever before.
“The way a store looks just helps with shopping, and they’ve done a really great job with their expansion,” Boone says. “For me to shop when things just look good and look organized and there’s lots of options, it’s more appealing.”
Before moving to Niverville, Boone lived in a town without a grocery store and says that even though a local store’s prices might not always beat a bigger chain in a bigger city, the value cannot be overstated.
“For our town to have this, we need it,” she says.
