I love new grocery stores... especially big, shiny, well lit (I don't mean airport landing strip bright, but aesthetically pleasing and still functional) with big, bold signage and of course, well-stocked with oodles of fabulous foodstuffs. This Loblaws was all of that and more. It even had a cooking school (with an elevator to get to the upper level) and a floor-to-ceiling cheese wall! Some of the other amenities: pharmacy, coffee bar, sushi bar, floral, optical, PC Financial, Joe Fresh clothing, housewares, photo studio, Mobile Shop and free WiFi (though I didn't try it). Apparently there's a car wash, but not sure where that was hiding. So much I didn't get to explore because my sister-in-law and I were on a time constraint. It was Boxing Day (aka December 26th for the non-Canucks) and we had a brunch to prepare for. She hit the deli, fresh baked breads and splurged on some decadent desserts from the Patisserie, while I got some of the supplies I like to take back to NH with us. Loblaws is the grand matriarch of several other chains in Ontario/Canada (Loblaws, Fortino's, Zehr's, Great Canadian SuperStore, No Frills, and a few others). They all carry President's Choice (PC) products - a private line of basic and gourmet products. They were out of the Dimpflmeier dark pumpernickel bread my husband wanted. Shouldn't be surprised on the day after Christmas. But I got some yummy peameal bacon (brined pork loin, rolled in corn meal) - they even had an uncured version! I'll be coming back next time we are in Barrie! read more