On April 13, 2026, the small community of Saint-Ambroise in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean was shaken by an unexpected incident at the local grocery store, Intermarché. Shortly after the store opened its doors for the day, a part of its roof collapsed, creating a scene of chaos and concern. Witnesses reported hearing a cracking sound just before the collapse, which fortunately resulted in no injuries.
The owners of Intermarché are currently assessing the damage and are hopeful for a partial reopening within one to two weeks. Samuel Pilote, whose brother Alex was present during the incident, shared, “Dimanche matin, mon frère Alex était sur les lieux,” highlighting the immediate impact on the community. Local resident Pier-Luc Gilbert noted the swift response from the community, stating, “La communauté s’est tout de suite ralliée pour supporter les propriétaires,” emphasizing the solidarity among residents during this challenging time.
Meanwhile, another grocery store, Liquidation Marie, is making headlines for its ambitious expansion plans. Founded in 2012 in Saint-Zotique, the store has seen significant growth, increasing its number of locations from five in May 2025 to more than double that by early 2026. Liquidation Marie is positioning itself as a low-cost grocery option, claiming to offer savings of up to 80% on food purchases, which has resonated well with budget-conscious consumers.
In a move to further enhance its services, Liquidation Marie is set to launch a delivery service for its grocery products. However, details regarding the exact launch date remain unconfirmed, and there is uncertainty about whether the store will partner with a third-party delivery service. Sylvain Charlebois, a food industry expert, expressed skepticism about the potential costs, stating, “Je serais surpris que Liquidation Marie absorbe les coûts de transport,” indicating the challenges that may lie ahead for the store as it navigates this new venture.
The juxtaposition of these two grocery stores highlights the dynamic nature of the retail landscape in the region. While Liquidation Marie is expanding and innovating, Intermarché faces immediate challenges due to the roof collapse. The incident has raised concerns about safety and infrastructure in local businesses, prompting discussions about the need for regular maintenance and inspections.
As the community rallies to support Intermarché, the future of the store remains uncertain. The owners are working diligently to assess the situation and determine the best course of action for reopening. Meanwhile, Liquidation Marie’s expansion and delivery service launch could reshape the grocery shopping experience for residents in the area, providing them with more options and potentially lower prices.
In conclusion, the events of April 13 have underscored the resilience of the Saint-Ambroise community while also highlighting the competitive nature of the grocery market in the region. As both stores navigate their respective challenges and opportunities, the outcome will significantly impact local consumers and the overall grocery landscape in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the cause of the roof collapse and the specifics of Liquidation Marie’s delivery service, leaving residents and stakeholders eager for updates.
