Canada Computers & Electronics Expands into Halifax with 1st Store

Halifax store. Photo: Canada Computers & Electronics

By Mario Toneguzzi

Canada Computers & Electronics has launched its expansion plans in Atlantic Canada with the opening of its first store in the market area in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

And the company has its eye on future expansion in the area which it feels has been anxiously waiting for a retailer like itself in the computer and electronics field.

“Haingjin Moon (Marketing Manager) and I had the opportunity to get interviewed by a local newspaper there a few months ago when we first announced on our website that we were coming to the Halifax market and overwhelmingly the customer feedback was that they were waiting for a national brand for computer components to come to the market because unfortunately they didn’t have anybody as big as us out there,” said Arun Sharma, Director of Retail Operations.

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Inside the new Halifax store. Photo: Canada Computers & Electronics

“They had some mom and pop retailers but nothing like we can offer in terms of diverse selection and value. The other evidence is we had an overwhelming response from folks wanting to work at our Halifax store. It had the most folks send in applications for any other store that we’ve opened in the past few years. They’re excited for what we’re able to do.

“On the first day when we soft opened, our first customer sale was over $3,000 without any advertising or any sort of fanfare. So the excitement is definitely there.”

The store, located at Unit 36 - 201 Chain Lake Dr., is holding its grand opening on Friday - Black Friday - with door crashing sales at 8 a.m. in a festive environment that will include prizes, snacks and refreshments as well as a lucky draw.

Canada Computers was founded in 1991 as a retailer of personal computers, IT, and components, as well as consumer electronics.

Inside the new Halifax store. Photo: Canada Computers & Electronics

Inside the new Halifax store. Photo: Canada Computers & Electronics

The first Canada Computers location was in Kingston, Ontario.

The retailer does custom built PCs and has its own pre-built house brand computer system and in-house brand iCAN (brand features: office furniture, cables, keyboards, mouse pads, household appliances, etc.)

Today, the company has 37 locations - five in British Columbia, one in Nova Scotia, five in Quebec, and 26 in Ontario.

Next year, stores in Cambridge and Oakville, Ontario, are confirmed to opening.

Inside the new Halifax store. Photo: Canada Computers & Electronics

Inside the new Halifax store. Photo: Canada Computers & Electronics

“The population (in Halifax) is used to obviously Best Buy and Staples. However, at Canada Computers we have services such as building your custom PC. Whatever customer that comes in and has a need to build a unique PC, we’re able to execute and build it for them,” said Moon. “As you know nowadays esports are very, very popular. So the university students are very excited that we are in that space.”

The Halifax store is between 11,000 to 12,000 square feet.

Sharma said the company is excited about the potential of the market in Atlantic Canada.

“With the early success of the Halifax, we have thought very, very high level what it would be to continue to expand not only in the province of Nova Scotia but definitely taking a look at New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and PEI. All of the Atlantic would be part of that future long-term growth plan, especially given the early success of Halifax,” he said.

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Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary has 37 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, city and breaking news, and business. For 12 years as a business writer, his main beats were commercial and residential real estate, retail, small business and general economic news. He nows works on his own as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Email: mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com

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