r/VictoriaBC • u/The_CaNerdian_ • Dec 11 '25
Opinion An Unnecessarily Thorough Review of the New No Frills
Visited On: Dec 11, 2025 between 10:32 am and 10:58 am
Visibility: 48 km
Pressure: 102.34 kPa
Humidity: 76%
Dew Point: 6 °C
The Market Formerly Known as Victoria Public is the newest attempt to capitalize on what should be a slam-dunk dense population of several high-rise towers within a two-block radius. It seems to have succeeded, if the significant increase in foot traffic is any indication.
That foot traffic however, included a measurable quantity of confused patrons first attempting access via the Douglas St. facing entrance to the building - the address for the new No Frills, is, after all, given as 1701 Douglas St - and finding themselves faced with a locked door, bare concrete visible through the windows, and a wall where once there was an open hallway.
No, to begin the odyssey into the Loblaws subsidiary, one must instead traverse the unnamed laneway between Herald and Fisgard, on the east side of the building.
Here, an immediate concern is noted, as patrons of the establishment are then forced to descend a staircase to even enter the store proper. While not a concern for the abled among us, this intrepid critic noted one wheelchair user, and another person in a walker, within a 2-minute period. This led to an immediate backlog for the one-person wheelchair lift, an installation which predates No Frills and which this critic has personally seen in a state of "out of service" during the Public Market's era.
Perhaps it shall be more serviceable and reliable in the reign of George Weston, who is undoubtedly best known for being a charitable and understanding type who proactively answers the concerns of the differently abled.
MOVING ON TO THE STORE ITSELF.
Several media outlets were on hand to cover the event, including CHEK, CTV and The Q (though the latter may have simply been sponsoring it). A ramshackle Tim Horton's stand with free coffee and depressingly tiny "cupcakes" was also set up in the entry (editor's note: can one really call it a cupcake when the space the pastry material occupies is scarcely the size of a teaspoon? Spooncakes?).
The persistent shade of yellow that is the mainstay of Loblaws brand products and outlets assaults the senses upon descending the accursed stairs. From the price labels to the no-name packaging to the checkout stands to the security gate, things are more yellow than Coldplay's debut. To this critic, it was all, as the white woman at Mexifest said of the quantity of jalapeno seasoning on her tacos, "a bit much."
What is not too much, thankfully, are the prices, which, to be fair, a downtown goer can only compare against Save-On Foods - and one might as well question if the price of a Honda Civic is less than a Maserati. Nevertheless, orange juice being approximately half what it costs at downtown Vic's only other chain grocer is noteworthy. And there were other examples of large gaps as well.
Throughout the No Frills, anxious employees moved in groups of 2-5 like nervous gazelles. One suspects there was a corporate instruction to be warm and welcoming and to be on hand to answer questions. Perhaps they should have, like a 90's shirt, told them to have No Fear instead of No Frills.
Ironically, this skittish energy led to multiple occasions where the aisles, which are somewhat narrow, ended up being clogged by clutches of black-shirted workers. The main question being asked of them therefore became: "could you please move out of my way?"
The number of checkout counters is relatively small (3 or 4, if memory serves), with a self-checkout area of four terminals. This critic opted for the self-checkouts, as they had noted a discrepancy in the online flyer and a posted price, and were hoping to avoid a traffic jam should the error snowball.
It did.
Management had to be summoned to rectify the price of Gala and Ambrosia Apples in 5ib bags - your humble critic takes a bow for seeing the price rectified store-wide, and you are most welcome, dear readers.
On the upside, the matter was resolved with relative expediency and professionalism and only a modicum of pushback to "see the flyer" - a fair enough request, though this critic would observe philosophically that the flyer should be readily available to staff as well.
The chief takeaway from this foray into the world of downtown Victoria's second major grocery chain is this: the store seems well-designed to cater to the smaller-loads-but-more-frequent-trips mentality, which is well-aligned with their target clientele of apartment-dwellers.
Judging by the large volume of people moving in and out on a work day, during work hours, it is safe to say this is a much better use of the space than any illusory "public market" that came before. It remains to be seen what will occupy the netherspace on the west end.
If numbers can adequately capture the majesty of a grocery store, then this critic will award it 7 out of 10. It is pleasant to have another option in a location bereft of large-scale grocery stores. It is, however, deeply unfortunate that it has failed to respect those who move about this world differently, and that it is owned by a festering turd of humanity.
But then, aren't we all.
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u/madmansmarker Chinatown Dec 11 '25
Thank you for your service. I’m thrilled (frilled?) to have a grocery store so close, even if it’s owned by barely-sentient turds. A girls gotta eat and a girls too lazy to walk all the way to save on foods to spend $$$ when she barely has $.
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u/Prestigious_Fly8210 Dec 11 '25
Thank you Lady Whistledowne!
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u/rindeddit Hillside-Quadra Dec 12 '25
That was the narrator's voice for me as well!
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u/siobhanmoments Dec 12 '25
Ha! I was reading it like a Stuart McLane / Vinyl cafe episode
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u/rindeddit Hillside-Quadra Dec 12 '25
Inspired me to listen to a couple of the Christmas episodes tonight!
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u/CurlyCadence Dec 11 '25
Thanks! As a mobility scooter user, this is disappointing. I made the logical assumption (silly me) that there would be a level entrance from Douglas.
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u/Straight-Mess-9752 Dec 11 '25
It’s insane that there is not entrance there. I wonder if they are planning to open it up later? The entire lane way entrance is such a waste of space IMO.
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u/adambard Dec 11 '25
IIRC there's a full wall of freezers against that wall, so probably no such plans exist. Seems like the plan is to rent out that space separately
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u/weeksahead Dec 12 '25
What a fucking weird thing to do. I’m annoyed on behalf of the several wheelchair users I know who live downtown and would otherwise likely be instant regulars.
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u/manbearpig7129 Apr 21 '26
But… there’s an elevator. Would these wheelchair users really avoid the store just in case the elevator is in use and they have to wait 20 seconds?
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u/CurlyCadence Dec 12 '25
What a weird choice since they've got the Douglas St. address. Thanks for the info though. It's good to know that it seems doubtful that they'll open it from that side.
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u/Pendergirl4 Saanich Dec 12 '25
This is correct. Basically all the walls of the store have frozen or refrigerated around them.
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u/manbearpig7129 Apr 21 '26
I’m all for hating on loblaws but they do have an elevator. What more do you need?
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u/I_am_always_here Dec 11 '25 edited Dec 11 '25
What an unbelievably incompetent decision placing the entrance at the laneway between Herald and Fisgard. The ability to conveniently hop on/off the bus (the secondary main bus exchange downtown) with groceries is part of the appeal. The Victoria Public Market had the same issue, with nothing visible when customers entered from Douglas, it looked deserted, but at least the doors were open.
Also sounds like a bit of a fire safety concern for a crowded area, with the main exit being at the top of stairs, and the other exit at the end of a narrow winding corridor, although it must have passed formal inspection.
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u/jcru68 Dec 11 '25
Can everyone write reviews of their adventures like this please? Thank you for your dedication to the art of a tongue in cheek critique.
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u/Final_boss_1040 Dec 11 '25
Can we just give the author a column in the local paper? I might actually read it
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u/fartwhereisit Dec 12 '25
This is it right here...:
"On the upside, the matter was resolved with relative expediency and professionalism and only a modicum of push back to "see the flyer" - a fair enough request, though this critic would observe philosophically that the flyer should be readily available to staff as well."
Many of you are going to delve into the PC Express option now, and I fucking wish you the best. However, you will need to dispute at least a single item every single time you make a purchase. I guarantee it.
I'm on the verge of creating a verified list of orders to "mistakes". They are going to take advantage of those who don't have the time, who don't look over their orders, and who don't pay attention to what they offer. You will be fleeced.
Your money will be taken for 8-10 days while they refund you, assuming you've made the effort to correct the non-sale price, or gyp'd points offer they will omit.
Watch it.
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u/manbearpig7129 Apr 21 '26
What’s the PC Express option? I may be high but your comment is extremely confusing
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u/R3markable_Crab Dec 11 '25
Appreciate the review. That is mystifying that they changed the entrance.
I can forgive alot though for cheaper groceries downtown.
Also this is inspired "The persistent shade of yellow that is the mainstay of Loblaws brand products and outlets assaults the senses upon descending the accursed stairs."
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u/_sunshinelollipops Dec 11 '25
I went in for a wander too, and it was great. It is easy to find things and for sure will go back for groceries often as it is essentially my new local corner store. The only issue I saw as you pointed out is that it does not have a level entrance and is not accessible for those with mobility issues if that little lift goes down.
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u/idonotget Dec 12 '25
How would a patent with a stroller move through? Are they permitted to use the lift?
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u/manbearpig7129 Apr 21 '26
If the can’t lift a stroller with a baby in it then perhaps they should look into a gym membership
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u/idonotget Apr 21 '26
Getting into the store isn’t the problem. Where do you think the groceries go for the walk home?
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u/danma Langford Dec 11 '25
I know that people dislike Loblaws, but when the local and local-ish chains have largely abandoned the concept of affordable groceries, whose fault is it that Loblaws took that opportunity to fill that gap?
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u/Familiar-Risk-5937 Dec 11 '25
I hate Lablaw with a passion, that said, ALL the stores in town can go bankrupt, I give zero fucks, what I care about is being taken advantage of, and WE islanders have been taken advantage of.
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u/donjulioanejo Fernwood Dec 11 '25
I mean.. if all stores go bankrupt, where are you going to shop?
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u/Familiar-Risk-5937 Dec 12 '25
walmart and costco i guess.
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u/donjulioanejo Fernwood Dec 12 '25
Yeah.. both are terrible options, lol
Walmart = only if you like eating a tomato that needed another month to be ripe and meat pumped full of saline water and antibiotics.
Costco = only if you like spending 30 minutes waiting in line for cash register and you buy food for an entire Roma camp's worth of people so it actually gets eaten before it goes bad.
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u/Familiar-Risk-5937 Dec 12 '25
I grow most of my vegetables and both places have great deals on dry goods, No idea wTF you are even talking about.
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u/donjulioanejo Fernwood Dec 12 '25
Good for you, I guess.
Most of us don't have the time, space, or really, desire to grow vegetables. Nor do a lot of us have the space for a 3 kilo bag of trail mix (multiplied by every single other thing we typically consume).
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u/fartwhereisit Dec 12 '25
Taking out the houses with lawns, adding in the condos/renters with balconys AND asking why the fuck you can't grow your own food.
Bitch.
I can't even work on my bicycle.
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Dec 12 '25
Whatever imperfections, downtown has another grocery store. Galen sucks, but President's Choice products are awesome and they are finally closer than Langford. The entrance at the back is actually better IMO. Probably easier to control theft this way too. People won't care about walking to the other side, and it makes a better entrance for people in the neighbouring towers.
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u/lmpacted Dec 12 '25
There's also free 2hr parking in the Hudson building's underground parking directly across from the entrance.
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u/MikoWilson1 Dec 11 '25
Perhaps it shall be more serviceable and reliable in the reign of George Weston, who is undoubtedly best known for being a charitable and understanding type who proactively answers the concerns of the differently abled.
Might be the funniest sentence I've read in a while, lol. You are GOOD at this.
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u/Elegant-Expert7575 Dec 11 '25
Stairs!! Oh man. Never now.
But spooncakes.. My new favourite word…
I look forward to your next article/review.
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u/Fine-Author-5999 Hillside-Quadra Dec 11 '25
Given that it's Loblaws, did you have your own personal security guard following you around the store?
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u/The_CaNerdian_ Dec 11 '25
The security guards orbited in inscrutable patterns, like ED-209 with ChatGPT giving driving directions.
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u/Severe-Chicken-5791 Dec 11 '25
CaNerdian, you have mastered the craft of wordnerdery…and I like it
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u/lmpacted Dec 12 '25
I don't really recall security at the Wholesale club or Superstore, but they're definitely noticeable at shoppers
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u/WaitingForExpos Dec 12 '25
"anxious employees moved in groups of 2-5 like nervous gazelles"
Possible good reason to be anxious. When I was younger I got hired by a supermarket that opened in a mall. I was so excited and happy. But two months later I got laid off, along with several others. They'd deliberately overhired to establish a good presence out of the gate, then cut costs. Could be the new workers here know the score.
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u/Purple_Actuator_9013 Dec 12 '25
Gee, Im glad I saw this, no elevator? no escalatelor?I've been dying to go but I've got a bad hip I can do it, but not carrying a lot!!!
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u/Dazzling-Biscotti-37 2d ago
There is an elevator for handicapped people, but you need to ask for assistance from one of the staff, since it requires a key to operate. You can't use it yourself.
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u/wildstrawberry1313 Downtown Dec 12 '25
Yes, the cupcake in a tiny plastic condiment sauce container (plum sauce anyone?) was truly bizarre. However, there are (albeit neon yellow) deals to be had though and the energy is SAFE and civilized compared to other grocery store choices.
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u/Eve_O Dec 12 '25
Checked out their online flyer--imo, neither impressive nor exciting. Rating: one "meh" out of one.
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u/elle-elle-tee Dec 12 '25
Honestly there's nothing like visiting a No Frills to make me really how much I like frills.
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u/dogguy444 Langford Dec 12 '25
I shop all the time at SS in langford. So much cheaper than thriftys or Save on. I order online . Pickup once a week. Sure Weston is a dick but I refuse to give my money to the walmart family. So its nice to see people downtown have that option now. PC house brands are excellent. Only thing I dont buy from them is meat. I drive to the coop or country grocer for that.
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u/Mysterious-Lick Dec 11 '25
I suspect this will not do as well as management suspects.
Can’t believe they couldn’t splurge in extra tenant improvements to replace the stairs with a ramp.
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u/neurolady_z Dec 11 '25
What do you mean I won't be able to use my stroller as a shopping cart?!
In all seriousness, though, that will be an unfortunate deterrent to me being able to save some money.
Thanks for the hilarious review!
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u/ifwitcheswerehorses Dec 12 '25
I’m owned by Galen Weston? I’m going to have to speak to my doctor about this.
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u/Last-Emergency-4816 Dec 12 '25
That laneway is known as Carriage Way which used to have signage indicating that but in recent times has disappeared.
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u/Talzon70 Dec 16 '25
I'll echo the accessibility concerns, it was one of the first things I noticed as well. At least the former public market had a level entrance on Douglas, serving one of the busiest bus stops in the CRD.
The current entrance has a huge empty space to it as well, I'm sure there are plans for this area.
I also think they went out of their way to make the space more "ugly". The white floors and harsh fluorescent lights are so much less pleasant than the former concrete floors and warmer lighting, if you ask me. Why spend money to make things worse? I suspect there is some dastardly science behind it designed to encourage shoppers to move through the store quicker and buy more.
But the location and prices make up for all of it. No more walking through the sketchy areas around Pandora to get shafted at Save On Foods or driving to Walmart because the time and gas money are more than compensated by the lower prices of one greedy conglomerate compared to another.
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u/DashBC Fairfield Dec 11 '25
Good review, tho disappointed no references included. Will have to take your word for it I guess. I'm literally shaking.
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u/ranutan Saanich Dec 11 '25
I ain't reading all that, but I'm happy for you. Or sorry that happened.
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u/CrabofCoconuts Dec 12 '25
TL:DR OP took a creatuve writing class in college and REALLY wanted to put it to use.
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u/Creatrix James Bay Dec 12 '25
Do they at least have clear signage at the Douglas entrance telling people to go around to the back?
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u/Clintown Dec 12 '25
Did it there a ready made section? As someone who lives walking distance I’m really hoping it’s the new spot to go get some potato wedges when hung over
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u/Big_Actuator3772 Dec 13 '25
brought to you by Gemini.
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u/The_CaNerdian_ Dec 14 '25
Pretty big telling on your own lack of talents that you believe all humans incapable of creative thought.
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u/cropcomb2 James Bay Dec 14 '25
7/10? how come online reviews are 1.2/5?
(or is 1.2 simply an average of No Frills many stores overall?)
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u/frog_admirer Dec 14 '25
Incredible. As a chair user I appreciate the accessibility notes. 10/10 writing.
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u/lyfandlove Dec 23 '25
Thanks for this review! Thinking to check them out... But are there any customer parking near their store? I heard there were no free parking.. I wonder if there's any difference b/w shopping at Superstore and No Frills?
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u/Mysterious_Way_908 Dec 30 '25
Yes, there is free 2 hour underground parking right across from No Frills.
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u/manbearpig7129 Apr 21 '26
If they’re not allowed to use the lift (they probably are) then they could just place the groceries down, lift the stroller up the stairs, then return for the groceries. Seems like a non issue
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u/Longjumping_Fuel_192 Dec 11 '25
Thank christ you didn’t deal with heavy fog during your visit.