Sweláps Market, the long-awaited Tk’emlúps grocery store in Kamloops, has officially opened to the public today, October 20.

The store – located at 302 Yellowhead Highway near the Shuswap Road intersection – will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We have the best customers and look forward to welcoming you to our new store,” a post from Sweláps Market said. “Please understand we are building on our services and products, including operating hours.”

There was a soft opening held Thursday afternoon for Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc band members and staff.

“Because we know how excited you are to shop at our new grocery store, you are invited to experience our store before anyone else in Kamloops,” a post from Tk’emlúps said. “You can shop before the crowds, meet the team, and will be helping us get ready for Opening Day by putting us through our paces.”

“We’ll still be getting ready for Opening Day, and that means that some of our services and products won’t be fine-tuned quite yet.”

There are plans for a grand opening to be held in mid-November, with those details expected to be released later.

In announcing the project back in June 2021, Tk’emlúps said the 22,000 sq. foot grocery store will bring fresh food and groceries closer to home while also creating jobs and maximizing local development.

In addition to a full grocery selection, they say the store will feature an in-house butcher, a bakery and deli, as well as ready-to-eat meals.

“This grocery store has been a priority for development identified by our membership. This project will further strengthen our economy,” Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir said in July 2021. “It will be a source of pride as leadership is fully implementing a community driven opportunity.”

“The grocery store will benefit not only our membership but all our friends who reside on the TteS as well as those who will travel here to support our Band owned grocery store.”

Construction on the $13-million Sweláps Market began in May 2022.

Tk’emlúps estimates that there could be as many as 50 full, part-time, and seasonal employees during the first year of operations, and as many as 100 by the fifth year.