New business coming to Portage

August 6, 2008
Portage Daily Graphic
Written by: Shane Gibson

Businesses at the Royal Plains shopping centre in the west end of Portage are about to get a new neighbour.

Canada’s largest merchandise leasing company, easyhome, has inked a deal with the shopping centres owner, Shindico Reality Inc. of Winnipeg that will see the tenant open a 360 square metre store at the shopping development within the year.

Robert Shindleman, the vice-president Shindico, said the new store, which offers leasing options for a number of household goods including furniture, appliances, electronics and computers, will be a perfect fit for the city of Portage and surrounding the area.

“They are very excited to be coming to Portage,” he said. “They provide some options, because not everybody wants to outright purchase furniture and other household commodities, so now they’ll have the ability to rent and rent to own as well.”

The news of easyhome's plans on settling in Portage made Coun. Jeff Bereza, chairman of the city's planning and economic development committee, a happy man.

"It's good news for the city whenever we have a new business coming to Portage," said Bereza. "It's nice to see when we have people like easyhome that are willing to invest in Portage, and can see the value of coming here.

"They must feel that they will do quite well here, or else there wouldn't be any rationale to come here."

Although easyhome did not return The Graphic's request for an interview, the company’s website confirmed the new store in Portage will open on Oct. 4.

Once easyhome sets up shop at the development, only one retail spot will remain available at the site.

Although Shindleman hinted his company is close to signing a deal that will bring another national retailer to the centre, he remained tight-lipped about what business it will be.

"We're very close to signing with them," he admitted. "But until everything is completed, I don't want to reveal the name yet."

When the final spot at the centre is filled, Shindleman said Shindico plans to build another multi-store retail location on the other side of Shindleman Way on a vacant land just east of the current site.