William Dale
Published online October 21, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
SHAWVILLE – Shoppers may have noticed a new look on Shawville’s Main Street as the local grocery store formally transitioned from its long time Valu-Mart banner to Jaime’s Independent Grocer. The grand re-opening was held on October 9 with a BBQ for customers and a collection for the local food bank, Bouffe Pontiac. This milestone coincided almost exactly with store owner Jaime Montejo’s two-year anniversary of taking over the business from former owner Joanne Dumouchel.
While the banner change raised some questions for local shoppers during the summer months, when the transition began and the layout of the store started to change, Montejo says it is a natural evolution, that brings new benefits to the community without sacrificing the products and service residents rely on.
According to Montejo, the move to Independent Grocer under parent company Loblaws Companies Limited was in discussion since he first took over the business. “It has been the goal for Loblaws in general to turn every Valu-Mart into an Independent. It was just a matter of time before it happened,” he explained.
For shoppers, the transition doesn’t impact prices or existing loyalty benefits. Furthermore, favourite store brands—including President’s Choice and No Name — will remain fully stocked and the PC Optimum program remains unchanged, allowing shoppers to continue earning and redeeming points as usual. Where customers will notice a change is in expanded product variety.
Rebranding to Independent Grocer gives the store access to broader inventory programs within the Loblaws banner, offering a wider selection of items across departments.
Among the upgrades is new refrigeration shelving designed to expand the store’s “Mealtime Marketplace” offerings, featuring ready-made meals, fresh sandwiches, salads and other convenient, hassle-free options for busy shoppers. Shoppers will also notice an enlarged deli section with a larger selection of cheese and deli meats available. A larger selection of vegetables will also be noted.
“We’re working on making this a one-stop shop for customers, as best as possible,” concluded Montejo.
