Massive, new Canadian Tire in Kelowna finally having its official grand opening

It's been 7 months and 5 days coming.

We're talking about the time span from the not-so-quiet, so-called soft opening of the gargantuan, new Canadian Tire in Kelowna to the official grand opening Thursday.

That's right, the 209,000-square-foot Canadian Tire opened Oct. 2 at the former Costco location at the corner of Highway 97 and Highway 33.

Such a swath of time means you've probably shopped at the shiny new store several times, seen how vast it is, how much stuff it stocks and how diverse its offerings are.

However, Canadian Tire plans to lure you in again -- or for the first time -- with an 8-day grand opening celebration.

I was hoping to tell you here about all the official grand opening special prices running Thursday through next Thursday.

But, the sales are secret until 7 am Thursday, May 7 when the doors first open for the day.

I even went up to the store asking for a sneak peek, but was thwarted.

So, I can only tell you about some of the deals in the 'Spring Inspirations' flyer that been running since May 1 and will wrap up May 21.

There's a 4-piece cushioned patio set for $1,000, down from $1,300.

Save $150 on barbecues, $70 on lawnmowers, and $100 on kayaks.

Get a $750 Knox hybrid bike for $450.

And in keeping with its Canadian Tire name, save 30% on Motomaster Hydra Edge tires.

The new Canadian Tire has been part of a closely watched, much-anticipated retail shuffle in Kelowna over the last four years.

In February 2022, Costco moved out of its old, 135,000-square-foot store at the corner of Highways 97 and 33 to relocate 770 metres to a new 167,000-square-foot big box at 2125 Baron Rd.

That started fevered speculation about what would pop up at the big, empty former Costco site.

In early 2023, Canadian Tire revealed it wanted in, the old Costco was demolished, and a $25-million new Canadian Tire was built.

The 209,000-square-foot complex includes a 107,000-square-foot retail store, 75,000-square-foot warehouse, 14,000-square-foot auto service centre and a seasonal outdoor garden centre.

Canadian Tire's former location, two blocks away at Highway 97 and Leckie Road was 83,000-square-feet.

All this talk about square footage begs the question: How big is big?

Well, at 209,000 square feet, the Canadian Tire covers 5 acres (each 43,560 square feet), is the size of almost 4 football fields (each 57,600 square feet), and is nearly the size of three soccer pitches (each 81,000 square feet).

It's the kind of size you can only imagine until you experience it in person.

Therefore, stepping into the new Canadian Tire is awe-inspiring -- a space that feels airy and wide-open because of the high ceilings, ample space between the top of the shelves and the ceiling and abundant unconstricted display space for merchandise such as patio furniture, barbecues, lawnmowers, bicycles and kayaks.

There's also an amazing 110 aisles of merchandise.