Longo's opens first cashless store concept at Bloor-Yonge (PHOTOS)

Longo’s has opened a new grocery store concept in the centre of the city, and from skip-the-line service to running totally cashless, the spot is forward-thinking.

Pronto Eats is now open inside the Hudson’s Bay Centre at Yonge and Bloor.

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The small-scale, convenience-based grocery model is slated to cater towards the busy working and commuting crowd that travels through the area on a regular basis. The store offers 1,000 sq. ft of space filled with on-the-go healthy snacks and treats.

And on top of the self-directed shopping experience, you can also indulge in a coffee from the Longo’s Cafe to start your day, or for an afternoon pick-me-up.

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A pilot version of the store was tested at Longo’s Maple Leaf Square location earlier this summer, and was met with an “overwhelmingly positive” response, according to spokesperson Rosanne Longo.

“Our pilot test was designed to evaluate approachability and the depth of demand for this style of convenience,” said Longo in a release.

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The space is set to offer Grocery Gateway same-day pick-up, and will offer “skip the line” service through the Ritual food app.

The shop is also the grocery giant’s first cashless location.

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“While the size of the store is a smaller scale than what our guests are used to, the fundamentals of the business remain unchanged. No matter the concept, location, or size of the store, we are committed to carrying only the highest quality of food and merchandise, matched with excellent guest service,” said Longo.

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Open from 6:30 am, Pronto Eats doesn’t offer single-use plastic bags. Instead, it offers multiple reusable options, and partakes in the Longo’s “Take it Back Program,” where guests can return plastic and produce bags and have them recycled by Longo’s.

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Pronto Eats

Address: Hudson’s Bay Centre – 2 Bloor Street East