Valued customers, community involvement and veteran staff help premier metal supplier to reach historic milestone
Metal Supermarkets, the world’s largest supplier of small-quantity metals, is celebrating 30 years of proudly operating in Calgary, Alberta, serving as the one-stop shop for local professionals, businesses, and hobbyists alike.
First opened in January 1994 by franchise owner Robert Fraser, Metal Supermarkets Calgary was among the brand’s first franchised locations in Canada. Robert recognized a unique opportunity to join the Metal Supermarkets network, applying his experience as a metallurgical engineer to establish a convenience store for businesses and consumers to purchase metal.
Metal Supermarkets Calgary has always been a family-run operation. Robert passed the store operations mantle to his daughter Catherine Fraser who continued the tradition of expert customer service matched with a wide variety small quantity metal products. In 2017, store management was taken on by sister Jean Anne Fraser.
“We’re honoured to be a fixture of the Calgary business community—it’s all thanks to our customers, our community and the staff,” said Jean Anne Fraser. “My father saw an opportunity 30 years ago to sell metal to machinists and tradespeople, but that quickly evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the growing city.”
Metal Supermarkets Calgary has been a vital business partner to the community, responding to the need for metal to rebuild after the flood of 2013, and supplying materials for health services and emergency providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Metal Supermarkets Calgary also shows community support each year for non-profit groups, technical institutions and universities, in addition to special events.
Recognition and dedication stems from customer-centric outlook
In 2017, Metal Supermarkets Calgary moved to a new location with an expanded physical space, more employees, and the ability to more readily access metal products to assist increased customer demand. In 2023, Metal Supermarkets Calgary renovated the store front for a more updated modern business appeal.
With a veteran team, Jean Anne has led the store to be recognized within the Metal Supermarkets network for outstanding customer sales. Additionally, Metal Supermarkets Calgary has been certified for COR®, the occupational safety and health accreditation program endorsed by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations.
“We’ve matured over the past three decades by offering professional support backed by well-rooted experience,” said Jean Anne. “In addition to providing great customer service as an established business, I’m proud and grateful for being the premier small-quantity metals supplier for Calgary’s businesses and customers for 30 years.”
Supporting Calgary in the Metal Supermarkets network for three decades
“From when the store was first opened by Robert, to the current success overseen by Jean Anne, the Fraser family has shown just how integral Metal Supermarkets can be to local businesses and consumers,” said Stephen Schober, President and CEO of Metal Supermarkets. “I’m thrilled to congratulate the Fraser family and their skilled store team for the success they have achieved in the Calgary market. We very much appreciate our long term relationship and look forward to celebrating many more milestones and successes with them.”
With a veteran staff matched with outstanding expertise, Metal Supermarkets continues to deliver its signature, world-class customer service as the trusted metals supplier for local manufacturers, machinists, maintenance and repair, artists, hobbyists, tool and die shops, and more in Calgary.
Learn more about franchising with Metal Supermarkets
