Harnois Énergies' Proxi mobile c-store test runs a success: Key takeaways from the pilot

With a 45-minute walk to the nearest retail site, CFB Borden was the perfect testing ground for Harnois’ rolling retail concept. This pilot marks potential opportunities for other mobile convenience stores.

Naomi Szeben

6/25/2026

Image courtesy of Harnois Énergies

Through Harnois Énergies' partnership with CANEX, they brought a Proxi mobile convenience store to Canadian Forces Base Borden in Ontario for a two-week presence.

As a retailer dedicated to serving Canada’s military community, CANEX has been a valued business partner of Harnois Énergies for several years. This collaboration spans four locations across multiple provinces, and may be a preview of the future of mobile convenience stores in Canada. To date, mobile convenience stores have appeared on construction sites and seasonal events: This could present opportunities for out-of-the way or temporary locations.

Knowing that this installation was a two-week period test, CSNC reached out to the communications team at Harnois Énergies to ask about the pilot. At this time, the company will not divulge who their partners were in creating and building the mobile convenience stores.

CSNC: What are the results from Harnois Énergies' mobile convenience test run?

HÉ: The testing phase has now been successfully completed. We are very pleased with the overall experience and the results achieved throughout the process. We received a warm welcome on-site, and the team was extremely professional, helpful, and attentive to our needs. The installation was also highly appreciated by the military personnel on the base, especially considering that the nearest convenience store is a 45-minute walk away.

CSNC: What inspired the mobile convenience store test?

HÉ: The mobile convenience store has served multiple purposes within our organization since its inception. Originally developed as a rolling convenience store concept, it was designed to bring essential products and services directly to people and communities, while providing a flexible and innovative solution to meet various operational needs.

Over time, the unit has evolved into a versatile asset that supports innovative initiatives and enables us to respond quickly to new opportunities. Testing new concepts with the mobile store is a natural extension of that approach, as we continue to explore creative ways to maximize its potential and better serve customers and communities.

CSNC: Were there any other mobile convenience store locations tested?

HÉ: Yes. Since launching our mobile convenience store several years ago, we have deployed it in a variety of locations across Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.

As the units have supported festivals, major outdoor events, community gatherings, and renovation projects at our own locations, this allows us to maintain service where permanent facilities are temporarily unavailable. These deployments have helped us better understand how the mobile concept can meet different operational and community needs while providing valuable experience to refine the service over time.

Each deployment has been a success, demonstrating the effectiveness, flexibility, and reliability of the mobile convenience store concept. The positive feedback received from customers, employees, and partners has reinforced the value that these units bring to our organization and the communities we serve.

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CSNC: If the testing goes well, how many more will be launched?

HÉ: At this stage, it is too early to determine whether additional mobile convenience stores will be launched. Currently, we operate two mobile convenience stores that travel throughout Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces. These units are designed to provide a flexible and accessible retail solution wherever it is needed.

During the summer season, they are primarily deployed at festivals and major outdoor events, where they offer convenient access to a variety of products and services. They also play an important role in supporting our own locations during renovation projects, ensuring that employees and customers continue to have access to essential products and services while permanent facilities are being upgraded or temporarily unavailable.

In addition, as demonstrated through our collaboration with CANEX, these mobile convenience stores are well-suited for special projects and unique operational requirements. Their versatility enables us to adapt quickly to different environments and opportunities.

CSNC: Where will Harnois Énergies launch mobile convenience stores in the future?

HÉ: Our two existing mobile convenience stores will continue to be deployed across Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, based on operational needs and special events. At this time, we have no plans to expand the fleet with an additional unit.

CSNC: Who designed and supplied the mobile convenience units?

HÉ: The mobile convenience store was designed through a collaborative effort led by an internal multidisciplinary team, including professionals from graphic design, marketing, retail operations, real estate management, and IT.

The unit was built in collaboration with specialized external partners who supported its development and manufacturing, helping us create a mobile retail solution tailored to our operational needs.

The success of the project was made possible through strong collaboration, innovative thinking, and the collective commitment of everyone involved. By combining knowledge from multiple disciplines, we were able to design and implement a mobile retail solution that is both functional and adaptable.

CSNC: Aside from an army base, what are some other locations where a mobile convenience store would be most welcome?

HÉ: Our mobile convenience stores are extremely popular at festivals and outdoor events, where they provide convenient access to products and services for attendees in high-traffic environments. Their mobility and flexibility make them an ideal solution for seasonal events and special gatherings.

They have also proven to be highly valuable during renovation projects at our own locations. By deploying the mobile convenience store on-site, we are able to maintain service continuity and continue meeting the needs of our customers and employees while permanent facilities are being upgraded.

Whether supporting festivals, outdoor events, or renovation projects, the mobile convenience stores have consistently demonstrated their effectiveness and have been very well received by both customers and stakeholders.