Princess Auto Near Me: Locations, History & Online Ordering

You know that feeling when you need a specific tool for a weekend project and the big-box store just doesn’t have it? That’s the gap Princess Auto has been filling for nearly a century.

Stores across Canada: over 50 locations ·
Founded: 1933 ·
Headquarters: Winnipeg, Manitoba ·
Ownership: private (Cattar Industries Ltd.) ·
Online ordering: yes, with in-store pickup or shipping

Five key facts paint a clear picture of where Princess Auto stands today.

Why do they call it Princess Auto?

The name comes straight out of 1930s Winnipeg. The original location sat on Princess Street — a simple address that stuck even as the business grew. Opened in 1933 as an auto wrecker, the company later shifted to selling surplus goods and tools. The “Princess” part refers to the street, not royalty, and “Auto” recalls its wrecking yard roots.

What you should know: the name is pure Winnipeg geography, not a brand strategy.

Who owns Princess Auto?

Princess Auto is privately owned by Cattar Industries Ltd., a holding company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. No public stock trades — the company remains in private hands, which lets it make long-term moves without quarterly earnings pressure. According to Princess Auto (official about page), the ownership structure has stayed consistent for decades.

The pattern: a family-run ethos inside a national chain. That mix explains both the stability and the occasional inventory oddity.

Is Princess Auto Canadian or American?

Princess Auto is proudly Canadian. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, it operates stores exclusively within Canada — no U.S. locations exist. The official store locator lists branches from British Columbia to Ontario, with no presence south of the border. A Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia) entry confirms its status as a wholly Canadian retailer.

The implication: when you search “Princess Auto near me,” you’re getting a homegrown option, not a branch of an American chain.

Is Princess Auto all over Canada?

Over 50 stores span nearly every province. Verified locations include Prince George, BC, Sarnia, ON, and Grande Prairie, AB. The chain covers British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and the Maritimes. What’s unclear: whether any stores exist in Quebec — the locator shows no pins there currently.

What this means: you’re covered from the Rockies to the Atlantic, but Quebecers may need to cross provincial lines for their surplus fix.

Can I order from Princess Auto online?

Yes — online orders are live via princessauto.com. You can choose in-store pickup or home shipping. Shipping is handled by Canada Post or a courier, with free shipping on orders over a certain threshold. Oversized items may carry extra fees; check the shipping policy page for details.

• In-store pickup: free, usually same-day for in-stock items.
• Home delivery: varies by location and item size.

The trade-off: online selection may differ from in-store stock because surplus inventory is hard to digitize perfectly.

How does Princess Auto ship?

Shipping is handled via Canada Post or a courier service. Free shipping applies to orders over a certain threshold, though oversized items may carry extra fees as noted on the shipping policy page. In-store pickup remains free and often same-day for in-stock items.

The catch: shipping times vary by location and method, with home delivery typically taking 3–10 business days.

Timeline: from Winnipeg wrecker to national chain

• 1933 — Princess Auto founded as an auto wrecker in Winnipeg.
• 1970s — Shift from wrecking to retail surplus sales.
• 2000s — Expansion across Canada with multiple store locations.
• 2020 — Launch of e-commerce platform for online orders (Princess Auto (official site)).
• August 12, 2025 — Second London, Ontario store announced (Princess Auto (company announcement)).

Quotes from the sources

“Princess Auto is a Canadian retail chain that sells tools, hardware, and surplus goods. The company was founded in 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as an auto wrecker.” You can find a Princess Auto store near you by checking Princess Auto in der Nähe.

— Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia)

“The store began as an auto wrecking business on Princess Street in Winnipeg. Today it has more than 50 stores across Canada.”

— Simple English Wikipedia (simplified reference)

“Find a Princess Auto store near you – browse locations, get directions, and check store hours.”

— Princess Auto (official store locator)

For Canadians hunting for a bargain tool or an obscure automotive part, the choice is clear: Princess Auto offers a quirky, homegrown alternative that’s worth a visit — but check the store locator for hours and stock before you go, or you might find a locked door and an empty shelf.