Canadian grocery retailer Loblaws is ramping up its expansion efforts with a $2.2 billion Canadian Dollars (CAD) investment this year, including the opening of 80 new locations across its various banners.
Around 50 of these will focus on the hard-discount model, following the retailer’s 2024 launch of three ‘no name’ stores in Ontario, aimed at offering deep savings to shoppers.
In addition to new store openings, Loblaws is set to upgrade more than 300 grocery and pharmacy locations, with plans to introduce about 100 Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy care clinics.
The company is also modernizing its logistics network, which includes launching a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution centre in East Gwillimbury, Ontario. Altogether, these initiatives are expected to create 8,000 jobs across Canada.
“At a time when Canadians need value the most, we’re continuing to invest meaningfully in the Canadian economy and in delivering value to our customers,” said Per Bank, CEO and president of Loblaw Companies.
“From opening one of the largest fully automated distribution centers in North America to introducing dozens of small-format hard-discount stores to communities that need them most, this investment will have a positive impact across the country.
“As a proudly Canadian-owned and -operated business, we’ll also work to showcase Canadian-made value and quality across our entire network. Whether it’s increasing orders for products made in Canada or further broadening our Small Supplier program, we’re committed to home-grown success.”
Loblaws intends to sustain this level of investment over the next five years, ultimately surpassing $10 billion by 2030.
This builds on more than $8 billion already allocated to store enhancements and supply chain improvements since 2020.
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