Loblaw Companies Limited is ramping up capital investment in 2026, committing $2.4 billion to expand its store footprint, modernize existing locations and strengthen its supply chain infrastructure across Canada.
The retailer plans to open 70 new stores next year, including 34 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix pharmacies and care clinics, along with 31 hard-discount banners under No Frills and Maxi.
The expansion reflects Loblaw’s continued focus on value-oriented grocery and accessible healthcare services.
In addition to new builds, the company will renovate 191 existing stores and continue construction of its approximately 1.2 million-square-foot automated distribution centre in Caledon, Ontario.
Combined, the projects are expected to generate about 9,700 retail and construction jobs nationwide.
President and CEO Per Bank framed the investment as both a commercial and community-focused move, positioning it as a way to improve access to affordable groceries and healthcare while reinforcing Loblaw’s national retail network.
The 2026 spend marks the second phase of Loblaw’s five-year, $10 billion capital plan aimed at expanding its footprint through 2030.
Regionally, the investment will be distributed across the country:
- Eastern Canada: Four new stores and more than 600 jobs
- Quebec: 15 new stores and over 1,985 jobs
- Ontario: 27 new stores and roughly 3,775 jobs, including roles tied to two new automated distribution centres in Southern Ontario
- Western Canada: 24 new stores and more than 3,400 jobs
Loblaw operates about 2,500 stores under multiple banners, including Real Canadian Superstore, T&T Supermarket and Joe Fresh, alongside its grocery, pharmacy and private-label brands.
With discount formats and pharmacy-led growth at the center of the 2026 plan, Loblaw is doubling down on value retail and healthcare integration as competitive pressures persist in Canada’s grocery sector.
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