As part of Loblaws’ plans to invest $2.2 billion (Canadian) this year, the supermarket retailer will open 80 new stores under a variety of banners, with approximately 50 of these stores being “hard discount” locations. The retailer had opened three “no name” stores in Ontario in 2024, promising consumers steep discounts.
Loblaws also will renovate more than 300 grocery and pharmacy locations, including adding approximately 100 new Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy care clinics, and plans to continue modernizing its supply chain, including the opening of a new 1.2 million-square-foot facility located in East Gwillimbury, Ontario. All told, Loblaws estimates that this year’s investments will lead to 8,000 new jobs across the country.
Loblaws anticipates similar investment levels over the next five years, leading to more than $10 billion to be invested by 2030, adding to the $8 billion+ Loblaws has already invested in its store network and supply chain since 2020.
“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, President and CEO of Loblaw Companies in a statement. “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.
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“As a proudly Canadian-owned and -operated business, we’ll also work to showcase Canadian-made value and quality across our entire network,” Bank added. “Whether it’s increasing orders for products made in Canada or further broadening our Small Supplier program, we’re committed to home-grown success.”
