Canadian food and pharmacy retailer Loblaw plans to invest more than C$10bn ($7bn) to enhance the company’s store network and modernise its supply chain operations by 2030.
The financial commitment is expected to generate 8,000 new jobs nationwide and builds on the more than C$8bn already invested since 2020.
Go deeper with GlobalData
In 2025, Loblaw plans to inject C$2.2bn, with the aim of enhancing the affordability and accessibility of food and healthcare services for Canadians.
The investment plan for 2025 includes the launch of 80 new stores under banners such as No Frills, Maxi, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix and T&T. 50 of these will be hard discount stores.
Loblaw also intends to renovate more than 300 existing grocery and pharmacy locations and introduce 100 new Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy care clinics.
A key component of the expansion is the continued development of Loblaw’s supply chain infrastructure. This includes the inaugural opening of an advanced 1.2 million square foot facility in East Gwillimbury, Ontario.
Loblaw Companies president and CEO Per Bank stated: “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.
“From opening one of the largest fully automated distribution centres 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 programme, we’re committed to home-grown success.”
In August 2024, Loblaw Companies unveiled plans to pilot a new no-name store concept in three markets in Ontario.
