Loblaw Companies plans to invest $2.2 billion in 2025 which will include the opening of 80 new stores, 50 of which will be under the hard discount banner. According to Grocery Business, the company says it’s planning similar investments over the next five years totalling more than $10 billion by 2030.
“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,” says Per Bank, president and CEO, Loblaw Companies Limited. “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.”
The 80 new stores will be under the No Frills, Maxi, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharamprix, and T&T banners, including 50 hard discount stores. It plans to renovate more than 300 grocery and pharmacy locations and add 100 new Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy care clinics.
Loblaw says it will continue to invest in its supply chain modernization plans which include the opening of its 1.2 million sq ft facility in East Gwillimbury, Ont., which is expected to employ approximately 1,000 people. The new distribution centre is the first new DC in the Greater Toronto Area since it opened a new one in the area 15 years ago.
Bank says Loblaw plans to strengthen its focus on Canadian-made products. “As a proudly Canadian-owned and operated business, we’ll also work to showcase Canadian-made value and quality across our entire network,” added Bank. “Whether it’s increasing orders for products made in Canada or further broadening our Small Supplier program, we’re committed to home-grown success.”
