Locations
Canada’s largest retailer, Loblaw Companies Ltd., (L-T) says it plans to invest $2.4 billion this year in its retail and distribution network, with plans to build 70 stores across the country.
The Toronto-based firm, which is focused mainly on the grocery, pharmacy and wellness, and financial sectors, claims this will create “well over 9,000 jobs” in a release issued Monday morning.
The 2026 commitment is part of its five-year plan to invest $10 billion across its network and supply chain by 2030. The firm had committed to investing $2.2 billion in 2025.
“Our success depends heavily on the strength of the communities we serve,” Loblaw president and CEO Per Bank said in the release. “We see this as a significant investment in our network and capabilities as one of Canada’s largest retailers, but it is also an investment in the people we serve and their ability to access great value and quality healthcare.”
Where the investments are being made
The company provided few details about the planned investment, but noted it is expanding essentially from coast-to-coast:
- Eastern Canada – four stores and more than 600 jobs;
- Quebec – 15 stores and more than 1,985 jobs;
- Ontario – 27 stores and 3,775 jobs, including roles associated with the company’s two new automated distribution centres in southern Ontario; and,
- Western Canada – 24 stores and more than 3,400 jobs.
The Loblaw release states the totals include 34 Shoppers Drug Mart / Pharmaprix pharmacies and care clinics, and 31 “hard discount” No Frills and Maxi stores. The plan also includes the renovation of an additional 191 stores, and the continued construction of a roughly-1.2-million-square-foot automated distribution centre in Caledon, Ont., just north of Toronto.
The company, which is to report its Q4 and year-end 2025 financial results on Wednesday, does not provide any details about how many of the stores – particularly in the grocery segment – are conversions from other banners such as Loblaw or Your Independent Grocer.
Loblaw has been repositioning a number of its existing grocery stores to the discount banners in recent years as it follows an industry trend to provide lower-cost grocery options to consumers.
RENX has requested additional information about the breakdown of the investments from Loblaw. We will update this story when and if new details become available.
Loblaw's Canadian network
Loblaw has a network of 2,500 stores across Canada under a variety of banners, and employs approximately 220,000 people across the country. The firm states it is Canada’s largest private-sector employer.
The Loblaw retail network provides food, pharmacy, beauty, apparel and financial services to consumers through brands which include: President’s Choice, No Name, Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, T&T, Joe Fresh, PC Express and PC Financial.
The Company’s loyalty program, PC Optimum, has more than 16 million active members.
Industry Events
Locations
