Loblaw planning to open 30 new stores, upgrade 500 others
by The Canadian Press
The grocery and pharmacy chain's $1.3 billion initiative is expected to create thousands of construction and retail jobs
The project includes renovations and the introduction of fresh food at a number of Shoppers Drug Mart stores. Loblaw acquired the pharmacy chain in 2013.
BRAMPTON, Ont.—Loblaw said April 13 it plans to open 30 new stores and renovate more than 500 existing stores as it continues to adapt to changes in the food retail sector.
The grocery and pharmacy giant said the investment includes the continued roll out of its Click & Collect e-commerce, improved health and wellness services, and the inclusion of fresh food at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations.
Loblaw said the moves will invest about $1.3 billion into the economy and create an estimated 10,000 retail, trade and construction jobs.
Thursday’s announcement comes almost exactly a year after the company said it planned to build 50 new stores and renovate 150 others as part of a $1.3 billion revamp and expansion.
Loblaw made a similar announcement in 2015, when it said it would build 50 new stores and improve more than 100 others.
The company later said it would shutter 52 locations across Canada that had fallen short of expectations.
