Loblaw to invest C$2.4bn in Canada retail expansion in 2026

Canadian food and pharmacy retailer Loblaw Companies plans to invest C$2.4bn ($1.75bn) across Canada in 2026.

The capex will be used to expand and refurbish store network, increase supply chain capacity and support job creation nationwide.

The programme includes 70 new outlets covering Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix pharmacies and care clinics, as well as No Frills and Maxi discount stores.

It also includes upgrades at 191 existing locations.

In addition, it covers ongoing construction of an automated distribution centre of about 1.2 million square feet in Caledon, Ontario.

The projects are expected to create roughly 9,700 roles spanning retail and construction.

Regionally, the investment will add four stores and more than 600 jobs in Eastern Canada, plus 15 stores and over 1,985 jobs in Quebec.

It will also add 27 stores and 3,775 jobs in Ontario, including roles tied to two new automated distribution centres in southern Ontario.

In Western Canada, it will add 24 stores and more than 3,400 jobs.

Loblaw Companies Limited president and CEO Per Bank said: “Our success depends heavily on the strength of the communities we serve.

“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.”

The company said the expansion aims to improve access to value retail and healthcare services for Canadians facing affordability and healthcare access pressures.

The 2026 spending marks the second phase of Loblaw’s plan to invest C$10bn in Canadian communities by 2030.

In February last year, Loblaw outlined intentions to commit more than C$10bn to upgrading its store estate and modernising supply chain operations by the end of the decade.

The investment programme is projected to generate 8,000 jobs nationwide and builds on more than C$8bn already invested since 2020.

For 2025, Loblaw intends to allocate C$2.2bn to initiatives aimed at improving the affordability and accessibility of food and healthcare services across Canada.

“Loblaw to invest C$2.4bn in Canada retail expansion in 2026” was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.

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