Loblaw to invest $2.2B in Canada, open major distribution hub

Loblaw Companies Ltd. says it will invest $2.2 billion in the Canadian economy in 2025, including the opening of a 1.2-million-square-foot facility in East Gwillimbury, Ont.

The company says the investment will help improve access to more affordable food and health-care services for Canadians while creating an estimated 8,000 jobs in communities across the country.

Loblaw says it anticipates similar levels of investment over the next five years—more than $10 billion by 2030—adding to the more than $8 billion it has invested since 2020 to expand its network of stores and modernize its supply chain.

“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,” said Loblaw president and CEO Per Bank. “From opening one of the largest fully automated distribution centres in North America to introducing dozens of small-format hard discount stores in 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 program, we’re committed to homegrown success.”

Loblaw’s planned 2025 investments include:

• 80 new stores under the No Frills, Maxi, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix and T&T banners, including about 50 hard discount stores;
• renovations at more than 300 grocery and pharmacy locations, including the addition of about 100 new Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy care clinics; and
• continued development of its modernized supply chain, including the initial opening of the 1.2-million-square-foot facility in East Gwillimbury.