Loblaw to spend on store expansion, renovations and supply chain upgrades

Loblaw Companies Limited said it will spend $2.4 billion in 2026 to expand and renovate its store network, enhance supply chain capabilities and create jobs across the country.

The grocery and pharmacy retailer said it plans to open 70 new stores, including 34 Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix pharmacies and care clinics and 31 hard discount No Frills and Maxi stores.

The company will also renovate 191 existing locations and continue construction of its roughly 1.2-million-square-foot automated distribution centre in Caledon, Ont.

Loblaw said the projects are expected to create about 9,700 retail and construction jobs nationwide.

The investment marks the second phase of the company’s five-year plan to spend $10 billion by 2030.

“Our success depends heavily on the strength of the communities we serve,” said Per Bank, president and CEO, Loblaw Companies Limited. “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. By helping Canadians live life well, our business gets stronger too.”

Regionally, the company said the expansion will include four new stores in Eastern Canada, 15 in Quebec, 27 in Ontario and 24 in Western Canada, with job creation spread across those regions.