Canada’s two largest grocery players are set to expand their discount-grocery options in Atlantic Canada, with both Empire Company and Loblaw announcing new store openings in the region.

Empire plans to introduce its discount banner FreshCo to Atlantic Canada for the first time, with three locations scheduled in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Stores are planned for Lower Sackville, N.S., on Cobequid Road and Bedford Place Mall in Bedford, N.S., both expected to open in late summer 2026, followed by a fall opening at Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth.

Loblaw, meanwhile, is expanding its existing discount footprint with new No Frills stores, including a confirmed location at Dartmouth Crossing in Dartmouth. The company previously stated that it would open four new stores across Atlantic Canada as part of a broader national expansion focused on value-oriented formats.

The moves mark a significant shift in the Maritimes, where discount-grocery options have historically been more limited than in Central Canada. Empire’s entry into the segment positions FreshCo as a direct competitor to No Frills, intensifying price competition in key urban markets, according to reports.

Both companies are targeting cost-conscious consumers amid ongoing affordability pressures, with Halifax emerging as an early battleground. Empire brings an established regional presence through its Sobeys network, while Loblaw is leveraging its experience operating discount banners nationwide.

Industry observers say the expansion of discount formats is expected to increase competition and could put downward pressure on grocery prices, while accelerating a broader shift toward lower-cost retail options in Atlantic Canada.

Photo: FreshCo