Loblaw is accelerating its store network expansion, earmarking $1.2 billion for stores, renovations and concepts through the remainder of 2026. The spending represents the undeployed half of the grocery and pharmacy giant’s $2.4-billion capital program for the year.

The Brampton-based retailer now expects to open 75 locations in 2026, up from its original target of 70. It has opened 38 so far, including 21 grocery stores and 17 Shoppers Drug Mart locations.

Growth will focus largely on No Frills and Maxi, Loblaw’s hard discount banners, as households look for lower-priced options. New formats include a redesigned No Frills in Komoka, Ont., with expanded fresh and prepared foods, and a smaller rural store in Dutton, Ont., carrying about 4,000 products.

The program also includes renovations at more than 190 existing locations and continued investment in the Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix networks. Loblaw expects 43 pharmacies to complete food merchandising changes by year-end.

The full-year investment is projected to generate about 9,700 retail and construction jobs. It forms part of Loblaw’s five-year plan to invest $10 billion in Canada by 2030. New stores are producing strong double-digit same-store sales growth as they mature, CEO Per Bank said.