Loblaw will invest in 80 news stores in 2025 as part of a $2.2-billion investment, the company announced Wednesday.

Canada’s largest grocery and pharmacy retailer said the move will create approximately 8,000 jobs nationwide. The move is part of a broader five-year plan in which Loblaw expects to contribute $10 billion to the economy by 2030.

“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 Per Bank, the company’s president and CEO.

“From opening one of the largest fully automated distribution centres in North America, to introducing dozens of small-format, hard-discount stores to communities that need them most, this investment will have a positive impact across the country.”

The company has invested about $8 billion since 2020 to expand its store network and modernize its supply chain.

Brampton, Ont.-based Loblaw’s 2025 investment plans include:

• The 80 new stores which will bear the under the No Frills, Maxi, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, and T&T banners, with approximately 50 of them being hard-discount stores;
• Renovations to more than 300 grocery and pharmacy locations, including approximately 100 new Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy care clinics; and
• Continued expansion of its supply chain, highlighted by the opening of a 1.2-million-square-foot distribution centre in East Gwillimbury, Ont..

“As a proudly Canadian owned and operated business, we’ll also work to showcase Canadian-made value and quality across our entire network,” added Bank. “Whether it’s increasing orders for products made in Canada or further broadening our small-supplier program, we’re committed to home-grown success.”

Loblaw employs more than 220,000 people and serves millions of customers through its 2,500 stores and e-commerce platforms. The company said its latest investment aims to improve access to affordable food and healthcare services while reinforcing its commitment to Canadian communities.

Photo: Loblaw/Wikipedia