The new stores will include 50 “hard discount” stores, a model Loblaw leaned into in 2024 by introducing smaller-format No Frills stores and even-fewer-frills No Name stores. Loblaw also plans to renovate more than 300 grocery and pharmacy locations and update its supply chain in 2025. The company hopes to invest $10 billion over the next five years. (The Logic)

Talking point: Loblaw and other major Canadian grocers have been focusing on their discount stores in recent years amid soaring food inflation, which has sent shoppers hunting for bargains. The grocery giant has faced consumer backlash over high food prices, with some accusing it of profiteering from inflation, which the company denies. Loblaw CEO Per Bank also highlighted the company’s push to focus on Canadian products amid tariff threats from the U.S. In a LinkedIn post last week, Bank said features making it easier for customers to find Canadian products have led to “closer to double-digit growth” in sales of those goods.