Canadian Grocer's top 10 stories in March 2018
March was an eventful month. From loyalty program account hacks to store openings and executive appointments, these are the topics our readers delved into at CanadianGrocer.com.
According to our analytics, these are the 10-most read stories...
PC Optimum members say accounts hacked, points stolen
Missing points, security concerns and slow response times are some of the consumer complaints Loblaw has faced since merging its PC Points and Optimum loyalty programs earlier this year. The latest news, as first reported by CBC, involves eight customers each reporting more than 100,000 points have gone missing from their accounts. Read the full story here.
Farm Boy continues aggressive expansion with Etobicoke opening
Farm Boy made its debut in the Greater Toronto Area with the opening of a 20,000-sq.-ft. store in the city's west end.
Read the full story here.
Sobeys’ parent not shying away from ‘tough decisions’
Though Empire Company Limited reported improvements in its third quarter, CEO Michael Medline said the Stellarton, N.S.-based company still had a ways to go. Medline is expecting a tough year ahead and is prepared to make tough decisions in order to win.
Read the full story here.
2017 a less-than-stellar year for Canadian grocery retailers
Canadian Grocer’s annual Market Survey takes a look at the highs and lows of the past year’s grocery sales.
Read the full story here.
PC Optimum program coming to Esso gas stations
Esso ended a 14-year partnership with Aimia Inc.-operated Aeroplan miles and replaced it with Loblaw's newly-formed loyalty points program, PC Optimum.
Read the full story here.
Privacy Commissioner launches probe into Loblaw gift card policy
A formal complaint and numerous inquiries sparked an investigation by The Privacy Commissioner of Canada into Loblaw's authentication practices related to the issuing of bread price-fixing gift cards.
Read the full story here.
Walmart Canada appoints VP of marketing
Former Tim Hortons executive Tammy Sadinsky joined Walmart Canada to oversee all of its advertising and to ensure brand consistency across multiple platforms.
Read the full story here.
Liquor sales in grocery stores a ‘deadly disaster in the making’: OPSEU
OPSEU president Warren Thomas feels Ontario grocers aren't responsible enough to sell hard liquor, and pointed to the recent bread price-fixing scandal as evidence that major chains put profit over people.
Read the full story here.
Grocery panel chats in-store dining and HMR at RC Show 2018
Farm Boy, Longo’s and 7-Eleven discussed the customers they’re feeding and the challenges they’re facing during a panel discussion at Restaurants Canada’s annual trade show and conference in Toronto.
Read the full story here.
How Amazon helped give Bai a boost
Struggling with low awareness levels and sales, antioxidant beverage brand Bai (pronounced bye) invested heavily in online marketing with Amazon to target the right customer at the right time. Here's how they did it:
Read the full story here.