Loblaw to increase number of store openings in 2026, test new concepts
Loblaw Companies is increasing the number of new stores it plans to open this year to 75.
The food and pharmacy retailer previously said it would open 70 stores in 2026 as part of a $2.4 billion capital spending plan.
So far this year, Loblaw has opened 21 grocery stores and 17 Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Canada.
With $1.2 billion in capital expenditures remaining, the company plans to grow its network further with new grocery and drug stores.
Loblaw said it also plans to renovate 190 existing locations in 2026.
The company’s grocery expansion is primarily focused on its discount banners No Frills and Maxi.
Loblaw said it is also using new stores to test different concepts and operating models. The company pointed to its Komoka, Ont. store, which debuted No Frills’ refreshed design and expanded fresh and prepared-food offerings, as well as its small, rural format No Frills in Dutton, Ont., which features a curated 4,000-product assortment.
It’s also testing new concepts in pharmacy, including refreshed beauty and front-store experiences and a “food realignment.” Seventeen Shoppers Drug Mart locations have completed the food realignment to date, with 43 expected by year-end.
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Outside of Canada, Loblaw continues to expand its T&T Supermarket banner.
In June, the Asian supermarket chain opened its first California location in San Jose, generating the highest first-week sales of any store opening in Loblaw history. Two additional California locations are planned in 2026.
“Canadians are being thoughtful about every dollar they spend. We see that in how they shop our stores, the brands they choose, and how they use our loyalty and ecommerce solutions,” said Per Bank, president and CEO, Loblaw Companies Ltd., in a press release “We have a significant investment program underway, and we’re putting that capital behind the parts of our business that meets the needs of Canadians. That includes accelerating our network expansion efforts to reach more customers, faster.”
The expansion is part of Loblaw’s five-year plan to invest $10 billion in capital in Canada by 2030.
