Loblaw Plans to Open 70 New Stores and Spend $2.4 Billion in 2026
Loblaw Companies Limited is putting serious money into its retail network this year. Canada's largest food and pharmacy retailer announced it will spend $2.4 billion in 2026 to open new stores, renovate existing locations and strengthen its supply chain.
The company plans to open 70 new stores in 2026. That includes 34 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix pharmacies and care clinics, along with 31 hard-discount No Frills and Maxi grocery stores. On top of the new openings, Loblaw will renovate another 191 stores and continue construction on a roughly 1.2 million-square-foot automated distribution center in Caledon, Ontario.
Combined, the projects are expected to create around 9,700 retail and construction jobs across the country.
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"Our success depends heavily on the strength of the communities we serve," said Per Bank, president and CEO of Loblaw Companies Limited. "We see this as a significant investment in our network and capabilities as one of Canada's largest retailers, but it is also an investment in the people we serve and their ability to access great value and quality healthcare. By helping Canadians live life well, our business gets stronger too."
Every region of Canada will see activity in 2026. Eastern Canada is set to receive four new stores and over 600 jobs. Quebec will get 15 new stores and nearly 2,000 jobs. Ontario leads the list with 27 new stores and 3,775 jobs, which includes roles tied to two new automated distribution centers in the southern part of the province. Western Canada will see 24 new stores and more than 3,400 jobs.
This round of investment is the second installment in Loblaw's five-year, $10 billion plan to grow its footprint by 2030. The company currently operates around 2,500 stores under banners including Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, T&T and Joe Fresh.