Canada news

In response to the strong demand for its online grocery service during the coronavirus pandemic, Walmart Canada is planning to triple its ecommerce capacity. Recruiting 10,000 associates The retailer shared details of its plan as part of an update from president and CEO, Haio Barbeito. Demand for its online grocery service continues to be high, with thousands of orders being fulfilled each ...

We detail the latest initiatives from Canada’s leading food retailers in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Loblaw The retailer is committed to keeping its stores open and is confident of having access to supply of essential products, even as Canada restricts its borders. It has also stated that it will not change its actions or prices to take advantage of the pandemic and has installed ...

We look at Dollarama’s Q4 results and the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on the early part of its first quarter. Full year sales up to CA$3.8 bn The retailer’s fourth quarter sales increased by 0.5% to CA$1.1 bn, with the quarter one week shorter than in 2019. Comparable store sales increased by 2.0%, or by 3.8% excluding the impact of a calendar shift. Operating income incre...

One of the key pivots that companies have had to make quickly in response to the Coronavirus pandemic is with their marketing messages. Several companies launched eye-catching campaigns to support social distancing measures in March, with many iconic brands re-working their logos as part of similar initiatives. The new reality Beyond this, we are starting to see companies adapt their commun...

Over the last few weeks we have seen retailers implement a range of social-distancing initiatives, including floor stickers, plexiglass guards and limiting the number of shoppers in store at any one time. We consider how retailers may start to think differently about the future store experience so that they can respond at pace to any future social-distancing requirements. 1. Changes to stor...

In this video series, we look at how the retail trading environment is starting to evolve in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and what these changes may mean. Key themes include: The normalising of demand Becoming a more manageable crisis A change in strategy in foodservice The relaxation of competition laws Subscribers click here to view the video For more on ...

We look at the present impact of the pandemic on regional economic performance. As the US has become the new epicenter of the infection, an economic downturn becomes more likely An increase in the numbers of unemployed has been recorded in Canada and the US Food production and retail are set to weather the storm, subject to uninterrupted supply and adequate social security benefits ...

With retailers expecting elevated demand levels to continue, although for most at slightly lower levels than recent weeks, we look at what changes are being made to support this and how they could shape food retailing in the future. 1. Range rationalisation: choice vs efficiency Most retailers are undertaking some form of range rationalisation, especially in high-demand categories. These in...

We review Couche-Tard’s third quarter performance and the range of growth initiatives which underpinned its strong set of results. Key numbers Total merchandise and service revenues up 2.6% to $4.3bn Same-store sales up 4.2% in Canada, 3.0% in the US and 2.1% in Europe Operating income up 4.0% to $868.5m Net earnings up 7.8% to $659.9m Optimising the Circle K brand This ...

We review Sobeys’ third quarter performance as it looks to complete its three-year turnaround plan, Project Sunrise. Key numbers Total sales up 2.4% to $6.4bn Same-store sales (ex-fuel) up 0.8% Operating income up $125m to $235.0m Adjusted net earnings up 69.7% to $123.7m Intensifying price competition Sobeys delivered another solid performance this quarter as it approac...