Canada news

Vancouver-based Pattison Good Group, which operates several grocery chains in Western Canada, including Save-On-Foods, Choices Market and Buy-Low Foods, has launched a new premium-casual restaurant concept, the Wildlight Kitchen + Bar. Targeting existing white space The development of the restaurant concept was led by Justin McGregor, general manager restaurant division at Save-On-Foods, an...

Metro’s first quarter results revealed a continuing shift of shoppers into its discount formats. We look at how the retailer is responding to the flight to value. Q1 key numbers Sales increased 8.2% to $4,671m Food same-store sales up 7.5% Pharmacy same-store sales up 7.7% Net earnings up 11.3% to $231.1m Accelerating discount expansion Sales growth was driven by Metro’s...

Circle K is testing a new loyalty programme in Western Canada. VIP Premium Pass provides subscribers with access to excusive promotions. Sign-up required to access promotional details Customers can join the program by visiting a dedicated website or scanning a QR code in-store. The sign-up process is simple, only requiring a phone number and a confirmation text. After joining, members can tak...

Walmart has announced new leaders for its businesses in Canada and Chile. The changes are being made following the departure of Haio Barbeito earlier this year from the top seat in Canada to lead US clothing retailer, Old Navy. Gonzalo Gebara to lead Walmart Canada Taking up the president and CEO position in Canada is Gonzalo Gebara, effective January 30, 2023. He currently leads the Walmar...

We review Sobeys’ second quarter performance and its priorities for the second half of the year. Q2 key numbers Total sales increased 4.4% to $7,643m Same-store sales, ex-fuel, increased 3.1% Excluding fuel, gross margin increased 58 basis points, driven mainly by Project Horizon initiatives Net earnings increased 8.3% to $190m Strength in discount and conventional supermar...

Loblaw is opening four additional pharmacist-led clinics in Alberta following the success of its first location in the province. The retailer launched this new model in Lethbridge in June. Expanded role for pharmacists The new clinics are being developed following a change in the province to expand the scope of pharmacists. This enables them to assess patients and prescribe medications for ...

Vancouver-based Georgia Main Food Group has developed a strong local following and global retail interest since the launch of its first store under the Fresh St. Market banner in 2013. As part of the growth plan for the format, alongside new developments, the retailer has also been converting former IGA locations. We visited a newly converted store in Langley, British Columbia, to see how the for...

Leading global convenience chain Couche-Tard, which operates as Circle K, is one of the most innovative in the channel. It continues to flex its approach in response to the current trading environment while also investing for the future. We highlight some of the programmes it has in place, many of which could be replicated by operators across different channels. Value food-to-go - it has ...

We review Loblaw’s Q3 performance as shoppers continue to adjust their behaviours in an inflationary environment. Q3 key numbers Total revenue increased 8.3% to $17,388m Retail segment sales increased 8.2% to $17,130m, with food up 7.4% and drug up 10.3% Food retail same-stores sales increased 6.9%, with drug retail same-store sales up 7.7% Ecommerce sales increased 3.0% Adju...

Sobeys’ Farm Boy banner opened its latest store with the conversion of a former Sobeys Urban Fresh location in downtown Toronto. We showcase some of the key features of this new store. Acquired to spearhead Sobeys’ push in urban locations Sobeys acquired Farm Boy at the end of 2018, in a deal designed to help the retailer drive its penetration in urban locations. At the point of acquisition...