Loblaws expansion in 2026 puts 70 new stores across the country with a $2.4 billion price tag, and the headline is discount grocery. But if you're in a major Canadian city, this announcement probably lands somewhere between irrelevant and mildly interesting. The No Frills locations going in are aimed at smaller and medium sized cities that don't have discount grocery options today.

 

The franchise model means Loblaws is not the one taking the financial risk on most of these stores. Franchisees are. And the new locations are likely filling space left behind by retail closures, which means Loblaws is probably getting favorable lease rates that make the math work. Shoppers Drug Mart gets the other 35 stores, leaning into one-stop shopping for a loyalty program that already counts 16 million PC Optimum members. Bricks and mortar retail still represents more than 90% of Canadian retail spending, so physical expansion still moves the needle.

 

The economy is challenging for a lot of Canadians right now. It is not challenging for everyone, and the people with cash ready to open a No Frills franchise are about to find out if smaller city grocery is a good bet.

 

Topics: Loblaws expansion 2026, No Frills franchise Canada, discount grocery Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart growth, Canadian grocery prices

 

GUEST: Marvin Ryder | Associate Professor of Marketing, McMaster University


Originally aired on 2026-02-24

Loblaws expansion in 2026 puts 70 new stores across the country with a $2.4 billion price tag, and the headline is discount grocery. But if you're in a major Canadian city, this announcement probably lands somewhere between irrelevant and mildly interesting. The No Frills locations going in are aimed at smaller and medium sized cities that don't have discount grocery options today.
&nbsp;
The franchise model means Loblaws is not the one taking the financial risk on most of these stores. Franchisees are. And the new locations are likely filling space left behind by retail closures, which means Loblaws is probably getting favorable lease rates that make the math work. Shoppers Drug Mart gets the other 35 stores, leaning into one-stop shopping for a loyalty program that already counts 16 million PC Optimum members. Bricks and mortar retail still represents more than 90% of Canadian retail spending, so physical expansion still moves the needle.
&nbsp;
The economy is challenging for a lot of Canadians right now. It is not challenging for everyone, and the people with cash ready to open a No Frills franchise are about to find out if smaller city grocery is a good bet.
&nbsp;
Topics: Loblaws expansion 2026, No Frills franchise Canada, discount grocery Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart growth, Canadian grocery prices
&nbsp;
GUEST: Marvin Ryder | Associate Professor of Marketing, McMaster University
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-24

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.