In recent months, a growing wave of frustration has spread across Canada — and the name at the center of it all? Loblaws. Once known as a trusted Canadian grocery brand, Loblaws is now being called out for price gouging, market dominance, and putting profits before people.
But is Loblaws really the root of the issue, or are they just the face of a broken grocery system?
Let’s unpack what’s happening and more importantly, what you can do to fight back and save money.
Why Canadians Are Fed Up With Loblaws
With grocery prices rising faster than wages, many Canadians are struggling to keep up. Meanwhile, Loblaws continues to report strong profits, sparking public outcry and growing distrust.
Common Criticisms Include:
- Controlling too much of Canada’s grocery market.
- Using inflation as cover to increase profit margins.
- Vertical integration — owning brands, suppliers, pharmacies, and more.
- Expanding luxury offerings while affordability issues go ignored.
- Ending temporary pandemic pay and quietly lifting price freezes.
For many, these decisions feel out of touch, especially in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
What Makes Loblaws Different?
While other grocery giants like Metro, Empire (Sobeys), and Costco are also profitable, Loblaws stands out for one key reason: scale.
- Owns Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, T&T, and Joe Fresh.
- Over 2,400 stores across Canada.
- Controls top private-label brands like President’s Choice and No Name.
- Powers the PC Optimum program, giving them unprecedented access to consumer data.
Because of this dominance, Loblaws has become a lightning rod for frustration.
The Bigger Problem: A Broken Grocery Market
Canada has one of the most concentrated grocery markets in the G7. The top five grocers’ control over 80% of the market, leaving shoppers with few alternatives — especially in smaller communities.
Even though food inflation is also driven by global factors (like climate issues and supply chain disruptions), Canadian shoppers are left asking:
“Why does this exact item cost so much more here than just across the border?”
What Can You Do? Take Back Control with Gofer.run
You don’t have to feel powerless.
One of the best ways to fight back against inflated prices and grocery chain dominance is to compare prices before you shop. That’s where Gofer.run comes in.
🛒 Gofer.run helps you:
- Compare real-time prices at local grocery stores.
- Find the cheapest place to buy items on your list.
- Avoid overpaying at big chains like Loblaws.
- Save 10–25% per trip, with zero guesswork.
Whether you’re a budget-savvy shopper, a student, or feeding a family, Gofer.run puts the power back in your hands. It’s free to use, easy to try, and helps you shop smarter — not harder.
📲 Ready to stop overpaying? Go fer it.