Loblaw increases the number of new stores planned for 2026

Brampton -- Loblaw Cos. Ltd., the company behind Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart, has announced plans to increase the number of new stores it intends to open this year. The company now anticipates opening roughly 75 new locations, an uptick from its initial projections of around 70. To date in 2026, Loblaw has successfully established 38 new grocery stores and pharmacies across Canada, comprising 21 grocery stores and 17 Shoppers Drug Mart outlets.

These new stores are part of a broader $2.4 billion investment in capital spending that the company plans to undertake this year. So far, Loblaw has allocated approximately half of this amount, with the remaining funds earmarked for accelerating new store openings, renovating existing locations, and exploring innovative store formats and concepts.

Loblaw's Chief Executive, Per Bank, expressed confidence in the company's expansion strategy, crediting the performance of the newly opened stores for bolstering this optimism. He believes continued investment in these formats, which align with customer preferences, will drive further growth. This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on September 1, 2026.