Loblaw Companies Limited finalized a plan that will result in the closure of 22 unprofitable retail locations. It is expected that the closures will be substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of 2018.
Loblaw also announced that they are launching home delivery services. Loblaw and Instacart will work together to deliver groceries to Canadian homes, beginning in December. Loblaw has a network of nearly 2,500 stores and the most Click & Collect grocery pick-up sites in Canada, now complemented by the option of home delivery. Instacart is a technology-driven, on-demand grocery delivery service, already serving more than 150 American markets.
Online grocery orders from Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and T&T stores will be delivered by Instacart to customers’ homes in as little as one hour, beginning in Toronto on December 6 2017 and in the Greater Vancouver Area in January 2018. Rapid expansion to additional markets across Canada is expected throughout 2018.
At launch, customers will visit instacart.ca or download the Instacart app, pick from a local store’s online inventory of as many as 30,000 products, and choose a delivery window that works best for their needs – in as little as one hour, or for those who plan in advance, up to one week later. Instacart’s shoppers do the rest, personally shopping and delivering the order.
I am wondering how the one hour timeline can be met in Toronto and GVA given both cities have major gridlock issues on weekdays.
The stores closing are going to affect PC Plus shoppers that might not have another option for groceries or no fresh produce at their area Shoppers stores. Corporate parent will save on wages, payroll expenses, etc. It won’t surprise me if closures happen just before the new loyalty program begins on Feb. 1.
Store Closure is no surprise although it will balance the minimum wage hike in Ontario and other provinces; probably allowing them to leave the profitable stores as they are and without having to increase prices within the profitable stores much, if at all; while keeping Jobs and employing Jobs based on the stores profits.
If you work at Loblaws store you have to find out; am I working at a store that makes money; and for some they will try to probably leave if they can to profitable stores to save their job.
I won’t use it.I am a senior and like to get out,use coupons,take advantage of instore specials and the good old clearance rack.
No this isn’t a surprise. Expecting more with rise in minimum wage, stores are going to be making decisions like this in areas where it makes sense for them.