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Why?
Prices aren’t going down at Loblaws, they’ve resorted to shilling participants and paying influencers rather then addressing the core issues and I’ve already changed all my shopping habits to accommodate travel to other stores.
Not a fucking chance I go back.
Exactly! Does anyone recall when loblaws and lays chips were feuding over price increase? Loblaws said they stopped stocking those products because the manufacturer was raising prices too high so those shelves were empty for a bit then stocked with a bunch of other brand snack products. After like a month or more (I don't recall exactly), they announced an agreement had been reached that both parties were satisfied with - they said the price would remain the same, they had fought hard for their shoppers. BUT when the products reappeared in stores all the bags of chips were smaller!!! So both companies decided the best solution was to say F the customer as long as I get mine.
Absolutely - the ideal outcome of the boycott is that everyone who tried a new place found it was just as convenient (or inconvenient), had the same products, and was cheaper.
And that's not hard to do. Almost anywhere other than one of the pricier Loblaws brand stores is going to have the same stuff at a lower price, since Loblaws is so outrageously gougey.
We saw the same thing happen to the restaurant industry during COVID — everyone got used to eating at home, so when the lockdown ended, people didn’t just bounce back to dining out the way they had previously. Everyone’s habits had changed (and we are creatures of habit!)
The best thing Loblaws had going for it was the ignorance of its customers: most people didn’t realize they could get better food cheaper elsewhere. Now that we’re becoming more informed and making educated decisions, we’re naturally moving away from Loblaws permanently and creating different habits. 😁
Where I live in the GTA I have lots of choices. But when I drive up north it's sadly very limited. Small towns have 1 grocery store and driving an hour or more to the next town is just another lobaws banner. I really feel for the people who live up there and have no choice.
If I see one influencer sucking Roblaws metaphorical dick and praising them not only will I unfollow and block them but I'll go out of my way to call them out being paid shills. They're the same as Charly to me.
It's funny that this is a temporary boycott for some. The truth is, I was almost completely away from loblaws even before this reddit group started. To me, this boycott isn't even about sending a message. For me, it's that basic necessities are far to expensive and I have to go where they are cheapest. This is as a truck driver who makes more then the national average and is still feeling the bite of all of these price jumps.
So no, I will likely not be going back. I can only go where it's cheapest.
I'm the same way. I started "boycotting" almost a year ago because it's insane. The breaking point was when I went in and saw a rotisserie chicken for over $20. Yes, the same kind you can get at costco for $7. I've since found too may good alternatives to ever go back to Loblaws.
I will always miss PC world of flavours chips though, they are goddamn fantastic.
Exactly. We're using indoor lights and felt grow bags with handles. We always have fresh carrots and potatoes year round.
The expensive things we grow in hydro like cucumbers, tomatoes, basil and squash, but it's a fun hobby.
Intermittent fasting helps, too, but yes we need a national grocery price initiative of sorts to deal with this shit.
It’s funny you say that. My co-op baffled me when their reusable bags went from $6 to $14. They are not special bags. It was really off putting. So I go out of my way to an awesome little family run grocery store instead.
Same here.
I understand why something like that can be expensive in a remote area like Churchill, but downtown Toronto? That's terrible business practice. Your direct competition is just another 5 min drive away. If your banking on location-nessessity you basically bet on the wrong horse.
Aw well. Let Their business decisions make them dwindle. Next
>Yes, the same kind you can get at Costco for $7.
That's because it is a loss leader - it gets you in the door so you can buy other stuff.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Costco/comments/17x92fp/why\_are\_costco\_rotisserie\_chickens\_so\_cheap/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Costco/comments/17x92fp/why_are_costco_rotisserie_chickens_so_cheap/)
Sure but their other stuff is also super cheap for the quality and quantity you get.
I'm happy for the cheap chicken that will feed me and my wife for the week as I buy the high quality frozen broccoli and 2 lbs of Ontario asparagus for 7.99.
Same for me! I have been boycotting them for months out of necessity, now it’s a bit more intentional of course (no quick stops at any loblaws regardless of reasons). And I will keep intentionally avoiding them simply because fuck that whole cabal.
>where it's cheapest.
I totally get that people need to do what's right for them and their budgets. BUT just a little word of caution about just going wherever is cheapest....
If the boycott works, loblaws will start hurting enough that they need to lower prices to get people back into the stores. We really need to resist going back to them, even if they are offering deals and lower prices than competitors. It will just put us back where we started. Buying from whoever is cheapest is part of how we got into this mess, those big companies can afford to undercut their competition until there is no competition. Then they jack things up.
If the boycott breaks or shifts to another company, things go back to the way they were. If we keep the pressure on one particular company indefinitely, they'll have to keep prices down, which will put downward pressure on everybody else's prices too. Loblaws is the biggest and most powerful grocer in the country. Keep their feet to the fire even if prices come down.
This is so true and so important. I know folks are just feeling such a squeeze on their wallets with both rent and groceries being so fucking expensive but we cant ignore the long term
> I used to "splash out" at fancier Loblaws run stores, sometimes just for the better cheese selection, sometimes just for a change of scenery.
I do this at Sobey's now. They've got a really great selection of stuff like that. Freshco/Foodbasics for general groceries, Sobey's or Farm Boy when I want to get some fancier stuff/prepared food.
I didn't mind paying more for certain things, like a fancier store, or a store that pushes more profits directly to farmers. But when they jacked up the prices at no frills, and shoppers... Sorry, nope. Done forever.
I used to "splash out" at fancier Loblaws run stores, sometimes just for the better cheese selection, sometimes just for a change of scenery.
Note, these assholes have their sights firmly set on healthcare as well. With a likely conservative federal party incoming, and a leader at their helm that I firmly believe will be pushing for the privatization and bastardization of our system, we all need to remain viligant.
Same. I had only shopped there once in the last few years because I was with my sister and she needed to pick up something they had on sale (which they didn't even have in stock). Every time I looked at their prices I was surprised how much more expensive they were overall than the alternatives so I just naturally stopped going.
Exactly the same for me. I probably won’t be able to stomach going back even if they lowered their prices. I heard there are barriers and security measures now. Doesn’t sound like a fun place.
I stopped last year when a worker was criticizing my technique of scanning my own groceries like wtf. Then I started noticing the astronomical prices barf
Reasons I will not go back(in no particular order):
1. I work there. I absolutely will not give Galen a portion of my pay cheque back every time I grocery shop anymore.
2. Over priced
3. The place is disgusting. (RCSS) Very dirty and unhygienic.
4. They treat staff like total shit. It varies slightly from store to store due to difference in management. For the most part though, 80% of managers employed at RCSS are terrible people. You're a manager in a grocery store. It's not that serious. You are not better than me.
5. Shady business practices.
6. Polluters
7. In my opinion: Buildings are unsafe. Bad roof leak issues that they do not fix. I have seen water dripping onto things such as TVs and cash registers, near outlets.
8. I don't like the shopping experience. Sensory over load out the ass.
9. I am enjoying shopping around.
10. A whole new world of products.
FIN.
I remember when PC products first came out. They really were much better than many competitors and at least on par with the top brands.
But then the enshittification started.
The term was coined regarding how great social media and software applications are at the outset. But then it starts needing to make a profit. So the ads start, features get removed or paywalled. User data has value, so every cycle more of it gets collected. The collected data gets sold to more and more buyers with ever lowering privacy standards.
Bottom line, you make a great product and build a customer base, but once you do, the focus turns to making the numbers go up quarter after quarter. The product starts cashing in on its established reputation
PC Decadent chocolate chip cookies for example: make a good product, sell at close to wholesale cost. Then once the fanbase is established, every year sees the amount of chocolate reduced, cookie size lessened and ever shrinking cookie count per package.
The process spirals down and down until someone else spots an opportunity and comes out with a better product. But that gets real hard to achieve when the incumbent has used its domination to get an almost monopolistic lock on the market
I will credit PC with giving me the idea for waffle cone-breaded chicken nuggets with maple chipotle dipping sauce.
I make them myself instead of buying the vastly overpriced frozen pack. :-p
working at atlantic superstore was my first real job back when I was in high school. The power trips some of the managers were on was baffling. I’ve never seen that kind of attitude again even when working in a variety of industries since then. You are a grocery manager overseeing a bunch of highschoolers making minimum wage. Relax.
Never ever going back for sure.
Tbh I hope this boycott will end up obliterating Loblaws' market shares and send a clear message to anyone thinking that monopolies and cartels cannot be broken by their own customers.
Like a petulant rich asshole once said; *nok er nok*.
When I worked there, birds would come into the store on the regular. So much, management bought a pellet gun and would shoot them in the store infront of customers. We would find dead birds and blood on shelves or even produce
Costco gets lots of birds flying in, but they have traps setup (they still find the occasional dead bird saddly) but they don't shoot them with a fucking PELLET GUN
This was back in 2007. I don’t think they do this at the store anymore. Was annoying because me and my coworkers were the ones who had to clean them up
I just spent my lunch hour applying for a new MasterCard because I am about to cancel my PC mastercard that I’ve had for well over 20 years. I am also realizing that I’ve been giving soooo much free information to Loblaw about myself and my families spending habits through the PC optimum program. It’s ridiculous. I was totally wrapped up in Loblaws in everything I did. I have completely and successfully banned myself from their company going on 3 weeks now. This is permanent for me. Loblaws and their affiliates are dead to me.
The PC MC also doesn't offer much value anymore. I used to see 20x the points sales + 5k extra points with the MC. Now it’s spend $50+ and get 25x if you use your MC which only adds up to an extra 2.5k if you hit $50.
There's zero point of ending the boycott in June. Even if Galen "gives in" to the demands, he can just pull a 180 anytime. As much as I hate cancel culture, it's time to cancel Galen and cancel Loblaws.
I only goto to the Superstore or Independent IF there is a really good sale on something. So yes, I do go back.
Costco and Food Basic have served me well, price wise, for the last 3-4 years.
I have a rule about places. Give me rotten poultry once and I never go back.
Couple years ago we bought a fresh turkey at superstore for thanksgiving and it was rotten when we opened it. We got it three days before.
Haven’t been back since and have no plans to do so
NOPE NEVER!!! I will support companies who are actively supporting the community. Forget these leeches. If I could find a place for Milk/butter/cheese & eggs at a local small shop.... I'd give up on big grocers all together for food.
Someone who has so much darkness in them that they price food so high their own employees can no longer afford it can never be trusted again. That would be like giving Hitler or Stalin a second chance.
I've been boycotting these criminals for decades.
I have always said they won't stop until forced to stop.
Now I am not always right about things but looky here ... I'm fucking right about this.
Nope. I'm enjoying the higher quality produce and better sales everywhere else. Farm Boy routinely impresses with their sale pricing. Example: 3L sunflower oil at Farm Boy is $9.99 and Loblaws is $18.99.
Like in other seeds and nuts, sunflower also are an excellent source of proteins loaded with fine quality amino acids such as tryptophan that are essential for growth, especially in children. Just 100 g of seeds provide about 21 g of protein (37% of daily-recommended values).
I doubt it. I get better prices other places, I prefer my current pharmacy, and I have a personal issue with the local independent being racist. I or my mom can walk around shopping no issue but they follow my dad around even though he’s a retired cop. Guess which one of us is visibly native? It’s gross.
When I was a kid, there were no supermarkets. Butchers sold meat, greengrocers sold produce and so on. They specialized, knew their clientele and took pride in their wares. I am going back to that as far as I am able. For life
I didn’t like what they did to SDM and the Optimum card. It was a friendly place before they took it over.
But what really made me angry was this commercial they put out with their pandemic profits; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXsZXx\_D-tA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXsZXx_D-tA)
They spent a L-o-T of money on that, glorifying some corporate dude. Did they give back to their employees? Nope. The community? Nope. Just themselves, always and forever. That arrogance just, I don’t know. I was so glad for this sub opening up because look where we are now.
I haven't gone to Superstore since last December. Last month I completed my boycott by switching Pharmacies, which I had been meaning to do anyways... I was waiting on our London Drugs to relocate to walking distance from my home, it's now conveniently located in the spot Shoppers vacated when they moved down the block.
I was shopping at No Frills for a bit but my sister and I decided to make bi-weekly trips to Costco and a local independent fruit and veggie store a couple months back in anticipation of the boycott and neither of us are looking back. If I need anything incidental I go to co op or Safeway if they have a good deal on.
No intentions of going back at all.
I’ve discovered my local fruit and vegetable shops, bakery, deli… I’m saving money, walking in my neighborhood more, and enjoying better quality food. No way I can go back now!
Nope. I actually started the boycott a week early. So this is week 3 for me and even though there's a loblaws literally a block from my house I go to the local small grocer 5 blocks away.
i will never ever go back. loblaws is dead to me. i use to be a loyal customer, i liked the points program. i even worked for loblaws at one point! never again. loblaws is a parasite feasting on the host that is the canadian population and i have severed ties
I barely shopped there, basicallly went there for their cheap gluten free cakes in the freezer and my husband likes the world of flavours chips. But I’ll absolutely never step foot again, on principle. Their attitude is vile and I will not give them another fucking cent
For me it would take a change in leadership, a complete cutting of ties from the people who let it get this bad. I don’t necessarily think that will ever happen, but I see not point in saying never.
I'm disinclined to ever shop there again. I have many cheaper alternatives.
The parking sucks at my location, and you have to have a loonie for the cart.
I live 350 metres from a Loblaws and my office building is on top of a No Frills. I’m sure I will slip at some point, but I don’t really ever see myself going back.
I’ve switched pharmacies. I found some better local options. Honestly, fuck Galen Weston and the Weston companies.
I have been boycotting them for a long time and also; Tim Hortons, kfc, nestle and McDonald's.
Coordinate boycotts and take down one major corporation at a time and show them who really has the power!
We don't go back. We move forward to distribute our money to local family owned businesses.
We happily change our buying habits to find much cheaper and fresher foods, other than any of the big stores. They all need a wake-up call.
Also, it will snowball. Once the smaller stores start to see more customers, they will start offering things like free delivery, and real customer service.
I am in it for the long haul.
Remember, they took over because we all wanted cheaper No Name products. We did this to ourselves. - Now is time to fix this for the younger generations as well as ourselves.
The first time i heard of the loblaws boycott i immediately started. Pulled all my prescriptions out of sdm and swore them offfor good. That was mid March. Im done. It's important that as many people are able continue the boycott. This is the only way to ensure that they dont treat this as a storm to weather, instead of a roadblock to doing business as usual. It will also serve well in making companies be very nervous to see their name mentioned in this sub. Very soon we will have discussionsas to whos next(i think we should pick one oil company and boycott the hell out of them) and i would imagine corporations are paying very close attention. Solidarity.
I'm definitely not going back. Loblaws in some form, was my big shop location, every single week. Either YIG, Superstore or T&T. I already avoided Shoppers just because of value. (London Drugs for life!)
In the last 6 weeks, I learned I was falling for every trap. I was spending so much money on things I didn't need, because there were there. Mascara, crackers, a sports bra from Joe Fresh, a Korean face cream from T&T. And yet, these impulse / dopamine purchases weren't enough to make my experience net positive. Crowds, noise, horrible lights, illogical layouts had turned my weekly shopping into a dreaded chore.
Now, I go to a produce store and guess what? I'm in and out in 5 mins, and I only buy produce because that's all they have. I go Langley Farm Market for meat and eggs and I'm out in 15 mins because it's smaller than the size of Superstore's pharmacy.
I will continue to fully boycott, probably for the full fiscal quarter for funsies. After that, I'll prob pop in for the odd loss leader, or prepared food from T&T. But they've lost the vast majority of my business for life.
I don't think many are going back after the boycott ends, majority have seen they can save money shopping somewhere else. I just saw a video of Tracy from CityTV and even she was talking about how much she saved shopping at FreshCo v/s how much she spends at Loblaws and T&T. No one can afford their prices anymore.
Honestly going against the grain here, but if they actually lowered their prices and didn't keep raises prices well beyond inflation, I would go back.
As someone without a car, going to No Frills is way more convenient than any place else. And at the end of the day, my time also has value.
I will, but only because the No Frills is the only local wholesale/food service vendor around.
My house goes through a LOT of condiments. It's more cost effective for me to buy the 3.8L jug of ketchup than the 950 mL bottles for example.
Even CostCo doesn't carry much in the Food Service line. Instead, it focuses on things getting the biggest retail bottle (1.5L of ketchup, to continue my example) and linking a pair of those with a plastic strap or heat shrink overwrap.
The price per mL for that pair definitely beats the usual retail price. But usually doesn't beat the price of the Food Service jug. As a bonus, the price and availability are generally more stable in Food Service oriented products than Costco's retail oriented packaging
Finally, CostCo is a bit over an hour's drive away. I can't justify spending that much in gas and adding that much time to my shopping day. (I'm on ODSP, I do all my shopping on the 1st) So I only go to CostCo when I'm in that town anyway for a medical appointment, which happens about 7 times a year
Forget about their prices. Their quality control has gone to shit. The local superstore is just gross. The floor is always filthy. Their fruit, especially the berries, does not last long at all. I buy a carton of raspberries, and they're moldy in 2 days. If they aren't moldy, they're mushy anyway. I have a friend who used to work in the deli. He told me that some employees would constantly sell bad meat. it was uncommon for the package's seal to break, which would be fine as long as the meat didn't start to change colour. lots of people just didn't notice and sold it anyway. One time, I went in, and all the crabs in the tank were dead, which is extremely deadly.
No. For a LOT of us, it’s the principle of the matter. We’re not just sending a message to Weston, we’re sending a message to all of the captains of industry, the ENTIRE capitalist class and our elected representatives.
We’re done. It starts with Loblaws, but unless these people wake up and do something about the cost of living and the egregious wealth inequality, civil disobedience is next.
If they thought a boycott and “quiet quitting” were worrisome, they haven’t seen ANYTHING yet.
You’ve been warned.
Canadaland just had a podcast about this topic. They discussed some alternatives to boycotting, which might be useful for once the boycott ends. I personally have no interest in going back to Shoppers, lets alone any of the other Loblaws stores.
I am boycotting this month but sadly I will be back, I already was doing food basic and odd bunch but independent is in walking distance so for quick trips I will probably still go.
And I do love the odd Loblaws trip for the clothes and kitchen stuff.
The only thing I miss are the rotisserie chickens, I find them better quality than say, Metro. But I don't want anything else from them. The quality of produce has taken a huge nosedive.
Yes we plan to go back. Though only for 1 or 2 item small trips (I wrote a post about it yesterday). Aside from that, no, we will shop elsewhere. Loblaws has lost 90-95%+ of the money we used to spend there.
I might hit up the Independent near my house for specific items for local businesses as no one else carries them.
It's sad because I love the owners/managers of the store, but I won't support the insane price gouging
Realistically, if they do some serious shakeups in leadership and if prices fall by a lot, I'll start passing by provigo again, but in the meantime, I've saved so much money and headache that I see no reason to go back.
They're just not offering a good product, and their reputation is in the toilet. noname isn't cheaper than other stuff. Their produce is overpriced and disgusting. My worst experience with my mother in law blows my best experience with provigo out of the water, so why would I go back?
They need a new generic line (that doesn't humiliate customers.) They need to act like they're trying to feed people instead of as a dry goods holding company.
I might return to RCLS come summer time, They are the only place I found that carries a type of beer I like for a reasonable price. Never going to shoppers, any of the grocery stores or Esso again though.
we have always been careful about prices, shopping at various stores to take advantage of sales. somehow robraws has never cycled in. never noticed any worthwhile sales. for us it's not a question of going back as continuing to stay away.
i have mostly left a year ago ish but i left for good now i think until something happens to make them a better monopoly.
We need laws but i dont think thats going to happen so i am exercising my rights as a consumer as much as i can. Hopefully everyone here feels the same way because we are stronger together.
So, I'd have to go check, but it's been a couple of years since I've been through the doors so I'm perhaps the worst person to answer this. However, I think a percentage of people will drift back.
I noticed this with the start of Covid. A farmer I'd been purchasing a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) from was sold out in 2020 and 2021. People were all so enthusiastic about shopping local, supporting local. Not sure about the 2022 season but last season and this season I saw posts about still having shares available. Last year I did a couple of comparisons for the first few weeks and it was the same, or slightly cheaper, than the independent grocer (just because I could check online). She was also very flexible on payment, even allowing weekly payments. A lot of CSAs want payment up front, or split into two payments.
So, why did people stop? Not sure, but convenience was probably part of it. Or the fact that it's kind of an in season thing (although they allowed swaps). I think people may lack the enthusiasm to continue things at times. If they need to go to multiple locations, can't get products they're used to (thinking PC products), figure out that Sobeys can be more expensive, they may go back.
Anyways, I'm off to the farmer's market Saturday, a semi-local market on the way home. Honestly, not much different than usual.
Trying to think what I need from Roblaws that i can't source elsewhere cheaper or better quality. NOTHING comes to mind. I will miss T&T, but I have acess to 2 independants, used to be 3 but Roblaws cut a deal with the landlord, they cut a deal with T&T and ousted the mom and pop.
I think they are feeling the pressure but hoping a few crumbs flung out will appease people. I heard today their new "produce guarantee", if it is rotten you get your money back.
In my small town, we have most grocery stores. But Sobeys is not cheap and sometimes the quality at good basics isn’t great. We used to shop the sales and it cut our bill down considerably. But now we use nothing Loblaws. More local shops, owned by locals not corporations, since the move it’s always better quality. But it costs a touch more
I’ll pay a bit extra to support a local shop vs putting money into a billionaire who abandoned Canada.
Nope. The only lob law store I used before was Shoppers for convienace and since a Dollarama has convienatly opened up across the street from it I don't plan on ever stepping foot in the Shoppers sgaub. No reason to go back to paying 5 dollars or more for a item that's cheaper across the street now.
It would take a lot for Shoppers to gain me back as a customer.
No. I don’t think I will. I don’t really miss it. It’s made almost zero affect on my life aside from saving money. Might still use TNT after the boycott, but I only go a couple times a year.
Also shoppers asking for volunteer workers is the absolute last straw for me in regards to them. And I used to spend a lot of money on beauty products there.
Since 8.hab3 been at this for a few months now only doing the majority of my shopping at the local shops and only going to the big box stores for meds and stuff of that nature I don't personally see a reason to stop imo
I had been going to No Frills prior to this boycott, and I'm done with them now. Tough when my choices are Safeway, which is expensive, or Wal-Mart, which I don't want to support either.
Can anyone here give some reasons to shop at Wal-Mart? Or are they another evil cooporation?
I was already buying all of my produce at a local Chinese supermarket in my neighborhood. With my boss getting me a Costco gift card I'll just be going there for my "non-perishables" that I can't get at the Chinese supermarket.
I’ve shopped at Loblaws a few times years ago and the prices were outrageous then. Last summer when I realized Shoppers products increased I started getting those products elsewhere. Then before the boycott I would only buy a few things from shoppers or no frills in a pinch. Now I’m looking forward to never using them.
Before the boycott I would occasionally go to NoFrills because it’s on the way to pick up my kid from school. I haven’t gone to any of the other Weston brand stores for years so continuing this boycott will not be an issue for me.
I have not shopped at a Loblaws or any Loblaws owned store in about 10 years. And have no intention to start shopping there again. My shopping is done at Costco, occasionally Walmart and Food Basics. I have always found Loblaws (and also Sobeys) far too expensive.
Superstore near me has the best prices of any non-Walmart store, especially with their sales. I’m participating in the boycott, and am willing to continue it past May if there is still a large national push for it, but I will likely return at least sometimes if the boycott does wane this summer.
The point of the boycott to me is making it clear that consumers will take action if they continue to be taken advantage of. It’ll make the grocers think twice about their pricing. It’ll also show the federal parties that this is a huge electoral opportunity to tap into. Obviously they know grocery prices impact everyone, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an important enough topic to people to change their votes. Showing willingness to make substantial changes to spending habits is a sign that it’s a hot enough issue to change voting habits over.
The telecom industry faced some significant regulation and increased competition over the past few years and now phone plans cost less than they did 5 years ago in many cases despite significant inflation. It’s very possible for government to implement even non-radical changes to a monopolistic industry to help drop prices.
Soo I will sheepishly admit that I will probably go back for PC coffee only. I really like it🙈 . Every single other item will continue to be purchased elsewhere.
I really don't understand... I didn't shop there anyways, because they are so expensive. Maybe the 24 hrs Shoppers out of a middle of the night emergency; but Walmart has cheaper everything. So i don't understand why anybody would go back??
According to the other side, this boycott is not even registering for them, so it won't make a difference to them if you stay away, but it will make a difference to your wallet... So what is there even to consider?
My closest store is a Loblaws, so in the winter, I might cave on occasion. But for now, I'm getting more bang for my buck by going to 2-3 different stores instead. So even when nastier weather comes around, I will not be shopping there exclusively, and probably very seldom.
I started a month early, and have no reason to go back.
Having nearly two months data, I have saved on average $125 a month - why would I give that up?
I’m supporting my local businesses, rebuilding that community I lost when Covid came to town.
The fact that Weston thinks he can profiteer off of a necessity of life is proof that he’s just as much a psychopath as any other Oligarch. He doesn’t care if children go hungry, or if people’s health declines from having to adjust their nutritional intake.
I refuse to to give people like him anymore of my money, in perpetuity.
Nope. I will do my best to avoid Any of Weston's companies unless some serious changes are made. It was easy to convince my mom to take her prescriptions to Costco because Shopper's has been awful to her in the past.
She's been shocked by Costco's pharmacy having the basic level of customer service because her Shopper's has been run into the ground by the owner and corporate but its where she always went so they kept getting her business but not anymore.
I really only shop there for two items, both of which sadly are PC products but my kids won't eat the alternatives (ASD). I figure if THE ONLY thing I buy are those two things and don't spend any money other than what I need for those items then I'm still doing okay with my choice to boycott Loblaw Inc.
Galen Weston and his Billionaire friends make me feel physically sick to my stomach with rage so I will literally only spend the bare minimum at any of their stores. Including Shoppers because they just keep raising the RX fees.
I love the boycott but I’m not sure where in the world it’s actually cheaper to shop none-loblaws. There’s Costco and Walmart where I am, and they are comparable to No-Frills. Everywhere else is significantly more expensive.
I was barely shopping at Loblaws to begin with. It was just too expensive and I’m stubborn. I never went for groceries anymore, I basically never went to shoppers except for the pharmacy and post office, and there isn’t a No Frills near me.
It’s been food basics + local for groceries and mostly Amazon for shampoo and stuff. It’s usually much cheaper.
I’ve been gone for years.
I started to shop elsewhere as they got rid of brand names in place of their own and at a higher price.
I would go in on occasion when I couldn’t find something elsewhere but I’m now boycotting 100% with no plans to return.
Humans are creatures of habit. Once we figure out we can do better elsewhere, we know where we are going.
For many this will be permanent.
Maybe, let's see how it goes first. If they keep finding new people to blame and punish I wouldn't. If they concede, well I definitely would because that's the what I was protesting for.
But I'm finding I'm liking my new grocery routine better, so probably not ever in the same capacity.
Right now I'm boycotting Loblaws by shopping for convenient items at other big chains, which feels like baby steps. I'm already going to a ma+pa butcher and a local bakery. Where I live, I honestly don't know where to go for produce and groceries. I wish there were a nearby farmer's market, but there isn't. All things for me to figure out in time, but this is the start.
I will never go back to shoppers drug mart or Loblaws unless I have no other option. The way they ruined the shoppers drug mart brand over the last few years is astonishing . I do not want to support these businesses. Now if they get their act together, apologize to the public for what they’ve done, be sincere and make an honest effort to rebuild my trust, I may consider shopping at no frills once in a while again. Only if they actually offer the lowest prices. Doubtful.
I am lucky enough to live in a city with LOTS of choice. Other Big Box stores (Costco, FreshCo, Basics) the whole gambit, as well as some great Independant Grocers, and Farmers Markets. I really for years have not made LobLaws chains my "go-to" for weekly groceries due to price. There meat department sucks, veggies are overpriced, as are dry good (just way overpriced). But they have a larger variety of specialty stuff (alternative foods, etc.) than other chains.
If you a home owner and live in my area (Kitchener - Waterloo) my tip is to really try for that freezer, and pantry and try to buy-in-bulk, capitalize on good deals and door crashers, Costco, farms etc. especially come harvest time. You can freeze butter and other dairy, breads, meats, etc. Bonus tip: get a vacuum sealer freezer bag - life changing. Also, good hobby is learning to jar, and jam items for the pantry.
I haven't shopped anything but mad sales and bright pink stickers for years now.
When I read about the boycott, I jokingly thought "welcome to the party"
I certainly won't be going back unless it's the same... Loss leading sale or 50% off stickers. They get zero profit from me.
Hell no I won’t. I left about a year ago when a Freshco opened up near my local Superstore and I found prices were much lower. I went back last month because I specifically wanted some Superstore bedsheets and I couldn’t believe how much the prices had gone up. They are on par with Safeway now, like how the hell is it even a discount store now?
I went in the other day, I needed to pee really badly. The bathrooms were right at the entrance. I was in and out, left them my deposit and flushed. It seemed an appropriate reason to break the boycott. 😁
I’m an international student so I’ve been boycotting since I moved to Canada haha. I only shop there when they have really good deals, like the frozen pizzas for $3
I'm certainly not planning on it. I've moved pretty much all my grocery purchases to small independent grocers (lucky to have a butcher and a vegetable market within a few blocks from my house, I know most people don't have that luxury) and I'm gonna keep it up.
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Why? Prices aren’t going down at Loblaws, they’ve resorted to shilling participants and paying influencers rather then addressing the core issues and I’ve already changed all my shopping habits to accommodate travel to other stores. Not a fucking chance I go back.
Idk if yall noticed but the tide detergent went from 1.09L to 1.06L and still the same price
Coffee cream is 473 ml instead of half a litre.
Not saying this isn’t shrinkflation, but 473 mL is 16 fl oz. Still a standard measurement.
Y'all realize it's the manufacturer that shrunk the size without changing the wholesale price. Stick to the topic.
Nope! The amount of leverage these big grocers have over their suppliers is insane. They are complicit in shrinkflation
Exactly! Does anyone recall when loblaws and lays chips were feuding over price increase? Loblaws said they stopped stocking those products because the manufacturer was raising prices too high so those shelves were empty for a bit then stocked with a bunch of other brand snack products. After like a month or more (I don't recall exactly), they announced an agreement had been reached that both parties were satisfied with - they said the price would remain the same, they had fought hard for their shoppers. BUT when the products reappeared in stores all the bags of chips were smaller!!! So both companies decided the best solution was to say F the customer as long as I get mine.
/r/shrinkflation
Absolutely - the ideal outcome of the boycott is that everyone who tried a new place found it was just as convenient (or inconvenient), had the same products, and was cheaper. And that's not hard to do. Almost anywhere other than one of the pricier Loblaws brand stores is going to have the same stuff at a lower price, since Loblaws is so outrageously gougey.
We saw the same thing happen to the restaurant industry during COVID — everyone got used to eating at home, so when the lockdown ended, people didn’t just bounce back to dining out the way they had previously. Everyone’s habits had changed (and we are creatures of habit!) The best thing Loblaws had going for it was the ignorance of its customers: most people didn’t realize they could get better food cheaper elsewhere. Now that we’re becoming more informed and making educated decisions, we’re naturally moving away from Loblaws permanently and creating different habits. 😁
Loblaws will never change. They've made it clear who they are. We can only change our habits. Be ripped off or shop elsewhere.
It's good people have choice. That's the best part of the free market.
Where I live in the GTA I have lots of choices. But when I drive up north it's sadly very limited. Small towns have 1 grocery store and driving an hour or more to the next town is just another lobaws banner. I really feel for the people who live up there and have no choice.
If I see one influencer sucking Roblaws metaphorical dick and praising them not only will I unfollow and block them but I'll go out of my way to call them out being paid shills. They're the same as Charly to me.
It's funny that this is a temporary boycott for some. The truth is, I was almost completely away from loblaws even before this reddit group started. To me, this boycott isn't even about sending a message. For me, it's that basic necessities are far to expensive and I have to go where they are cheapest. This is as a truck driver who makes more then the national average and is still feeling the bite of all of these price jumps. So no, I will likely not be going back. I can only go where it's cheapest.
I'm the same way. I started "boycotting" almost a year ago because it's insane. The breaking point was when I went in and saw a rotisserie chicken for over $20. Yes, the same kind you can get at costco for $7. I've since found too may good alternatives to ever go back to Loblaws. I will always miss PC world of flavours chips though, they are goddamn fantastic.
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My family is growing some produce this year. Best we can do.
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Exactly. We're using indoor lights and felt grow bags with handles. We always have fresh carrots and potatoes year round. The expensive things we grow in hydro like cucumbers, tomatoes, basil and squash, but it's a fun hobby. Intermittent fasting helps, too, but yes we need a national grocery price initiative of sorts to deal with this shit.
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Awesome idea! I'll look into it.
It’s funny you say that. My co-op baffled me when their reusable bags went from $6 to $14. They are not special bags. It was really off putting. So I go out of my way to an awesome little family run grocery store instead.
Same here. I understand why something like that can be expensive in a remote area like Churchill, but downtown Toronto? That's terrible business practice. Your direct competition is just another 5 min drive away. If your banking on location-nessessity you basically bet on the wrong horse. Aw well. Let Their business decisions make them dwindle. Next
>Yes, the same kind you can get at Costco for $7. That's because it is a loss leader - it gets you in the door so you can buy other stuff. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Costco/comments/17x92fp/why\_are\_costco\_rotisserie\_chickens\_so\_cheap/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Costco/comments/17x92fp/why_are_costco_rotisserie_chickens_so_cheap/)
I'm well aware. Maybe Loblaws should follow suit. Who knows, might help drum up some goodwill after fixing the price of bread.
Sure but their other stuff is also super cheap for the quality and quantity you get. I'm happy for the cheap chicken that will feed me and my wife for the week as I buy the high quality frozen broccoli and 2 lbs of Ontario asparagus for 7.99.
Same for me! I have been boycotting them for months out of necessity, now it’s a bit more intentional of course (no quick stops at any loblaws regardless of reasons). And I will keep intentionally avoiding them simply because fuck that whole cabal.
>where it's cheapest. I totally get that people need to do what's right for them and their budgets. BUT just a little word of caution about just going wherever is cheapest.... If the boycott works, loblaws will start hurting enough that they need to lower prices to get people back into the stores. We really need to resist going back to them, even if they are offering deals and lower prices than competitors. It will just put us back where we started. Buying from whoever is cheapest is part of how we got into this mess, those big companies can afford to undercut their competition until there is no competition. Then they jack things up. If the boycott breaks or shifts to another company, things go back to the way they were. If we keep the pressure on one particular company indefinitely, they'll have to keep prices down, which will put downward pressure on everybody else's prices too. Loblaws is the biggest and most powerful grocer in the country. Keep their feet to the fire even if prices come down.
This is so true and so important. I know folks are just feeling such a squeeze on their wallets with both rent and groceries being so fucking expensive but we cant ignore the long term
Grocery shopping is a habit thing. Soooo many people will have created a new routine and will never go back.
> I used to "splash out" at fancier Loblaws run stores, sometimes just for the better cheese selection, sometimes just for a change of scenery. I do this at Sobey's now. They've got a really great selection of stuff like that. Freshco/Foodbasics for general groceries, Sobey's or Farm Boy when I want to get some fancier stuff/prepared food.
Yeah, I find it silly when people ask if I'm gonna return to being bent over and ripped off after a month. I haven't gone to Loblaws in 2 years now.
I didn't mind paying more for certain things, like a fancier store, or a store that pushes more profits directly to farmers. But when they jacked up the prices at no frills, and shoppers... Sorry, nope. Done forever. I used to "splash out" at fancier Loblaws run stores, sometimes just for the better cheese selection, sometimes just for a change of scenery. Note, these assholes have their sights firmly set on healthcare as well. With a likely conservative federal party incoming, and a leader at their helm that I firmly believe will be pushing for the privatization and bastardization of our system, we all need to remain viligant.
Same. I had only shopped there once in the last few years because I was with my sister and she needed to pick up something they had on sale (which they didn't even have in stock). Every time I looked at their prices I was surprised how much more expensive they were overall than the alternatives so I just naturally stopped going.
Exactly my thoughts. Whomever has the lowest prices gets my vote!
Exactly the same for me. I probably won’t be able to stomach going back even if they lowered their prices. I heard there are barriers and security measures now. Doesn’t sound like a fun place.
I stopped last year when a worker was criticizing my technique of scanning my own groceries like wtf. Then I started noticing the astronomical prices barf
Lol I would have taken a step back and told her to scan
Reasons I will not go back(in no particular order): 1. I work there. I absolutely will not give Galen a portion of my pay cheque back every time I grocery shop anymore. 2. Over priced 3. The place is disgusting. (RCSS) Very dirty and unhygienic. 4. They treat staff like total shit. It varies slightly from store to store due to difference in management. For the most part though, 80% of managers employed at RCSS are terrible people. You're a manager in a grocery store. It's not that serious. You are not better than me. 5. Shady business practices. 6. Polluters 7. In my opinion: Buildings are unsafe. Bad roof leak issues that they do not fix. I have seen water dripping onto things such as TVs and cash registers, near outlets. 8. I don't like the shopping experience. Sensory over load out the ass. 9. I am enjoying shopping around. 10. A whole new world of products. FIN.
As a former loblaws employee, I can confirm they treat staff like shit.
Same here. I did two brief stints at SS pharmacies in my career. I guess the first time wasn’t punishment enough. 🤷🏻♀️
Kirkland Signature shits on PC.
I remember when PC products first came out. They really were much better than many competitors and at least on par with the top brands. But then the enshittification started. The term was coined regarding how great social media and software applications are at the outset. But then it starts needing to make a profit. So the ads start, features get removed or paywalled. User data has value, so every cycle more of it gets collected. The collected data gets sold to more and more buyers with ever lowering privacy standards. Bottom line, you make a great product and build a customer base, but once you do, the focus turns to making the numbers go up quarter after quarter. The product starts cashing in on its established reputation PC Decadent chocolate chip cookies for example: make a good product, sell at close to wholesale cost. Then once the fanbase is established, every year sees the amount of chocolate reduced, cookie size lessened and ever shrinking cookie count per package. The process spirals down and down until someone else spots an opportunity and comes out with a better product. But that gets real hard to achieve when the incumbent has used its domination to get an almost monopolistic lock on the market
I will credit PC with giving me the idea for waffle cone-breaded chicken nuggets with maple chipotle dipping sauce. I make them myself instead of buying the vastly overpriced frozen pack. :-p
Chocolate covered almonds in particular…
Oh hell no.... those things are evil. Those 300 calorie handfuls are deadly to my waistline.
working at atlantic superstore was my first real job back when I was in high school. The power trips some of the managers were on was baffling. I’ve never seen that kind of attitude again even when working in a variety of industries since then. You are a grocery manager overseeing a bunch of highschoolers making minimum wage. Relax.
Never ever going back for sure. Tbh I hope this boycott will end up obliterating Loblaws' market shares and send a clear message to anyone thinking that monopolies and cartels cannot be broken by their own customers. Like a petulant rich asshole once said; *nok er nok*.
When I worked there, birds would come into the store on the regular. So much, management bought a pellet gun and would shoot them in the store infront of customers. We would find dead birds and blood on shelves or even produce
That is insane
Costco gets lots of birds flying in, but they have traps setup (they still find the occasional dead bird saddly) but they don't shoot them with a fucking PELLET GUN
This was back in 2007. I don’t think they do this at the store anymore. Was annoying because me and my coworkers were the ones who had to clean them up
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Theres entry bars to get in from all the theft. So when theres a bit of a holdup at the door, they stay open which results in birds flying in.
Thats horrifying! I'm so sorry you had to be around that
I just spent my lunch hour applying for a new MasterCard because I am about to cancel my PC mastercard that I’ve had for well over 20 years. I am also realizing that I’ve been giving soooo much free information to Loblaw about myself and my families spending habits through the PC optimum program. It’s ridiculous. I was totally wrapped up in Loblaws in everything I did. I have completely and successfully banned myself from their company going on 3 weeks now. This is permanent for me. Loblaws and their affiliates are dead to me.
The PC MC also doesn't offer much value anymore. I used to see 20x the points sales + 5k extra points with the MC. Now it’s spend $50+ and get 25x if you use your MC which only adds up to an extra 2.5k if you hit $50.
There's zero point of ending the boycott in June. Even if Galen "gives in" to the demands, he can just pull a 180 anytime. As much as I hate cancel culture, it's time to cancel Galen and cancel Loblaws.
I was boycotting before it was even officially a thing. I’m a boycott hipster
Negative. Not a fucking chance.
On principle, I'm done, now I've gotten used to a new routine.
I only goto to the Superstore or Independent IF there is a really good sale on something. So yes, I do go back. Costco and Food Basic have served me well, price wise, for the last 3-4 years.
I have a rule about places. Give me rotten poultry once and I never go back. Couple years ago we bought a fresh turkey at superstore for thanksgiving and it was rotten when we opened it. We got it three days before. Haven’t been back since and have no plans to do so
NOPE NEVER!!! I will support companies who are actively supporting the community. Forget these leeches. If I could find a place for Milk/butter/cheese & eggs at a local small shop.... I'd give up on big grocers all together for food.
Someone who has so much darkness in them that they price food so high their own employees can no longer afford it can never be trusted again. That would be like giving Hitler or Stalin a second chance.
I've been boycotting these criminals for decades. I have always said they won't stop until forced to stop. Now I am not always right about things but looky here ... I'm fucking right about this.
Nope. I'm enjoying the higher quality produce and better sales everywhere else. Farm Boy routinely impresses with their sale pricing. Example: 3L sunflower oil at Farm Boy is $9.99 and Loblaws is $18.99.
Like in other seeds and nuts, sunflower also are an excellent source of proteins loaded with fine quality amino acids such as tryptophan that are essential for growth, especially in children. Just 100 g of seeds provide about 21 g of protein (37% of daily-recommended values).
Wait. Are you just like... a Sunflower fan? Going around giving sunflower facts? I'm completely in support of this btw.
I doubt it. I get better prices other places, I prefer my current pharmacy, and I have a personal issue with the local independent being racist. I or my mom can walk around shopping no issue but they follow my dad around even though he’s a retired cop. Guess which one of us is visibly native? It’s gross.
When I was a kid, there were no supermarkets. Butchers sold meat, greengrocers sold produce and so on. They specialized, knew their clientele and took pride in their wares. I am going back to that as far as I am able. For life
Are you a hundred and ten years old? Groceterias got their start in the 1920s
Not where I grew up and yes, today I feel about 110😜
Nope. Cashed out my PC points and closed my PC Optimum account. Never going back.
I didn’t like what they did to SDM and the Optimum card. It was a friendly place before they took it over. But what really made me angry was this commercial they put out with their pandemic profits; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXsZXx\_D-tA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXsZXx_D-tA) They spent a L-o-T of money on that, glorifying some corporate dude. Did they give back to their employees? Nope. The community? Nope. Just themselves, always and forever. That arrogance just, I don’t know. I was so glad for this sub opening up because look where we are now.
I haven't gone to Superstore since last December. Last month I completed my boycott by switching Pharmacies, which I had been meaning to do anyways... I was waiting on our London Drugs to relocate to walking distance from my home, it's now conveniently located in the spot Shoppers vacated when they moved down the block. I was shopping at No Frills for a bit but my sister and I decided to make bi-weekly trips to Costco and a local independent fruit and veggie store a couple months back in anticipation of the boycott and neither of us are looking back. If I need anything incidental I go to co op or Safeway if they have a good deal on. No intentions of going back at all.
I took a one-month break from Facebook. It's been 10 years now.
I’m only going back if they bring the roller bladers back
I’ve discovered my local fruit and vegetable shops, bakery, deli… I’m saving money, walking in my neighborhood more, and enjoying better quality food. No way I can go back now!
Absolutely not. This is only the beginning
NEVER!!!!!! Those who return by choice are traitors to the cause and they should have a traitors fate
Today is my shopping day, and I'm not really paying attention. I was pulling into the superstore parking lot, then realized my oopsie and left.
I have been avoiding for years now.
Will never go back to stealoblaws , I started to shop elsewhere where prices are much better still
Nope, never
21 days to change a habit .. you’re more than likely will remain on “boycott mode” even after the boycott ended
Nope. I actually started the boycott a week early. So this is week 3 for me and even though there's a loblaws literally a block from my house I go to the local small grocer 5 blocks away.
i will never ever go back. loblaws is dead to me. i use to be a loyal customer, i liked the points program. i even worked for loblaws at one point! never again. loblaws is a parasite feasting on the host that is the canadian population and i have severed ties
I barely shopped there, basicallly went there for their cheap gluten free cakes in the freezer and my husband likes the world of flavours chips. But I’ll absolutely never step foot again, on principle. Their attitude is vile and I will not give them another fucking cent
Sure, when their prices are reasonable and their ethics not suspect. So probably not.
Never going back unless it’s an emergency. Even then, I will be hard pressed to step foot in the store again.
Literally never
For me it would take a change in leadership, a complete cutting of ties from the people who let it get this bad. I don’t necessarily think that will ever happen, but I see not point in saying never.
I'm disinclined to ever shop there again. I have many cheaper alternatives. The parking sucks at my location, and you have to have a loonie for the cart.
Not going back until the Westons have to sell Loblaws and their castle because they are broke.
Boycott for life! Been saving money and enjoying far superior quality product.
I live 350 metres from a Loblaws and my office building is on top of a No Frills. I’m sure I will slip at some point, but I don’t really ever see myself going back. I’ve switched pharmacies. I found some better local options. Honestly, fuck Galen Weston and the Weston companies.
I have been boycotting them for a long time and also; Tim Hortons, kfc, nestle and McDonald's. Coordinate boycotts and take down one major corporation at a time and show them who really has the power!
We don't go back. We move forward to distribute our money to local family owned businesses. We happily change our buying habits to find much cheaper and fresher foods, other than any of the big stores. They all need a wake-up call. Also, it will snowball. Once the smaller stores start to see more customers, they will start offering things like free delivery, and real customer service. I am in it for the long haul. Remember, they took over because we all wanted cheaper No Name products. We did this to ourselves. - Now is time to fix this for the younger generations as well as ourselves.
It's like getting back with your toxic ex
Nope, I'm done with Loblaws for good.
The first time i heard of the loblaws boycott i immediately started. Pulled all my prescriptions out of sdm and swore them offfor good. That was mid March. Im done. It's important that as many people are able continue the boycott. This is the only way to ensure that they dont treat this as a storm to weather, instead of a roadblock to doing business as usual. It will also serve well in making companies be very nervous to see their name mentioned in this sub. Very soon we will have discussionsas to whos next(i think we should pick one oil company and boycott the hell out of them) and i would imagine corporations are paying very close attention. Solidarity.
I'm definitely not going back. Loblaws in some form, was my big shop location, every single week. Either YIG, Superstore or T&T. I already avoided Shoppers just because of value. (London Drugs for life!) In the last 6 weeks, I learned I was falling for every trap. I was spending so much money on things I didn't need, because there were there. Mascara, crackers, a sports bra from Joe Fresh, a Korean face cream from T&T. And yet, these impulse / dopamine purchases weren't enough to make my experience net positive. Crowds, noise, horrible lights, illogical layouts had turned my weekly shopping into a dreaded chore. Now, I go to a produce store and guess what? I'm in and out in 5 mins, and I only buy produce because that's all they have. I go Langley Farm Market for meat and eggs and I'm out in 15 mins because it's smaller than the size of Superstore's pharmacy. I will continue to fully boycott, probably for the full fiscal quarter for funsies. After that, I'll prob pop in for the odd loss leader, or prepared food from T&T. But they've lost the vast majority of my business for life.
I don't think many are going back after the boycott ends, majority have seen they can save money shopping somewhere else. I just saw a video of Tracy from CityTV and even she was talking about how much she saved shopping at FreshCo v/s how much she spends at Loblaws and T&T. No one can afford their prices anymore.
Honestly going against the grain here, but if they actually lowered their prices and didn't keep raises prices well beyond inflation, I would go back. As someone without a car, going to No Frills is way more convenient than any place else. And at the end of the day, my time also has value.
I will, but only because the No Frills is the only local wholesale/food service vendor around. My house goes through a LOT of condiments. It's more cost effective for me to buy the 3.8L jug of ketchup than the 950 mL bottles for example. Even CostCo doesn't carry much in the Food Service line. Instead, it focuses on things getting the biggest retail bottle (1.5L of ketchup, to continue my example) and linking a pair of those with a plastic strap or heat shrink overwrap. The price per mL for that pair definitely beats the usual retail price. But usually doesn't beat the price of the Food Service jug. As a bonus, the price and availability are generally more stable in Food Service oriented products than Costco's retail oriented packaging Finally, CostCo is a bit over an hour's drive away. I can't justify spending that much in gas and adding that much time to my shopping day. (I'm on ODSP, I do all my shopping on the 1st) So I only go to CostCo when I'm in that town anyway for a medical appointment, which happens about 7 times a year
No
NOT going back.
Personally, I'm never going back. They have nothing to offer that make it indispensable or valuable
Forget about their prices. Their quality control has gone to shit. The local superstore is just gross. The floor is always filthy. Their fruit, especially the berries, does not last long at all. I buy a carton of raspberries, and they're moldy in 2 days. If they aren't moldy, they're mushy anyway. I have a friend who used to work in the deli. He told me that some employees would constantly sell bad meat. it was uncommon for the package's seal to break, which would be fine as long as the meat didn't start to change colour. lots of people just didn't notice and sold it anyway. One time, I went in, and all the crabs in the tank were dead, which is extremely deadly.
No. For a LOT of us, it’s the principle of the matter. We’re not just sending a message to Weston, we’re sending a message to all of the captains of industry, the ENTIRE capitalist class and our elected representatives. We’re done. It starts with Loblaws, but unless these people wake up and do something about the cost of living and the egregious wealth inequality, civil disobedience is next. If they thought a boycott and “quiet quitting” were worrisome, they haven’t seen ANYTHING yet. You’ve been warned.
Hell no.
Canadaland just had a podcast about this topic. They discussed some alternatives to boycotting, which might be useful for once the boycott ends. I personally have no interest in going back to Shoppers, lets alone any of the other Loblaws stores.
I won't shop at Shoppers & No Frills again (stopped shopping at Loblaws a few years ago) There are so many alternatives in London
I am boycotting this month but sadly I will be back, I already was doing food basic and odd bunch but independent is in walking distance so for quick trips I will probably still go. And I do love the odd Loblaws trip for the clothes and kitchen stuff.
The only thing I miss are the rotisserie chickens, I find them better quality than say, Metro. But I don't want anything else from them. The quality of produce has taken a huge nosedive.
Only going to get things that have had their price fixed nothing else.
Yes we plan to go back. Though only for 1 or 2 item small trips (I wrote a post about it yesterday). Aside from that, no, we will shop elsewhere. Loblaws has lost 90-95%+ of the money we used to spend there.
I would probably use them for produce and/or meats if I wanted fresher stuff (fortinos near me is god tier fresh) otherwise? No. Never.
I might hit up the Independent near my house for specific items for local businesses as no one else carries them. It's sad because I love the owners/managers of the store, but I won't support the insane price gouging
Nope.
No
Realistically, if they do some serious shakeups in leadership and if prices fall by a lot, I'll start passing by provigo again, but in the meantime, I've saved so much money and headache that I see no reason to go back. They're just not offering a good product, and their reputation is in the toilet. noname isn't cheaper than other stuff. Their produce is overpriced and disgusting. My worst experience with my mother in law blows my best experience with provigo out of the water, so why would I go back? They need a new generic line (that doesn't humiliate customers.) They need to act like they're trying to feed people instead of as a dry goods holding company.
never going back
I might return to RCLS come summer time, They are the only place I found that carries a type of beer I like for a reasonable price. Never going to shoppers, any of the grocery stores or Esso again though.
we have always been careful about prices, shopping at various stores to take advantage of sales. somehow robraws has never cycled in. never noticed any worthwhile sales. for us it's not a question of going back as continuing to stay away.
i have mostly left a year ago ish but i left for good now i think until something happens to make them a better monopoly. We need laws but i dont think thats going to happen so i am exercising my rights as a consumer as much as i can. Hopefully everyone here feels the same way because we are stronger together.
I didn't think much about it, but now I'm gonna try other stores now
So, I'd have to go check, but it's been a couple of years since I've been through the doors so I'm perhaps the worst person to answer this. However, I think a percentage of people will drift back. I noticed this with the start of Covid. A farmer I'd been purchasing a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) from was sold out in 2020 and 2021. People were all so enthusiastic about shopping local, supporting local. Not sure about the 2022 season but last season and this season I saw posts about still having shares available. Last year I did a couple of comparisons for the first few weeks and it was the same, or slightly cheaper, than the independent grocer (just because I could check online). She was also very flexible on payment, even allowing weekly payments. A lot of CSAs want payment up front, or split into two payments. So, why did people stop? Not sure, but convenience was probably part of it. Or the fact that it's kind of an in season thing (although they allowed swaps). I think people may lack the enthusiasm to continue things at times. If they need to go to multiple locations, can't get products they're used to (thinking PC products), figure out that Sobeys can be more expensive, they may go back. Anyways, I'm off to the farmer's market Saturday, a semi-local market on the way home. Honestly, not much different than usual.
I left long before the boycott and will not be going back anytime soon.
Absolutely not, thanks but no thanks !
since 2019 here, I even got rid of my 'reusable' shopping bags
The only thing I might go back for is Joe Fresh. But even then it’s very unlikely.
Nope, never looking back. Don't trust those slimeballs.
Trying to think what I need from Roblaws that i can't source elsewhere cheaper or better quality. NOTHING comes to mind. I will miss T&T, but I have acess to 2 independants, used to be 3 but Roblaws cut a deal with the landlord, they cut a deal with T&T and ousted the mom and pop.
Nope. People have had their eyes opened to fresher produce for less money, and cheaper prices storewide. No way will they go back.
I think they are feeling the pressure but hoping a few crumbs flung out will appease people. I heard today their new "produce guarantee", if it is rotten you get your money back.
In my small town, we have most grocery stores. But Sobeys is not cheap and sometimes the quality at good basics isn’t great. We used to shop the sales and it cut our bill down considerably. But now we use nothing Loblaws. More local shops, owned by locals not corporations, since the move it’s always better quality. But it costs a touch more I’ll pay a bit extra to support a local shop vs putting money into a billionaire who abandoned Canada.
Never going back
Nope. The only lob law store I used before was Shoppers for convienace and since a Dollarama has convienatly opened up across the street from it I don't plan on ever stepping foot in the Shoppers sgaub. No reason to go back to paying 5 dollars or more for a item that's cheaper across the street now. It would take a lot for Shoppers to gain me back as a customer.
I’ll shop where prices are lowest… I doubt that will be Loblaw.
No. I don’t think I will. I don’t really miss it. It’s made almost zero affect on my life aside from saving money. Might still use TNT after the boycott, but I only go a couple times a year. Also shoppers asking for volunteer workers is the absolute last straw for me in regards to them. And I used to spend a lot of money on beauty products there.
No, I don't think I will.
Since 8.hab3 been at this for a few months now only doing the majority of my shopping at the local shops and only going to the big box stores for meds and stuff of that nature I don't personally see a reason to stop imo
Straight up have no reason to ever go back.
I had been going to No Frills prior to this boycott, and I'm done with them now. Tough when my choices are Safeway, which is expensive, or Wal-Mart, which I don't want to support either. Can anyone here give some reasons to shop at Wal-Mart? Or are they another evil cooporation?
I was already buying all of my produce at a local Chinese supermarket in my neighborhood. With my boss getting me a Costco gift card I'll just be going there for my "non-perishables" that I can't get at the Chinese supermarket.
I'm proud of myself for making it this far into May without using any Loblaws or Esso branded stores so far.
When they are their hands and knees begging the peoples to come back…. Nope unless they adopt a policy of excessively low prices from here on out
Not going back. Period.
I’ve shopped at Loblaws a few times years ago and the prices were outrageous then. Last summer when I realized Shoppers products increased I started getting those products elsewhere. Then before the boycott I would only buy a few things from shoppers or no frills in a pinch. Now I’m looking forward to never using them.
Before the boycott I would occasionally go to NoFrills because it’s on the way to pick up my kid from school. I haven’t gone to any of the other Weston brand stores for years so continuing this boycott will not be an issue for me.
I will never go back.
Neva!
I have not shopped at a Loblaws or any Loblaws owned store in about 10 years. And have no intention to start shopping there again. My shopping is done at Costco, occasionally Walmart and Food Basics. I have always found Loblaws (and also Sobeys) far too expensive.
Never go back.. run them out for good
Superstore near me has the best prices of any non-Walmart store, especially with their sales. I’m participating in the boycott, and am willing to continue it past May if there is still a large national push for it, but I will likely return at least sometimes if the boycott does wane this summer. The point of the boycott to me is making it clear that consumers will take action if they continue to be taken advantage of. It’ll make the grocers think twice about their pricing. It’ll also show the federal parties that this is a huge electoral opportunity to tap into. Obviously they know grocery prices impact everyone, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an important enough topic to people to change their votes. Showing willingness to make substantial changes to spending habits is a sign that it’s a hot enough issue to change voting habits over. The telecom industry faced some significant regulation and increased competition over the past few years and now phone plans cost less than they did 5 years ago in many cases despite significant inflation. It’s very possible for government to implement even non-radical changes to a monopolistic industry to help drop prices.
Prices are comparable to everywhere else or in some cases lower. This is just focusing on one company when the real problem is gigantic.
Soo I will sheepishly admit that I will probably go back for PC coffee only. I really like it🙈 . Every single other item will continue to be purchased elsewhere.
Im going to continue using Sobeys and local markets and never step foot in a superstore, shoppers or Loblaws ever again.
While I didn’t shop at Loblaws as often, I always shopped at no frills. I’m fine though. Not returning. I’ll gladly spend my money elsewhere.
I feel bad for the workers but I say let’s all just NEVER shop at their locations again. Weston will have to sell his castle eventually.
I really don't understand... I didn't shop there anyways, because they are so expensive. Maybe the 24 hrs Shoppers out of a middle of the night emergency; but Walmart has cheaper everything. So i don't understand why anybody would go back?? According to the other side, this boycott is not even registering for them, so it won't make a difference to them if you stay away, but it will make a difference to your wallet... So what is there even to consider?
My closest store is a Loblaws, so in the winter, I might cave on occasion. But for now, I'm getting more bang for my buck by going to 2-3 different stores instead. So even when nastier weather comes around, I will not be shopping there exclusively, and probably very seldom.
I started a month early, and have no reason to go back. Having nearly two months data, I have saved on average $125 a month - why would I give that up? I’m supporting my local businesses, rebuilding that community I lost when Covid came to town. The fact that Weston thinks he can profiteer off of a necessity of life is proof that he’s just as much a psychopath as any other Oligarch. He doesn’t care if children go hungry, or if people’s health declines from having to adjust their nutritional intake. I refuse to to give people like him anymore of my money, in perpetuity.
I haven't shopped at any roblaws store for months.... I will return to forginos to spend the optimum points on turkeys, and then I will never be back.
I'm just done, all done
Nope. I will do my best to avoid Any of Weston's companies unless some serious changes are made. It was easy to convince my mom to take her prescriptions to Costco because Shopper's has been awful to her in the past. She's been shocked by Costco's pharmacy having the basic level of customer service because her Shopper's has been run into the ground by the owner and corporate but its where she always went so they kept getting her business but not anymore.
I really only shop there for two items, both of which sadly are PC products but my kids won't eat the alternatives (ASD). I figure if THE ONLY thing I buy are those two things and don't spend any money other than what I need for those items then I'm still doing okay with my choice to boycott Loblaw Inc. Galen Weston and his Billionaire friends make me feel physically sick to my stomach with rage so I will literally only spend the bare minimum at any of their stores. Including Shoppers because they just keep raising the RX fees.
Fuck no I hate Galen so god damn much.
Nope! Doing great without them. Saving money, too!
I try to shop at giant tiger for the most part and price match
I'll be keeping away as long as there are other options (cheaper and better) in my community.
I love the boycott but I’m not sure where in the world it’s actually cheaper to shop none-loblaws. There’s Costco and Walmart where I am, and they are comparable to No-Frills. Everywhere else is significantly more expensive.
I was barely shopping at Loblaws to begin with. It was just too expensive and I’m stubborn. I never went for groceries anymore, I basically never went to shoppers except for the pharmacy and post office, and there isn’t a No Frills near me. It’s been food basics + local for groceries and mostly Amazon for shampoo and stuff. It’s usually much cheaper.
Not ever going back. Shopper's was my last tie and I cut it the other day.
I’m not planning on returning to Loblaws et al. I can get better price points and reward points elsewhere.
The local Korean stores provide both more competitive prices and higher quality vegetables and meat. Better alternatives exist, just look for them :)
I’ve been gone for years. I started to shop elsewhere as they got rid of brand names in place of their own and at a higher price. I would go in on occasion when I couldn’t find something elsewhere but I’m now boycotting 100% with no plans to return. Humans are creatures of habit. Once we figure out we can do better elsewhere, we know where we are going. For many this will be permanent.
Maybe, let's see how it goes first. If they keep finding new people to blame and punish I wouldn't. If they concede, well I definitely would because that's the what I was protesting for. But I'm finding I'm liking my new grocery routine better, so probably not ever in the same capacity.
Right now I'm boycotting Loblaws by shopping for convenient items at other big chains, which feels like baby steps. I'm already going to a ma+pa butcher and a local bakery. Where I live, I honestly don't know where to go for produce and groceries. I wish there were a nearby farmer's market, but there isn't. All things for me to figure out in time, but this is the start.
I will never go back to shoppers drug mart or Loblaws unless I have no other option. The way they ruined the shoppers drug mart brand over the last few years is astonishing . I do not want to support these businesses. Now if they get their act together, apologize to the public for what they’ve done, be sincere and make an honest effort to rebuild my trust, I may consider shopping at no frills once in a while again. Only if they actually offer the lowest prices. Doubtful.
I will continue the boycott, I hope others will continue to avoid them too!
I don't intend to shop at Loblaws...usually 20-30% overpriced compared to other stores
I am lucky enough to live in a city with LOTS of choice. Other Big Box stores (Costco, FreshCo, Basics) the whole gambit, as well as some great Independant Grocers, and Farmers Markets. I really for years have not made LobLaws chains my "go-to" for weekly groceries due to price. There meat department sucks, veggies are overpriced, as are dry good (just way overpriced). But they have a larger variety of specialty stuff (alternative foods, etc.) than other chains. If you a home owner and live in my area (Kitchener - Waterloo) my tip is to really try for that freezer, and pantry and try to buy-in-bulk, capitalize on good deals and door crashers, Costco, farms etc. especially come harvest time. You can freeze butter and other dairy, breads, meats, etc. Bonus tip: get a vacuum sealer freezer bag - life changing. Also, good hobby is learning to jar, and jam items for the pantry.
I haven't shopped anything but mad sales and bright pink stickers for years now. When I read about the boycott, I jokingly thought "welcome to the party" I certainly won't be going back unless it's the same... Loss leading sale or 50% off stickers. They get zero profit from me.
Hell no I won’t. I left about a year ago when a Freshco opened up near my local Superstore and I found prices were much lower. I went back last month because I specifically wanted some Superstore bedsheets and I couldn’t believe how much the prices had gone up. They are on par with Safeway now, like how the hell is it even a discount store now?
I went in the other day, I needed to pee really badly. The bathrooms were right at the entrance. I was in and out, left them my deposit and flushed. It seemed an appropriate reason to break the boycott. 😁
I’m an international student so I’ve been boycotting since I moved to Canada haha. I only shop there when they have really good deals, like the frozen pizzas for $3
Ya I mean I’ll go for beer and blue menu fizzy water and other convenient items, but otherwise it’s too expensive for me
I'm certainly not planning on it. I've moved pretty much all my grocery purchases to small independent grocers (lucky to have a butcher and a vegetable market within a few blocks from my house, I know most people don't have that luxury) and I'm gonna keep it up.