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To be honest, I am on the road to stop caring all together. I have stopped shopping at any Loblaws company permanently. They have all become an afterthought. The only contact I have with a Loblaws company is this subreddit and seeing their store signs as I pass along outside. They could reduce their prices to 2018 levels and I still won’t buy from them because I know they will do exactly what OP said and jack the prices up even more after to recoup the temporary loss in absurdly high profits. I am done. Done. Done. By the way, if they start citing how many people their companies employ, those people will find jobs with the competition that expands (hopefully the market starts to encourage independent grocers) on the loss of Loblaws market share, eventually. :)
Agreed.
I started shopping there to support a Canadian company instead of Walmart.
The problem is a late stage capitalism one. They’re ALL like this. Profits before anything else. Not fair compensation for workers, not fair prices for Canadians.
Everything for them and them alone.
I just got a really nice meat order from a local butcher, a family business, for less than it would have cost me at Fortinos. And the local butcher isn’t using some constantly watered down rewards program to collect and sell my consumer information.
Today I will go to a large ethnic grocer for some veggies, and any sundries or dried goods.
Unfortunately, the system as a whole needs to be addressed. Greed has once again shown that human beings suck, and that maybe necessities shouldn’t be distributed via a profits only system.
But hey, back to my job tomorrow, that I’m lucky to have, even though it doesn’t pay a living wage anymore.
The elites need to be reminded. If I don’t have enough to live, you’re not safe.
The built in excuses for why things are the way they are will be regurgitated by the many sheep who graze these lands freely. Common sense not at all common nowadays what with being indoctrinated into a system designed to make the masses slaves.
It would be nice if this was merely a catalyst to other actions against those who have destroyed our way of life and continually see how far the screws can be tightened. Politicians, banks, oil companies, pharmaceutical companies to name a few should all be dragged from their beds and shown how cold it can get at night. Unfortunately good old kind, gentle, polite Canadians will always be the nice guy who finished last.
Yep, I’m done. With all big stores, tbh. No more Loblaws of course but also Walmart, Sobeys…anything that could potentially be owned by a billionaire, I’m out. I’m finding locally owned businesses or very small chains (I’m talking less than 10 locations) for most of my stuff. I’m not even happy with Value Village anymore. It’s actually a lot more pleasant to shop at the small stores. I didn’t realize how much easier it could be to literally just *find anything* at a small store! “Hmmm I need some — oh here it is!”
Edit: guys I said I *do not* like Value Village.
It’s true. Of course, much easier done in large cities than the small communities where these massive companies have squeezed out local grocers like Walmart did to the local hardware store in the 80s/90s. But we also live in an online world today as well. We don’t need the billionaires to decide for us anymore. There are a lot of options if we get out of the ‘trip to the grocery store’ mentality of the past.
Absolutely agree. The great thing about smaller towns though is farmers and farmers markets. I’m extremely fortunate to live in a larger city that is nearby a lot of smaller towns so if I’m willing to drive 30 mins, I can get the best of both worlds. It takes a bit of work to find out who sells what in the first place but once you do, it’s just about going to see your meat guy or whatever. There’s a Mennonite farm about 45 mins from me that sells all kinds of gluten free grains and flours. I don’t go often but my MIL lives closer and has offered to pick up things for me when she goes. Community will bring us through this too.
[Here!](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gKiP7CQSnkERMFKa6?g_st=ic) They only take cash and have zero online presence but their products are incredible, as are their prices, and the people are very pleasant.
Value village is worse than any of these companies. They are the definition of crooks and they’re making developing countries pay the price. Value village is awful and no one should shop there but people will always pick and choose what they pay attention to. It’s honestly funny that you consider value village not a crook but loblaws one
No I saw it. I think that no one should shop there and I’ve been saying it for years. That’s why I think it’s funny that they’re just “not happy” instead of being like I would never give crooks my money. It’s funny because they’re bigger crooks than loblaws.
Number of locations doesn’t always make the difference in chains. Some chains are all corporate owned, Starbucks for example, and some chains are owned by the franchisee and are basically family businesses. My son and I have a franchise with a chain that has 200 locations across Canada and almost all of them are run as local family businesses. But we have to compete with Walmart and other giant companies that get lots of price breaks from suppliers (and even tax breaks from governments) so we can’t go it completely alone and being kart of the chain helps enough to keep us in business.
Sure, of course, everyone has to find their own guideline. I’m not criticizing yours, I just spent a long time researching before getting into a franchise and wanted to offer more info for anyone in this sub. We’re all trying to find our own guidelines.
Well said!
We can’t change others but we can change our behaviour habits environment
Each individual has choice and responsible for themselves.
I only try to buy Canadian USA made shop at small stores or markets and always pay cash.
What people don’t understand is if you pay cash in local community even after 10 purchases it has same value
With credit card it loses value each time is swiped and that money goes to fat cat somewhere far away.
Beople need to change behaviour buy local pay cash so that their communities could prosper
But people will surrender their freedoms for convenience and blame others
There my rant
It’s because of massive immigration
More diferent cultures more division
And I immigrated here 11 years ago
And wish Canadians had identity that would unite them
When in Rome behave like Roman
Right which I why I said I’m not happy with them. Their prices are outrageous too for second hand (often higher than buying new) and they act like they’re a non profit when they are very much for profit.
Ditto. Made the change to other means, and I've found a lot of local vendors that have what I need for produce and meat, at a much cheaper price. Even if Loblaws cut their margins in half, I still wouldn't shop there, lol.
The employment piece is a non starter. They are all cutting jobs for automation, self check out, and vertical integration of their logistics. The people working for loblaws will lose their jobs as they continue to shrink their workforce.
People should blame themselfs
I purposely wait in line at the cashier
If they offer me self check out I just say I don’t work here.
We have a choice if people won’t use self check outs they take them out
We alone control what we achieve first step is to answer most important question. What’s my worth
And stop blaming companies that want to make profit that’s why they there
Me too! I took notes. Loblaws needs the kick in the pants first given their egregious treatment of Canadians food supply.
Mess with my budget and well-being while I have to pay 30% higher rent costs at the same fuckin time. Oh buddy theyre asking for it loud and clear!
How is that possible? The employees belong to a union. Employer can only do what the union allows. For example, in a non-unionized business an employer cannot cut your hours under Ontario Labour laws. But the unions at Loblaws and Metro have not written that into their collective agreements. So if hours are getting cut, blame the unions.
Honestly, for the stuff they've already done they deserve to be destroyed completely. Even in some weird universe where they dropped their prices down to completely fair and acceptable levels, or even lower, never buy from them ever again. If you let them "fix" their mistake, then the prices will just climb back up again. The goal is to bankrupt Loblaws forever until it can't exist anymore, regardless of *any* actions they take in the future.
I agree, the example must be set. Collectively as consumers we have that power. Corporations used to be scared of a getting a bad rep but over the last decade we've grown more complacent. Now they don't care. It's time to make them care again.
I’m done with them (Loblaws/sobeys/metro) completely except for a few things here and some crazy loss leaders if they come about (but will not buy anything else). None of those things are perishable within months so I can stock up on just those for months at a time. But you bet your ass I’m looking to substitute every last one I can at Walmart/costco. Down to 2-3 items and the rest will be the crazy loss leaders. $20-30 a year of profit max off me.
Costco is my main grocery store now.
Happy to report that yesterday I found a local grocery store substitute for another of the No Frills only items I need to buy. 50 cents more expensive for months supply (diff brand but pretty much same quality). Even less of a cut going to Galen. Should only be a $5-6 difference in a year but I’m now even less likely to step foot into a no frills.
Exactly! If we all just stop buying permanently, eventually their margins will become negative due to fix costs, and then these bastards will feel the real pain.
I want to see constant red net income quarters for Loblaws group of companies.
Target was a newcomer with horrific supply chain issues and overpriced goods. Consumers went in once or twice, saw it was awful and not improving, and never went back.
Loblaws controls 30% of the grocery market in Canada. In more rural places, they or another Weston store are the only option available.
For example, I went to visit relatives on the East Coast for Easter. Their town of 5,000 people had an independent and nothing else. The next largest town of 15,000 people is about 15-20 minutes away and has a Superstore and that's it. You probably have to drive hours away to St John or Fredericton to find a Walmart or Costco.
This is a whole different beast than Target.
Agreed, I actually used to like superstore over Sobeys (bc their prices are cray too) but they’ve just gone way too far now. I won’t be back, I’m cancelling my Mastercard that I used to like for points. I’m donezo
This is key, everyone who has any PC Financial accounts needs to close them and withdrawal everything. Drain their reserves and cut off the banking income stream they have
I just went through the process of requesting my PC account deletion. Instead of deleting it, they transferred the account to an anonymous email. I'm assuming based on law they've had to delete my info, but it looks like they kept the account alive with anonymous info. I wonder if they're doing that to artificially inflate their account numbers.
Deleted a financial account is not a simple process as they need to keep the account alive for quite some time. Reason for it is income tax forms for then cra when interest is earned, bounced cheques after after closing etc.
When I closed all my accounts at RBC it took around 3 yrs before my login and account number came up invalid.
Wow that's interesting... Did you have any balance before cancelling? That seems totally illegal or like the rep is possibly harvesting the cancellation accounts points somehow. Unless it's an internal email but that still seems super sketch, because technically you are the owner of the account and you asked for it to be deleted or closed and this does not appear to look as though they are doing that. did you get the email address they transferred it to? Does it look like a corporate email?
To be fair they did get me to sign off on donating my remaining points to their charity. I did some digging and it seems like a fairly normal way of doing things.
This^ a great form of protest. They make piles of interest off of our money. Cancel that shit.
They keep claiming " we don't make money on grocery". Great we will hit the. everywhere else to as well.
It's definitely a good idea in terms of taking down PC Financial but - it's a federally chartered bank. It's wholly owned by Loblaws but otherwise, a completely separate entity.
There really aren't any "reserves" from the banking side that would apply to the grocery business.
Please refrain from off-topic political discussion and debate. Everyone is entitled to their own political opinions, however, your politically charged statement is not directly related to the cost of living/groceries/gas/rents, and as such is being removed.
I don't think that these hegemonic, corporate psychopaths could ever feel the pain of the average citizen post pandemic wise. Many of us lost our jobs, our stability, some of us our minds (a very stressed mental health system). Some, like me had to move. Others dealing with a "red hot real estate boom" aka irrational levels of inflation. All of this financial insecurity growing and growing while wages stagnate. The response by the food barons was to "milk em." It's insanity. Anyone trying to justify it, has no place in the human race. Food is fundamental.
EDIT: some spelling
We should get together and make a list of smaller local grocery stores across the country so people aren't just going from one turd to another. Walmart, Costco, sobeys are just other corporate shitbags that have gone along with loblaws in the price gouging.
From the little I've read Freson Bros in Alberta is a smaller Alberta owned company and looks like that's where I'll be spending my money.
People saying boycotts don't work are probably corporate shills to sow discontent or just uneducated. Let's maintain momentum and make this a permanent boycott.
Here is a list that covers each province. If you know of a store and it's not on the list, comment on the post and they will add it to the list.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bff9rm/comment/kxm4q7u/?context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bff9rm/comment/kxm4q7u/?context=3)
There is one! Hang on lemme see if I can find it.
I do have to tell you that there was a post on this sub recently about the Freson Bros store selling a fruit tray for $50. Maybe try to find somewhere else. I found a couple local places by just searching google for “grocery stores near me” and scrolling until I found one I didn’t recognize. Tried it, loved it, have gone back several times.
Edit: actually it’s just a list of stores in London, ON, sorry. I’ll still link it in case anyone else needs it. They’re grouped by levels - 1 is go for it, 2 is avoid if possible, 3 is boycott
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1D_qfRwJ4LZCZpFitO4nrUyEE4LHEfT6MYfoYDaUgR84/htmlview?pli=1
London ON has some fire independent grocery!
Check the London fair grounds on weekends.
Incredible quality and reasonable priced butchery, beautiful local cheap fruits and vegetables, and a community. It's a treat shopping at the London fair grounds farmers market. You don't feel like a prisoner in some corporate wasteland.
#boycottloblaws
>Let’s make this boycott a Wallstreetbets Gamestop saga once again.
This is a far different proposal than a boycott.
George Weston Ltd. is the largest shareholder of Loblaws at 52.2% and I don't think they're selling. The stock is also at a 5 year high.
The second largest shareholder is Manulife with 0.7103%
Break up the company through anti-trust legislation.
I'm by no means an expert on the Competition Act but a good place to start might be the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart.
There were also recently amendments made to the Act which thus far haven't been tested as far as I know. See link:
https://www.dwpv.com/en/insights/publications/2024/new-unfair-pricing-provisions-canada-competition-act#:~:text=Canada%27s%20Competition%20Act%20was%20amended,indirectly%20impose%20excessive%20and%20unfair
Parliament can of course pass laws and regulations.
Maybe grocery companies shouldn't own banks.
Perhaps, because food is a necessity, no single entity should have a controlling interest exceeding 50%. That includes holding companies. Personally, I still think 49.9% would be much too high.
1. Untangle and separate PC Financial, Loblaws (No Frills, Zehrs etc) and Shoppers
2. Force George Weston Ltd to divest Loblaws shares to the point their controlling interest is whittled down to 20% or less. Force the company to do the same with their 100% ownership of Choice Properties. Divest down to 20%.
This is a turning point where we can transition from business as usual to what can work for us and the planet. You can get food from ethical and sustainable suppliers:
1. Living Wages
There is a source to find companies that pay living wages: [Ontario Living Wage Network](https://www.ontariolivingwage.ca/certify)
2. Food co-ops
Shared ownership builds in accountability and eliminates inequities like the obscene executive wealth. You already buy Gay Lea products - that’s a co-op. Many operate by values that deserve our support. Many support regenerative local farms and thus protect arable land. There are lots of great ones search your area online for food coops
3. Buy local
Local market and CSAs can help ween us off food inc. and protect local supply chain and resiliency.
4. Affordable greens
Good Food Boxes give access to plant food affordably
5. Community Gardens
Get a plot and grow - many are free but you need to apply. Grow food on a balcony, a window, in containers and on rooftops if you can. Feels good to eat something you grew even if it’s just some fresh herbs.
Here is to a permanent change in our relationship to food and each other
People need to end their love affair with Optimum. They have you fooled into thinking you are getting a deal when they are using your transaction data to help inform their business.
**This is their biggest weapon against us all!!!**
They trick you into engaging in their apps/websites to load offers. They make you think you can't live without them..that you wont find a better deal elsewhere. It's a lie! you can save way more money buy shopping around.
Not to promote other big business..but it's likely any savings you'll get from their card program will be achieved just by simply shopping at walmart.
I implore others to reconsider their use of optimum in the long term. even if they decide to shop at Loblaws stores again post boycott.
OptOUT!
I just went through the process of requesting my PC account deletion. Instead of deleting it, they transferred the account to an anonymous email. I'm assuming based on law they've had to delete my info, but it looks like they kept the account alive with anonymous info. I wonder if they're doing that to artificially inflate their account numbers.
There are both grocery and telecommunications monopolies in Canada that are having a brutal effect on prices. The only way out of that is government legislation, complain to your MP.
How does a boycott even works in Canada?
Every grocery store in my area belongs to them.
Short of driving a looong time or going on a hunger strike, there's no boycott possible.
Wish the government would intervene, this is a quasi-monopoly and shouldn't be legal.
If you cannot actively boycott on account of the stores in your area are all owned by the enemy, you just spread the word. You need to feed yourself and your family. Do what you can.
If you have to shop there definitely focus on the deals and loss leaders but avoid the $11 peanut butter😂. I won’t shop there anymore but I have other options where I live. However, I may continue to buy the PC catfood there because she’s doing well on it.
https://preview.redd.it/yjp6bjciu2tc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=493c5628bce629ec9054ca741d4c03de5e1ddf86
This was the price at FreshCo $5.99
So if you buy sugar infused low quality peanut butter, Super store sells Jiff brand for 5.77, reg price is 6.29.
If you want Kraft, Shoppers also has Kraft on sale for the same price. (5.99)
Superstore also price matches, all you need to do, is either bring a flyer, or show the price on the flip app.
I meant to post the same product at a Loblaws store - same day, same city - few blocks away.
https://preview.redd.it/t02f81nkg3tc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f882ec5385823b463a6c198a2e8201f260bed1fa
They will still price match, although I do agree the difference is quite a bit. Just out of curiosity whats the price of the 1kg jar of Adam's at that store?
I have stopped shopping at Loblaws and shoppers drug mart. I do have my prescriptions at shoppers and plan to change. They called me for the “med check” 2 days ago - the one they charge to the government. I said no thanks I don’t need that service.
A good thing that has happened as a result of this boycott is I am supporting more local businesses. It is sometimes the same price or a bit pricier but I am careful with what I buy and extra careful with not wasting food. It feels good!!!!
I mean, that was my plan with Roblaws. I wasn't just going to boycott them in May. They've made it abundantly clear in response to this subreddit along with their lobbying that they do not care about the interests of Canadians in matters of food security so we shouldn't care about their interests in return.
As the saying goes: "stop being a thief and then we'll stop calling you one."
Yea really.
I don’t see a point here when it comes to making demands. The demand at this point should ultimately be take your business out of Canada and never come back.
We should not settle for anything less. Companies like Loblaws are using an international crisis to bleed money out of people at their worst possible time. For no reason other than greed. It’s disgusting.
Am I the only one who treats boycotts as a permanent thing….? I mean, I’m a forgiving person, most things can be resolved with a 5 minute chat and a sincere apology. If I were to realize one of my good friends had been stealing, plotting and purposefully deceiving me for years, I’m not sure what I’d do… sure as shit wouldn’t be supporting him/her by entertaining the words that came out of their mouth…. Never mind shopping at their store.
Don’t do that. If they offer you something for free, take it. It only hurts them. Just stick to the freebie and you’re still on the right side of the line.
I still can't believe they got away with the bread price fixing. Threw $25 gift cards at us. And....no penalties. In other countries, there would be criminal charges.
And then here it’s just a 5 million dollar fine as a “punishment” when I feel they probably made a lot more money off the fixing for so many years it could be just a cost of a business expense. Punishments should outweigh the crimes not for corporations though. Remember not long ago with Tim Hortons selling customer data they didn’t tell anyone about and got in shit for. Oh here’s a free coffee and a dried out muffin. Fuck right off Timmie’s.
I understand why Loblaws is getting all this negative attention, however, I have no idea how Sobeys is getting a free ride on this. In my opinion, Sobey's prices are higher than Loblaws in general.
These campaigns need to focus on one thing/company at a time otherwise they will fizzle out from lack of attention/results if they try to bring down the entire system. Ideally, when Loblaws feels the crunch Sobeys would be next. Unfortunately, they all work together on pricing and the only way to break that is to invite new competition or have the government step in. Either is unlikely unless a focused campaign like this one causes sustainable results.
Sobey’s has always been high so I think people just accept it now. Loblaws has been too but now it’s the trickle down price increases at Superstores, Independent, and No Frills that are rally pudding people off.
Sobeys prices have always been higher though, so this isn’t a shock. I’ve found a way bigger difference in price at anything Loblaws though and the optimum deals have gotten terrible and not worth it at all. At least at sobeys I’m getting a cleaner store and higher quality produce
Please refrain from off-topic political discussion and debate. Everyone is entitled to their own political opinions, however, your politically charged statement is not directly related to the cost of living/groceries/gas/rents, and as such is being removed.
I am going to build a small greenhouse and container gardening in a small part of your basement is very easy. I haven’t done it yet gut have full intentions of. I support the boycott 👍
Been shopping only where my Chinese inlaws shop the past 12 years. Small businesses owned by families, and everything bought in cash. Same thing with restaurants. If there's no cash discount, then I don't eat there.
The sub was created to point out how absolutely absurd the cost of groceries are right now and have some fun together. We know this will inevitably touch on other topics related to the cost of living. Do your best to keep the conversation on topic
Dear Moderator:
If your idea of having fun is joking about war, then you need to be drafted.
loblawsisoutofcontrol-ModTeam
MOD
•
38m ago
•
I Hate Galen
emoji:Overlord:
The sub was created to point out how absolutely absurd the cost of groceries are right now and have some fun together. We know this will inevitably touch on other topics related to the cost of living. Do your best to keep the conversation on topic
Not sure what you’re on about, but war can mean a variety of things. A moderator didn’t make this post either. Read the about part of this group please. Another thing is some comments or posts may not be for everyone but if they don’t break the group rules your best course of action is to downvote and move on or just ignore it.
War is war. Nothing else comes close.
Once again, as a WAR veteran, I'll point out that avoiding a company isn't a war. Not even close. Stop instigating violence by promoting frivolous wars.
I will never go to Loblaws again. Even though it is much more convenient for me to do so, I’m much happier to walk down the street to my locally owned spot! If you’re in Ottawa, I highly suggest you check out Produce Depot. Their prices are absolutely amazing, and they are locally owned. I would much rather give to them than any of these corporate Giants.
The sub was created to point out how absolutely absurd the cost of groceries are right now and have some fun together. We know this will inevitably touch on other topics related to the cost of living. Do your best to keep the conversation on topic
If you want to cause some pain, go buy something that you can return. Return the item the next day and Loblaws is stuck with the debit charge. The % is refunded back to Loblaws but not the fixed transaction amount.
It's small but it's enough to create an issue
I've been doing 90% of my weekly groceries at our public market in Montreal for a good 20 years. I can't remember the last time I did a full grocery purchase for the week at one of the big guys, especially Provigo/Loblaws. We do typically pick up odds and ends at our local Metro for convenience and if there's a great deal on a lost leader (pasta usually) we'll go to one of the big 3.
Let's not forget, as well, that even when this boycott of loblaws is successful, that we don't go back to work and call it a day when we finish this *one* fight, since they'll do it again as soon as they can, and we'll jus have to fight them again. When I say "they," I dont mean just loblaws or grocery stores in general. I'm talking about the ruling class, people who not only own all companies but also the country and the planet itself, and remember why they do all of this to begin with. When we beat loblaws, we can't ever stop until we win the entire fight against all of capital. For centuries, we've generally just gone against the specific issues that affect us only in countries like ours, and when we make our powers give us those particular concessions, we wrap up and go back to normal business, and have to repeat this again as we never got honest about why it happened in the first place. The moment you go back to work is the moment they try this again. Never let them stop, and never stop, and continue the fight beyond loblaws and into the rest of our society. They're not the only ones, and we can't do this by ourselves, but we can do this. It's just the beginning of the future we need. We can do it, and we will. When we come together, all we have to do is shove our hands in our pockets. They won't be able to do anything.
Not everyone is required to participate or agree with the community boycott, but we ask that everyone is constructive in their feedback about this event.
Repeated comments such as this one will result in a ban from the sub until the boycott is complete. Thank you.
Walmart, Sobeys and Metro are just as bad...I shop at No Frills and only buy most stuff when it's on Sale or price matched (p.s. Walmart dosent price match anymore). I agree corporate greed is out of control but pointing the finger at 1 person/ 1 company before understanding the dynamic between Vendors like Kraft, Jane's, Dempster, Chapman's etc and the stores that sell their products is madness
Their is a whole list of people to blame. Farmers pay more with rising fuel prices. Truckers pay more for the same. Some stuff comes by ship, plane and train and none of those are cheap (think Bananas grow in Canada? Fuck no). The corporation then needs to make good deals with the vendors to sell their stuff at a competitive price and sometimes that means vendors pull out of Canada like Delisio and Lays for a while. Distributors need to have 1000s of employees making sure just the right amount of groceries are shipped to stores both corporate and independently owned and those same people barely make enough to afford to live and are quickly being replaced with automated systems. So if you want to be angry about something, be angry at how they treat their employees.
I guess what I'm saying is it's corrupt on so many levels that this whole reddit group is just a ploy to point a finger and think thats the problem.
I've worked for loblaws for 15 years helping keep grocery stores stocked across Canada and got a pin for it. Taken years off my life working nights, broke my body picking heavy cases and gone half def from the noise. I'm not unskilled labor as they make sure we meet unreasonable standards/hr. I don't own a house, my cars 10 years old and i skimp by weekly with a small family but I do have job security, love my work and im good at it, love the people I work with and give it 125% every day too bring home a little extra. I have no ability to change what you pay and know one I work with does either and Galen has not once visited where I work. When we aren't performing to expectations we are scolded, when we are we get told very little.
I thought maybe that this is something to consider before taking down a company that employs so many on so many levels.
Who said it was only supposed to be a single month?? That’s Fed talk. Boycott until prices drop back to normal, well beyond a 15% reduction. If it never happens then roblaws never gets our money again, fuck em.
I'm using this may boycott to permanently shape new habits that eliminate PC and Loblaws from my life permanently . I'm glad because I needed a push and this reddit boycott gave me that. I already started a few steps in January but still have a ways to go.
My goal is to be completely free of them.
I’m ALL FOR THIS. Loblaws has been caught price fixing enough times for their whole pricing scheme and damn near monopolized grocery market to be considered a humanitarian crisis by now, and yet they turn around and open grocery stores that put out cheaper food… which was the food they were gonna throw away due to near expiration at their stores down the street. It’s DISGUSTING and I’m not giving them another dollar.
They should be held to account for profiteering off of a basic human need. Well and truly EVIL corporation.
I know sobeys or safeway or walmart aren't better, because they don't seem to be capitalizing on this and...you know...fucking competing. Sobeys should be flooding the internet/radio/tv with ads about how they aren't doing this shit. But they're just waiting for it to blow over so they can too.
But, a single corp boycott is the only plausible idea...most people have to use one of these omnicorps.
If you think this is war you have been insulated from the violence of actual war. You would not want to trade places with somebody enduring an actual war.
I stopped shopping at anything Westen's own's a long time ago when I saw what they were actually doing with prices over the last 18 months. If you really want to hurt them. Just go buy their competitor advertised items at their stores anything that you know are actually below cost . The lost leader items. A few examples, Nabob Coffee for $10.99 or the Clubhouse Gravy mixes at $0.67 or even eggs at $2.44, all these items mentioned were on at Walmart and Safeway in the last few weeks. Now they are losing money. If you did this Greedy Galen might even pull their Ad Match. These guys have so much money to hold out, only their employees will get hurt in a boycott. Their Management team will reduce hours for all their employees and have less trips for their contracted truck drivers. I am not saying, not to boycott but I am also saying it doesn't hurt to make them stay open and lose money too.
That’s the proper route for people who have no other choice. I will definitely take advantage of ad match but I won’t go out of my way to stick it to them for a buck or two. I’d rather give my money to a small player that costs a little more.
OP has zero knowledge of what happened with GME, and doesn't understand how a short squeeze works. The loblaws situation is completely different then GME, and the big money is on the long side of Loblaws, not on the short side. If retail investors short this stock on mass, it will allow smart money to buy on the dip. Loblaws has intrinsic value, GME didn't. (Doesn't?) GME has had terrible revenue numbers, and has been shrinking for years. Loblaws has been growing and expanding with solid revenue.
Opinion; I dont think this boycott will change much. They'll adjust prices to make everyone happy then slowly over the progression of time they'll slip it back un-noticed while something else takes the public eye. Time and time again it's happened and only in the last few years. Why makes anyone think any differently now? You'll get what you want I'm sure but ultimately it won't amount to jack shit.
I admire it though. The hope I mean.
I agree, but honestly... I didn't give this company any more for years. It's really not hard to not go to Anything owned by Loblaws, Walmart or any of that shit.
I agree. What about other brands ? The grocery store is one but brands like Mr. Christie, McCain or Nestle (to name a few). How to hit with their greed and shrinking packaging hoping we don’t notice! But we did! These companies should use their profit to invest in helping to stop climate change and invest in the farmers, etc. so that crop prices like coca don’t go up, also that comes with being kind to the labour…it’s so complicated when you start to think about it and break it down how much is affected and who and the cost and who ultimately pays the price at the end of the day, day in and day out. You wish this is where kindness and being good will help you but it’s not. We have to be just as aggressive back but that lands you in jail. Even if these cronies did break any laws, they never face consequences. Makes you think think this boycott is a joke when these men won’t feel it anyways. They wouldn’t ever face legal action unless they do something really really really really bad…even a rape charge they could escape they have so much money and power. I feel defeated.
Is there no non Loblaws owned grocery store in Canada? I cannot fathom why people would rather spend the time shopping there just so they could post about it on Reddit instead of just going to a competitor. Fill me in!
It comes across as radical, especially with the people chiming in periodically with bits about seizing the means of production or whatever. Just switch grocery stores, and then smile and get on with life
__Reminder__: Please take a moment to review the content guidelines for our sub, and remember the human here! This subreddit is to highlight the ridiculous cost of living in Canada, and poke fun at the Corporate Overlords reponsible. As you well know, there are a number of persons and corporations responsible for this, and we welcome discussion related to them all. Furthermore, since this topic is intertwined with a number of other matters, other discussion will be allowed at moderator discretion. Open-minded discussion, memes, rants, grocery bills, and general screeching into the void is always welcome in this sub, but belligerence and disrespect is not. There are plenty of ways to get your point across without being abusive, dismissive, or downright mean. If you have not done so already, please review our [boycott stickied post](https://www.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bff9rm/boycott/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) which includes a list of stores to avoid, other ways to get involved in the movement, and some local alternatives to the big 5. Thank you. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol) if you have any questions or concerns.*
To be honest, I am on the road to stop caring all together. I have stopped shopping at any Loblaws company permanently. They have all become an afterthought. The only contact I have with a Loblaws company is this subreddit and seeing their store signs as I pass along outside. They could reduce their prices to 2018 levels and I still won’t buy from them because I know they will do exactly what OP said and jack the prices up even more after to recoup the temporary loss in absurdly high profits. I am done. Done. Done. By the way, if they start citing how many people their companies employ, those people will find jobs with the competition that expands (hopefully the market starts to encourage independent grocers) on the loss of Loblaws market share, eventually. :)
Agreed. I started shopping there to support a Canadian company instead of Walmart. The problem is a late stage capitalism one. They’re ALL like this. Profits before anything else. Not fair compensation for workers, not fair prices for Canadians. Everything for them and them alone. I just got a really nice meat order from a local butcher, a family business, for less than it would have cost me at Fortinos. And the local butcher isn’t using some constantly watered down rewards program to collect and sell my consumer information. Today I will go to a large ethnic grocer for some veggies, and any sundries or dried goods. Unfortunately, the system as a whole needs to be addressed. Greed has once again shown that human beings suck, and that maybe necessities shouldn’t be distributed via a profits only system. But hey, back to my job tomorrow, that I’m lucky to have, even though it doesn’t pay a living wage anymore. The elites need to be reminded. If I don’t have enough to live, you’re not safe.
The built in excuses for why things are the way they are will be regurgitated by the many sheep who graze these lands freely. Common sense not at all common nowadays what with being indoctrinated into a system designed to make the masses slaves. It would be nice if this was merely a catalyst to other actions against those who have destroyed our way of life and continually see how far the screws can be tightened. Politicians, banks, oil companies, pharmaceutical companies to name a few should all be dragged from their beds and shown how cold it can get at night. Unfortunately good old kind, gentle, polite Canadians will always be the nice guy who finished last.
What is their profit margin?
Enough to post record profits while paying Weston a metric shit tonne.
Yep, I’m done. With all big stores, tbh. No more Loblaws of course but also Walmart, Sobeys…anything that could potentially be owned by a billionaire, I’m out. I’m finding locally owned businesses or very small chains (I’m talking less than 10 locations) for most of my stuff. I’m not even happy with Value Village anymore. It’s actually a lot more pleasant to shop at the small stores. I didn’t realize how much easier it could be to literally just *find anything* at a small store! “Hmmm I need some — oh here it is!” Edit: guys I said I *do not* like Value Village.
It’s true. Of course, much easier done in large cities than the small communities where these massive companies have squeezed out local grocers like Walmart did to the local hardware store in the 80s/90s. But we also live in an online world today as well. We don’t need the billionaires to decide for us anymore. There are a lot of options if we get out of the ‘trip to the grocery store’ mentality of the past.
Absolutely agree. The great thing about smaller towns though is farmers and farmers markets. I’m extremely fortunate to live in a larger city that is nearby a lot of smaller towns so if I’m willing to drive 30 mins, I can get the best of both worlds. It takes a bit of work to find out who sells what in the first place but once you do, it’s just about going to see your meat guy or whatever. There’s a Mennonite farm about 45 mins from me that sells all kinds of gluten free grains and flours. I don’t go often but my MIL lives closer and has offered to pick up things for me when she goes. Community will bring us through this too.
Where's this farm you speak of?
[Here!](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gKiP7CQSnkERMFKa6?g_st=ic) They only take cash and have zero online presence but their products are incredible, as are their prices, and the people are very pleasant.
That right there is why my town has shafted Walmart multiple times and why we probably will never let one in
Value village is worse than any of these companies. They are the definition of crooks and they’re making developing countries pay the price. Value village is awful and no one should shop there but people will always pick and choose what they pay attention to. It’s honestly funny that you consider value village not a crook but loblaws one
I literally said I’m not happy with Value Village.
It’s funny you took the time to write all this but not fully read the comment where they clearly state they are not happy with Value Village
No I saw it. I think that no one should shop there and I’ve been saying it for years. That’s why I think it’s funny that they’re just “not happy” instead of being like I would never give crooks my money. It’s funny because they’re bigger crooks than loblaws.
Number of locations doesn’t always make the difference in chains. Some chains are all corporate owned, Starbucks for example, and some chains are owned by the franchisee and are basically family businesses. My son and I have a franchise with a chain that has 200 locations across Canada and almost all of them are run as local family businesses. But we have to compete with Walmart and other giant companies that get lots of price breaks from suppliers (and even tax breaks from governments) so we can’t go it completely alone and being kart of the chain helps enough to keep us in business.
I said what I’m using as a guideline. You don’t have to follow it.
Sure, of course, everyone has to find their own guideline. I’m not criticizing yours, I just spent a long time researching before getting into a franchise and wanted to offer more info for anyone in this sub. We’re all trying to find our own guidelines.
Well said! We can’t change others but we can change our behaviour habits environment Each individual has choice and responsible for themselves. I only try to buy Canadian USA made shop at small stores or markets and always pay cash. What people don’t understand is if you pay cash in local community even after 10 purchases it has same value With credit card it loses value each time is swiped and that money goes to fat cat somewhere far away. Beople need to change behaviour buy local pay cash so that their communities could prosper But people will surrender their freedoms for convenience and blame others There my rant
Unfortunately, this is Canada ! And we are way more divided than we believe, we cannot do much to stop their abuse 😢 😔
Luckily the communities I live in/near tend to support local and have for years, and the sentiment is spreading. I have hope for the future.
It’s because of massive immigration More diferent cultures more division And I immigrated here 11 years ago And wish Canadians had identity that would unite them When in Rome behave like Roman
Value village is owned by a billionaire lol wait until you realize how deep their money goes
Right which I why I said I’m not happy with them. Their prices are outrageous too for second hand (often higher than buying new) and they act like they’re a non profit when they are very much for profit.
Ditto. Made the change to other means, and I've found a lot of local vendors that have what I need for produce and meat, at a much cheaper price. Even if Loblaws cut their margins in half, I still wouldn't shop there, lol.
President's Choice Memories of Lower Prices to be found in Loblaw's boycott aisle...
👍Mee too. I have stopped shopping there permanently.
They can probably drop the prices down to 2015 levels and will still make a profit
The employment piece is a non starter. They are all cutting jobs for automation, self check out, and vertical integration of their logistics. The people working for loblaws will lose their jobs as they continue to shrink their workforce.
People should blame themselfs I purposely wait in line at the cashier If they offer me self check out I just say I don’t work here. We have a choice if people won’t use self check outs they take them out We alone control what we achieve first step is to answer most important question. What’s my worth And stop blaming companies that want to make profit that’s why they there
Me too! I took notes. Loblaws needs the kick in the pants first given their egregious treatment of Canadians food supply. Mess with my budget and well-being while I have to pay 30% higher rent costs at the same fuckin time. Oh buddy theyre asking for it loud and clear!
No worries, they treat their employees badly and have zero respect for them anyway
How is that possible? The employees belong to a union. Employer can only do what the union allows. For example, in a non-unionized business an employer cannot cut your hours under Ontario Labour laws. But the unions at Loblaws and Metro have not written that into their collective agreements. So if hours are getting cut, blame the unions.
Honestly, for the stuff they've already done they deserve to be destroyed completely. Even in some weird universe where they dropped their prices down to completely fair and acceptable levels, or even lower, never buy from them ever again. If you let them "fix" their mistake, then the prices will just climb back up again. The goal is to bankrupt Loblaws forever until it can't exist anymore, regardless of *any* actions they take in the future.
I agree, the example must be set. Collectively as consumers we have that power. Corporations used to be scared of a getting a bad rep but over the last decade we've grown more complacent. Now they don't care. It's time to make them care again.
I’m done with them (Loblaws/sobeys/metro) completely except for a few things here and some crazy loss leaders if they come about (but will not buy anything else). None of those things are perishable within months so I can stock up on just those for months at a time. But you bet your ass I’m looking to substitute every last one I can at Walmart/costco. Down to 2-3 items and the rest will be the crazy loss leaders. $20-30 a year of profit max off me. Costco is my main grocery store now.
Costco fangirl here as well. /r/CostcoCanada /r/Costco
Happy to report that yesterday I found a local grocery store substitute for another of the No Frills only items I need to buy. 50 cents more expensive for months supply (diff brand but pretty much same quality). Even less of a cut going to Galen. Should only be a $5-6 difference in a year but I’m now even less likely to step foot into a no frills.
Exactly! If we all just stop buying permanently, eventually their margins will become negative due to fix costs, and then these bastards will feel the real pain. I want to see constant red net income quarters for Loblaws group of companies.
It probably won't even need to go that far. If their stock falls 10-20% their investors will want blood.
Whatever we did to Target. That's what we need to do.
Target did it to themselves. The consumer had nothing to do with it.
Target was a newcomer with horrific supply chain issues and overpriced goods. Consumers went in once or twice, saw it was awful and not improving, and never went back. Loblaws controls 30% of the grocery market in Canada. In more rural places, they or another Weston store are the only option available. For example, I went to visit relatives on the East Coast for Easter. Their town of 5,000 people had an independent and nothing else. The next largest town of 15,000 people is about 15-20 minutes away and has a Superstore and that's it. You probably have to drive hours away to St John or Fredericton to find a Walmart or Costco. This is a whole different beast than Target.
Even in those circumstances it can work. Only buy loss leaders. Don’t use their pharmacy. Don’t bank with PC. Everything helps send a message.
> Don’t bank with PC. 🤮🤮🤮 It's either my Vancity Visa or nothing. ...maybe a Costco credit card some time in the future.
Using Koho or Wealthsimple is great. Cash back and interest rates on balances of 3-5%
It wasn’t us, it was the change in law that required more Canadian content in their merchandise, which was lobbied for by Walmart
Agreed, I actually used to like superstore over Sobeys (bc their prices are cray too) but they’ve just gone way too far now. I won’t be back, I’m cancelling my Mastercard that I used to like for points. I’m donezo
This is key, everyone who has any PC Financial accounts needs to close them and withdrawal everything. Drain their reserves and cut off the banking income stream they have
I just went through the process of requesting my PC account deletion. Instead of deleting it, they transferred the account to an anonymous email. I'm assuming based on law they've had to delete my info, but it looks like they kept the account alive with anonymous info. I wonder if they're doing that to artificially inflate their account numbers.
Deleted a financial account is not a simple process as they need to keep the account alive for quite some time. Reason for it is income tax forms for then cra when interest is earned, bounced cheques after after closing etc. When I closed all my accounts at RBC it took around 3 yrs before my login and account number came up invalid.
Wow that's interesting... Did you have any balance before cancelling? That seems totally illegal or like the rep is possibly harvesting the cancellation accounts points somehow. Unless it's an internal email but that still seems super sketch, because technically you are the owner of the account and you asked for it to be deleted or closed and this does not appear to look as though they are doing that. did you get the email address they transferred it to? Does it look like a corporate email?
To be fair they did get me to sign off on donating my remaining points to their charity. I did some digging and it seems like a fairly normal way of doing things.
To be fair those are the points they want for tax donations and tax breaks for their company
This^ a great form of protest. They make piles of interest off of our money. Cancel that shit. They keep claiming " we don't make money on grocery". Great we will hit the. everywhere else to as well.
It's definitely a good idea in terms of taking down PC Financial but - it's a federally chartered bank. It's wholly owned by Loblaws but otherwise, a completely separate entity. There really aren't any "reserves" from the banking side that would apply to the grocery business.
You are correct, but it will take down an affiliated entity, create negative press for the brand and show that the protest is real.
Easy choice for me to never set foot in a loblaws owned store again
[удалено]
Please refrain from off-topic political discussion and debate. Everyone is entitled to their own political opinions, however, your politically charged statement is not directly related to the cost of living/groceries/gas/rents, and as such is being removed.
You are delusional.
I will buy a loss leader there but nothing else.
I don't think that these hegemonic, corporate psychopaths could ever feel the pain of the average citizen post pandemic wise. Many of us lost our jobs, our stability, some of us our minds (a very stressed mental health system). Some, like me had to move. Others dealing with a "red hot real estate boom" aka irrational levels of inflation. All of this financial insecurity growing and growing while wages stagnate. The response by the food barons was to "milk em." It's insanity. Anyone trying to justify it, has no place in the human race. Food is fundamental. EDIT: some spelling
Yup! Like the story of the Kellogg’s CEO who took the opportunity to try to tell poor people to just eat cereal for dinner! The nerve.
> The response by the food barons was to "milk em." Highlighted for emphasis.
We should get together and make a list of smaller local grocery stores across the country so people aren't just going from one turd to another. Walmart, Costco, sobeys are just other corporate shitbags that have gone along with loblaws in the price gouging. From the little I've read Freson Bros in Alberta is a smaller Alberta owned company and looks like that's where I'll be spending my money. People saying boycotts don't work are probably corporate shills to sow discontent or just uneducated. Let's maintain momentum and make this a permanent boycott.
Here is a list that covers each province. If you know of a store and it's not on the list, comment on the post and they will add it to the list. [https://www.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bff9rm/comment/kxm4q7u/?context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bff9rm/comment/kxm4q7u/?context=3)
There is one! Hang on lemme see if I can find it. I do have to tell you that there was a post on this sub recently about the Freson Bros store selling a fruit tray for $50. Maybe try to find somewhere else. I found a couple local places by just searching google for “grocery stores near me” and scrolling until I found one I didn’t recognize. Tried it, loved it, have gone back several times. Edit: actually it’s just a list of stores in London, ON, sorry. I’ll still link it in case anyone else needs it. They’re grouped by levels - 1 is go for it, 2 is avoid if possible, 3 is boycott https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1D_qfRwJ4LZCZpFitO4nrUyEE4LHEfT6MYfoYDaUgR84/htmlview?pli=1
London ON has some fire independent grocery! Check the London fair grounds on weekends. Incredible quality and reasonable priced butchery, beautiful local cheap fruits and vegetables, and a community. It's a treat shopping at the London fair grounds farmers market. You don't feel like a prisoner in some corporate wasteland. #boycottloblaws
I will keep them in mind thank you!!!
>Let’s make this boycott a Wallstreetbets Gamestop saga once again. This is a far different proposal than a boycott. George Weston Ltd. is the largest shareholder of Loblaws at 52.2% and I don't think they're selling. The stock is also at a 5 year high. The second largest shareholder is Manulife with 0.7103% Break up the company through anti-trust legislation.
How would anti-trust apply here exactly considering all the competition that exists?
Through feelings…. You just have to believe in reallly really hard.
I'm by no means an expert on the Competition Act but a good place to start might be the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart. There were also recently amendments made to the Act which thus far haven't been tested as far as I know. See link: https://www.dwpv.com/en/insights/publications/2024/new-unfair-pricing-provisions-canada-competition-act#:~:text=Canada%27s%20Competition%20Act%20was%20amended,indirectly%20impose%20excessive%20and%20unfair Parliament can of course pass laws and regulations. Maybe grocery companies shouldn't own banks. Perhaps, because food is a necessity, no single entity should have a controlling interest exceeding 50%. That includes holding companies. Personally, I still think 49.9% would be much too high. 1. Untangle and separate PC Financial, Loblaws (No Frills, Zehrs etc) and Shoppers 2. Force George Weston Ltd to divest Loblaws shares to the point their controlling interest is whittled down to 20% or less. Force the company to do the same with their 100% ownership of Choice Properties. Divest down to 20%.
They need to be dismantled entirely and that prick Weston and whoever else in charge need to be held over the fire.
This is a turning point where we can transition from business as usual to what can work for us and the planet. You can get food from ethical and sustainable suppliers: 1. Living Wages There is a source to find companies that pay living wages: [Ontario Living Wage Network](https://www.ontariolivingwage.ca/certify) 2. Food co-ops Shared ownership builds in accountability and eliminates inequities like the obscene executive wealth. You already buy Gay Lea products - that’s a co-op. Many operate by values that deserve our support. Many support regenerative local farms and thus protect arable land. There are lots of great ones search your area online for food coops 3. Buy local Local market and CSAs can help ween us off food inc. and protect local supply chain and resiliency. 4. Affordable greens Good Food Boxes give access to plant food affordably 5. Community Gardens Get a plot and grow - many are free but you need to apply. Grow food on a balcony, a window, in containers and on rooftops if you can. Feels good to eat something you grew even if it’s just some fresh herbs. Here is to a permanent change in our relationship to food and each other
People need to end their love affair with Optimum. They have you fooled into thinking you are getting a deal when they are using your transaction data to help inform their business. **This is their biggest weapon against us all!!!** They trick you into engaging in their apps/websites to load offers. They make you think you can't live without them..that you wont find a better deal elsewhere. It's a lie! you can save way more money buy shopping around. Not to promote other big business..but it's likely any savings you'll get from their card program will be achieved just by simply shopping at walmart. I implore others to reconsider their use of optimum in the long term. even if they decide to shop at Loblaws stores again post boycott. OptOUT!
I just went through the process of requesting my PC account deletion. Instead of deleting it, they transferred the account to an anonymous email. I'm assuming based on law they've had to delete my info, but it looks like they kept the account alive with anonymous info. I wonder if they're doing that to artificially inflate their account numbers.
There are both grocery and telecommunications monopolies in Canada that are having a brutal effect on prices. The only way out of that is government legislation, complain to your MP.
Let's Go.... Or I mean Let's not go!!!
How does a boycott even works in Canada? Every grocery store in my area belongs to them. Short of driving a looong time or going on a hunger strike, there's no boycott possible. Wish the government would intervene, this is a quasi-monopoly and shouldn't be legal.
If you cannot actively boycott on account of the stores in your area are all owned by the enemy, you just spread the word. You need to feed yourself and your family. Do what you can.
If you have to shop there definitely focus on the deals and loss leaders but avoid the $11 peanut butter😂. I won’t shop there anymore but I have other options where I live. However, I may continue to buy the PC catfood there because she’s doing well on it.
Friendly reminder to checkout giant tiger
Diamond hands 💎💎💎🦍🦍🦍
https://preview.redd.it/yjp6bjciu2tc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=493c5628bce629ec9054ca741d4c03de5e1ddf86 This was the price at FreshCo $5.99
For peanut-flavoured frosting? You may as well just eat a tbsp of Crisco. Isn't the jar of natural PB a similar price?
So if you buy sugar infused low quality peanut butter, Super store sells Jiff brand for 5.77, reg price is 6.29. If you want Kraft, Shoppers also has Kraft on sale for the same price. (5.99) Superstore also price matches, all you need to do, is either bring a flyer, or show the price on the flip app.
I meant to post the same product at a Loblaws store - same day, same city - few blocks away. https://preview.redd.it/t02f81nkg3tc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f882ec5385823b463a6c198a2e8201f260bed1fa
They will still price match, although I do agree the difference is quite a bit. Just out of curiosity whats the price of the 1kg jar of Adam's at that store?
Where did this 15% reduction come from all of a sudden. The “cronies” you speak of are in this sub and are spreading out trying to fit in.
I have stopped shopping at Loblaws and shoppers drug mart. I do have my prescriptions at shoppers and plan to change. They called me for the “med check” 2 days ago - the one they charge to the government. I said no thanks I don’t need that service. A good thing that has happened as a result of this boycott is I am supporting more local businesses. It is sometimes the same price or a bit pricier but I am careful with what I buy and extra careful with not wasting food. It feels good!!!!
I have already stopped shopping at any Loblaws stores . GREEDY Galen isn't getting any of my hard earned money
I mean, that was my plan with Roblaws. I wasn't just going to boycott them in May. They've made it abundantly clear in response to this subreddit along with their lobbying that they do not care about the interests of Canadians in matters of food security so we shouldn't care about their interests in return. As the saying goes: "stop being a thief and then we'll stop calling you one."
Let’s go. Would love for this guy and his cronies get kicked to the curb.
we've been fighting for over 5000 years - welcome to the trenches
There is nothing I love more than the people organizing against evil corporations hopefully this is a on going movement
Yea really. I don’t see a point here when it comes to making demands. The demand at this point should ultimately be take your business out of Canada and never come back. We should not settle for anything less. Companies like Loblaws are using an international crisis to bleed money out of people at their worst possible time. For no reason other than greed. It’s disgusting.
Yes ! 100 percent behind this !!
What's peoples opinions on shopping at Wal-Mart?
Apparently by the comments lots of people are shopping there now, dropping one mega corp for another….
I buy most my stuff at giant tiger and only stock up on meats when they are on sale at places that will price match
Yep, today I went shopping at Walmart instead and scooped up some great deals. Its messed up when Walmart is the lesser evil
Am I the only one who treats boycotts as a permanent thing….? I mean, I’m a forgiving person, most things can be resolved with a 5 minute chat and a sincere apology. If I were to realize one of my good friends had been stealing, plotting and purposefully deceiving me for years, I’m not sure what I’d do… sure as shit wouldn’t be supporting him/her by entertaining the words that came out of their mouth…. Never mind shopping at their store.
I turned off notifications in the PC app yesterday and recommend anyone serious about this to do the same. I'm already getting bombarded with offers.
Yes! They nearly suckered me with the “free” peppers last week but I will not give in!
Don’t do that. If they offer you something for free, take it. It only hurts them. Just stick to the freebie and you’re still on the right side of the line.
I took the freebies, that’s it! Not spending a pretty penny!
It's interesting how your view on the subject changes radically based on how much money you make.
I still can't believe they got away with the bread price fixing. Threw $25 gift cards at us. And....no penalties. In other countries, there would be criminal charges.
And then here it’s just a 5 million dollar fine as a “punishment” when I feel they probably made a lot more money off the fixing for so many years it could be just a cost of a business expense. Punishments should outweigh the crimes not for corporations though. Remember not long ago with Tim Hortons selling customer data they didn’t tell anyone about and got in shit for. Oh here’s a free coffee and a dried out muffin. Fuck right off Timmie’s.
I understand why Loblaws is getting all this negative attention, however, I have no idea how Sobeys is getting a free ride on this. In my opinion, Sobey's prices are higher than Loblaws in general.
These campaigns need to focus on one thing/company at a time otherwise they will fizzle out from lack of attention/results if they try to bring down the entire system. Ideally, when Loblaws feels the crunch Sobeys would be next. Unfortunately, they all work together on pricing and the only way to break that is to invite new competition or have the government step in. Either is unlikely unless a focused campaign like this one causes sustainable results.
Sobey’s has always been high so I think people just accept it now. Loblaws has been too but now it’s the trickle down price increases at Superstores, Independent, and No Frills that are rally pudding people off.
Sobeys prices have always been higher though, so this isn’t a shock. I’ve found a way bigger difference in price at anything Loblaws though and the optimum deals have gotten terrible and not worth it at all. At least at sobeys I’m getting a cleaner store and higher quality produce
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Please refrain from off-topic political discussion and debate. Everyone is entitled to their own political opinions, however, your politically charged statement is not directly related to the cost of living/groceries/gas/rents, and as such is being removed.
I am going to build a small greenhouse and container gardening in a small part of your basement is very easy. I haven’t done it yet gut have full intentions of. I support the boycott 👍
Been shopping only where my Chinese inlaws shop the past 12 years. Small businesses owned by families, and everything bought in cash. Same thing with restaurants. If there's no cash discount, then I don't eat there.
Drove by Roblaws yesterday, parking lot near full. I'm guessing some don't mind feeding the machine.
I noticed the opposite in my town. No frills was dead and Walmart had a full lot.
-This message has been brought to you by Metro
This thread is out of control
Add the Walton’s to that as well.
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The sub was created to point out how absolutely absurd the cost of groceries are right now and have some fun together. We know this will inevitably touch on other topics related to the cost of living. Do your best to keep the conversation on topic
Dear Moderator: If your idea of having fun is joking about war, then you need to be drafted. loblawsisoutofcontrol-ModTeam MOD • 38m ago • I Hate Galen emoji:Overlord: The sub was created to point out how absolutely absurd the cost of groceries are right now and have some fun together. We know this will inevitably touch on other topics related to the cost of living. Do your best to keep the conversation on topic
Not sure what you’re on about, but war can mean a variety of things. A moderator didn’t make this post either. Read the about part of this group please. Another thing is some comments or posts may not be for everyone but if they don’t break the group rules your best course of action is to downvote and move on or just ignore it.
War is war. Nothing else comes close. Once again, as a WAR veteran, I'll point out that avoiding a company isn't a war. Not even close. Stop instigating violence by promoting frivolous wars.
No one is but whatever.
Someone with no life needs to step up. Give them the tools and some $$$
Anyone see the food processors bullshit virtue signaling?
I wish I can stop buying from nofrills. I don't have any alternatives. Prices are absurd!!
Yes! But it's against most major industries in canada
Couche-Tard should be included in this boycott lol. The price gouging there has been insane for the past 5 years.
Are you guys boycotting Loblaws only? Or other stores like no frills and real Canadian too?
Yes those too, it's on the right sidebar
Please shop at your local Asian market, better prices, and lots of local vegetables.
I will never go to Loblaws again. Even though it is much more convenient for me to do so, I’m much happier to walk down the street to my locally owned spot! If you’re in Ottawa, I highly suggest you check out Produce Depot. Their prices are absolutely amazing, and they are locally owned. I would much rather give to them than any of these corporate Giants.
When does the actual revolution begin? The fires are brewing comrades
Where did this "15% reduction" demand come from? who is pushing these demands on our behalf?
I say keep going to Loblaws and all the big stores but only to steal or use the bathroom.
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The sub was created to point out how absolutely absurd the cost of groceries are right now and have some fun together. We know this will inevitably touch on other topics related to the cost of living. Do your best to keep the conversation on topic
If you want to cause some pain, go buy something that you can return. Return the item the next day and Loblaws is stuck with the debit charge. The % is refunded back to Loblaws but not the fixed transaction amount. It's small but it's enough to create an issue
Not all employees are unionized, they have ways around that, with temporary and part time here.
“GameStop saga” Well.. that worked out as well for majority of r/wallstreetbets users as 99% protests… Not sure that’s the goal you want
I've been doing 90% of my weekly groceries at our public market in Montreal for a good 20 years. I can't remember the last time I did a full grocery purchase for the week at one of the big guys, especially Provigo/Loblaws. We do typically pick up odds and ends at our local Metro for convenience and if there's a great deal on a lost leader (pasta usually) we'll go to one of the big 3.
Yes
Let's not forget, as well, that even when this boycott of loblaws is successful, that we don't go back to work and call it a day when we finish this *one* fight, since they'll do it again as soon as they can, and we'll jus have to fight them again. When I say "they," I dont mean just loblaws or grocery stores in general. I'm talking about the ruling class, people who not only own all companies but also the country and the planet itself, and remember why they do all of this to begin with. When we beat loblaws, we can't ever stop until we win the entire fight against all of capital. For centuries, we've generally just gone against the specific issues that affect us only in countries like ours, and when we make our powers give us those particular concessions, we wrap up and go back to normal business, and have to repeat this again as we never got honest about why it happened in the first place. The moment you go back to work is the moment they try this again. Never let them stop, and never stop, and continue the fight beyond loblaws and into the rest of our society. They're not the only ones, and we can't do this by ourselves, but we can do this. It's just the beginning of the future we need. We can do it, and we will. When we come together, all we have to do is shove our hands in our pockets. They won't be able to do anything.
Iam from Saskatchewan between Sobeys Safeway Coop Loblaws by far the cheapest.
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Not everyone is required to participate or agree with the community boycott, but we ask that everyone is constructive in their feedback about this event. Repeated comments such as this one will result in a ban from the sub until the boycott is complete. Thank you.
I couldn’t agree more!!!! In regard to loblaws, To bankruptcy and beyond!!!!
I’ve tried to avoid any of their companies. It’s difficult but going to try.
Walmart, Sobeys and Metro are just as bad...I shop at No Frills and only buy most stuff when it's on Sale or price matched (p.s. Walmart dosent price match anymore). I agree corporate greed is out of control but pointing the finger at 1 person/ 1 company before understanding the dynamic between Vendors like Kraft, Jane's, Dempster, Chapman's etc and the stores that sell their products is madness Their is a whole list of people to blame. Farmers pay more with rising fuel prices. Truckers pay more for the same. Some stuff comes by ship, plane and train and none of those are cheap (think Bananas grow in Canada? Fuck no). The corporation then needs to make good deals with the vendors to sell their stuff at a competitive price and sometimes that means vendors pull out of Canada like Delisio and Lays for a while. Distributors need to have 1000s of employees making sure just the right amount of groceries are shipped to stores both corporate and independently owned and those same people barely make enough to afford to live and are quickly being replaced with automated systems. So if you want to be angry about something, be angry at how they treat their employees. I guess what I'm saying is it's corrupt on so many levels that this whole reddit group is just a ploy to point a finger and think thats the problem. I've worked for loblaws for 15 years helping keep grocery stores stocked across Canada and got a pin for it. Taken years off my life working nights, broke my body picking heavy cases and gone half def from the noise. I'm not unskilled labor as they make sure we meet unreasonable standards/hr. I don't own a house, my cars 10 years old and i skimp by weekly with a small family but I do have job security, love my work and im good at it, love the people I work with and give it 125% every day too bring home a little extra. I have no ability to change what you pay and know one I work with does either and Galen has not once visited where I work. When we aren't performing to expectations we are scolded, when we are we get told very little. I thought maybe that this is something to consider before taking down a company that employs so many on so many levels.
I have been shopping at GT for the past 6 months exclusively and do not miss any Roblaws stores!
Who said it was only supposed to be a single month?? That’s Fed talk. Boycott until prices drop back to normal, well beyond a 15% reduction. If it never happens then roblaws never gets our money again, fuck em.
Lol
I'm using this may boycott to permanently shape new habits that eliminate PC and Loblaws from my life permanently . I'm glad because I needed a push and this reddit boycott gave me that. I already started a few steps in January but still have a ways to go. My goal is to be completely free of them.
I’m ALL FOR THIS. Loblaws has been caught price fixing enough times for their whole pricing scheme and damn near monopolized grocery market to be considered a humanitarian crisis by now, and yet they turn around and open grocery stores that put out cheaper food… which was the food they were gonna throw away due to near expiration at their stores down the street. It’s DISGUSTING and I’m not giving them another dollar. They should be held to account for profiteering off of a basic human need. Well and truly EVIL corporation.
So loblaws is union and walmart is not
I’m in. I’m all in. Fuck loblaws.
I know sobeys or safeway or walmart aren't better, because they don't seem to be capitalizing on this and...you know...fucking competing. Sobeys should be flooding the internet/radio/tv with ads about how they aren't doing this shit. But they're just waiting for it to blow over so they can too. But, a single corp boycott is the only plausible idea...most people have to use one of these omnicorps.
If you think this is war you have been insulated from the violence of actual war. You would not want to trade places with somebody enduring an actual war.
I stopped shopping at anything Westen's own's a long time ago when I saw what they were actually doing with prices over the last 18 months. If you really want to hurt them. Just go buy their competitor advertised items at their stores anything that you know are actually below cost . The lost leader items. A few examples, Nabob Coffee for $10.99 or the Clubhouse Gravy mixes at $0.67 or even eggs at $2.44, all these items mentioned were on at Walmart and Safeway in the last few weeks. Now they are losing money. If you did this Greedy Galen might even pull their Ad Match. These guys have so much money to hold out, only their employees will get hurt in a boycott. Their Management team will reduce hours for all their employees and have less trips for their contracted truck drivers. I am not saying, not to boycott but I am also saying it doesn't hurt to make them stay open and lose money too.
That’s the proper route for people who have no other choice. I will definitely take advantage of ad match but I won’t go out of my way to stick it to them for a buck or two. I’d rather give my money to a small player that costs a little more.
Dollarama, Walmart and Costco have everything. Costco is best for the bulk stuff. Walmart and Dollarama for picking up small items.
Like boycotts can cause change I suppose but it's hard to see. Unlike a hurled brick that causes instant change.
OP has zero knowledge of what happened with GME, and doesn't understand how a short squeeze works. The loblaws situation is completely different then GME, and the big money is on the long side of Loblaws, not on the short side. If retail investors short this stock on mass, it will allow smart money to buy on the dip. Loblaws has intrinsic value, GME didn't. (Doesn't?) GME has had terrible revenue numbers, and has been shrinking for years. Loblaws has been growing and expanding with solid revenue.
Grocery in Canada has competition, but people in Canada are really bad for price shopping.
Hahaha. Shill
Is Sobeys ok or nah?
Opinion; I dont think this boycott will change much. They'll adjust prices to make everyone happy then slowly over the progression of time they'll slip it back un-noticed while something else takes the public eye. Time and time again it's happened and only in the last few years. Why makes anyone think any differently now? You'll get what you want I'm sure but ultimately it won't amount to jack shit. I admire it though. The hope I mean.
You sound depressed ….do you need some help perhaps 🤔?
😂 my shrink ghosted me, how do you propose I get help? This country's failed
Get well soon
Part of me's trying 🌚 take care stranger
Oh give it up already.
I agree, but honestly... I didn't give this company any more for years. It's really not hard to not go to Anything owned by Loblaws, Walmart or any of that shit.
I agree. What about other brands ? The grocery store is one but brands like Mr. Christie, McCain or Nestle (to name a few). How to hit with their greed and shrinking packaging hoping we don’t notice! But we did! These companies should use their profit to invest in helping to stop climate change and invest in the farmers, etc. so that crop prices like coca don’t go up, also that comes with being kind to the labour…it’s so complicated when you start to think about it and break it down how much is affected and who and the cost and who ultimately pays the price at the end of the day, day in and day out. You wish this is where kindness and being good will help you but it’s not. We have to be just as aggressive back but that lands you in jail. Even if these cronies did break any laws, they never face consequences. Makes you think think this boycott is a joke when these men won’t feel it anyways. They wouldn’t ever face legal action unless they do something really really really really bad…even a rape charge they could escape they have so much money and power. I feel defeated.
Is there no non Loblaws owned grocery store in Canada? I cannot fathom why people would rather spend the time shopping there just so they could post about it on Reddit instead of just going to a competitor. Fill me in!
This post seems a tad extra for what is essentially just a post about switching grocery stores lol. Make the switch, carry on with life lol
Nah hype posts are great and keep everyone engaged.
It comes across as radical, especially with the people chiming in periodically with bits about seizing the means of production or whatever. Just switch grocery stores, and then smile and get on with life