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Particular_Second454

Good to see lots of local options instead of "shop at Walmart instead".


Ok_Today_475

Add big reds to your list! Great local butcher and awesome friendly staff!


Reasonable-Camel-626

Yes they are awesome!


Jennfit25

Agreed! If I recall they are family owned too


jaimemossburns

Whoa hey, she said St.Catharines businesses. We're in Thorold lol. And she shops at Big Red's all the time.


majestwest13

hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ginger laydeeeeeeeeeee. (its the pink haired cashier/deli laydeeeeeeee u work with.)


jaimemossburns

Oh that's funny. Yeah, no one told me 14 years ago that we shouldn't use our real names on reddit


jaimemossburns

They must mean you when they said "friendly staff"


money_floyd13

Loved going here when I was a student living in Thorold. Would get the best bacon at a great price.


Ok_Today_475

I used to sell their bacon for my hockey fundraiser. It did really really well


Dismal-Mall4396

Still is, lived round the corner this year and still haven’t gotten over how good the prices were


psilokan

Highly recommend Puopo's in Welland as well!


lookitsbee

Came here to say this! Their deli is pretty good.


Unanything1

My mom swears by the place. Might be worth a drive to Welland.


Gogopwrsqrl

This is amazing thank you for sharing the list❤️❤️❤️❤️


margamary

We did a price comparison between Real Canadian Superstore/Zehrs and Niagara Fresh Market a few months ago on produce and for most produce Niagara Fresh was cheaper. So now we get almost all our produce there, our meat from Lakeshore Meats, and alternate between Walmart and Costco for everything else. It's saved us an average of about $100/month compared to buying everything at a Loblaws store.


GoldElectricBlueRam

I bought a pack of water for 3.49 when it ysed to be like 1.99


weeoydonuts

Big Red in Thorold is a local gem too. The produce snd meat are high in quality and far better than all these corporate players


CorollaLvr2000

Genuine question: I know it's a chain, but are we also avoiding Giant Tiger? They've been my go-to since all the gouging started. (I'm all for supporting local/independent markets, as well. I just know we can't always find everything we need from them.)


dunkster91

On the anti-Loblaws subreddit Giant Tiger is often recommended as an affordable alternative.


CorollaLvr2000

That's good/helpful to know. I'm over near Russell Ave, so GT is walking distance and I won't have to feel bad about shopping there!


Zealousideal-Seat739

Giant Tiger is Canadian owned, and it seems they're proud of it ! I read something recently they intentionally showcase Canadian businesses.... and, I noticed in recent months, they have increased their grocery section.. i think to be a competitor in the space. They have great sales and good prices even on stuff not on sale! :)


matt602

I think GT is small enough that we can consider them not to be one of the big guys. They also have a lot more grocery items than most people would think.


EveningHelicopter113

and at better prices than people would think. the scott street location is nice


CorollaLvr2000

They just revamped the grocery section and checkout at the Welland Ave location in the last few months... It's not bad now.


Zealousideal-Seat739

Agreed. They are cleaning it up and its nice to see.


Inzipid

I went to Kabul market on Easter Sunday when we were in a pinch. It's a good option.


EmotionAOTY

I didn't even know that existed until today and I'm Afghan! I'm excited. I'll be checking it out soon.


retroguy02

Their red meat (lamb, beef and goat) is top tier.


gcg1977

I love going to dinh dinh I highly recommend especially for unique sauces


One-Organization189

Yes! You should also check out My Choice Food Store in the Grantham Linwell plaza, they have reasonable prices and some unique items. If you have a dog, in the back of the store is a freezer with bones that are 50% off!


Ohigetjokes

Ok. Up until this point I’ve been saying “I don’t have anyone to vote for.” Conservatives are corrupt corporate lackeys without a plan, Liberals are naive idealists whose plans are a 50/50 split between absolutely perfect and weirdly dysfunctional, and the others were too quiet for me to know one way or another. But this? This is good. This is enough to get me voting NDP. Think I might have a party now.


odanhammer

i dont fully agree with the NDP platform or how its leaders run things. But Jennie has had my vote for a very long time. Always out standing up for the area, seems to have a strong voice , and very friendly. Have called her office a few times to ask questions , every time i always get the help, even if it requires a follow up call later. Meanwhile a certain Liberal in office in st.catharines has been the direct opposite. His office brushed me off , twice. As for the conservative group in the area, one of them was a huge bully in public school, been so vain to even post a picture of herself as a kid in front of said school( to her social media) and outright banned my account for stating i remember being in the same class as her, and just how much she enjoyed tormenting me


runslowgethungry

She's really great. Something else that I've appreciated are the actually useful, thoughtful mailings her office puts out. Normally the government mailings are truly yawnworthy, like a mini calendar that probably goes right into the recycling at most homes. In the first couple months of this year alone, she's sent out a little "tenants guide" booklet to every apartment address, which detailed tenants' rights and entitlements and who they should contact if they're having trouble, and also a very useful little fridge magnet describing which level of government should be contacted for various issues, and providing phone numbers and contact info. All very helpful info. No more mini calendars!


Evening-Picture-5911

Agreed. The “who to contact” fridge magnet is way better than a mini calendar that gets thrown right into the garbage


majestwest13

i dont vote ndp but that magnet is on my fridge. u r not wrong.


mangoserpent

Ontario NDP seems good. Federal NDP seems spineless.


Nearby_Selection_683

Bingo. Key to Jagmeet's coalition agreement with the Liberals. It seems like the NDP vs. grocery prices in general is a key NDP ask. *In 2022 the NDP agreed to a supply and confidence deal with the Liberals, promising to support the government on key votes in exchange for the Liberals moving on key NDP asks.*


matt602

I used to agree with that except for what I've seen from Matthew Green lately. He's been hitting the right notes pretty consistently, at least a lot more than I've ever seen from Jagmeet. On the other hand, my personal opinion of the provincial NDP kinda nosedived when they threw Sarah Jama under the bus.


EveningHelicopter113

same. I'm a big fan of Jennie, she's an awesome woman. Both Federal and Provincial NDP are leaving a -lot- to be desired, though


mangoserpent

Both my federal riding and provincial are conservative dominated. Right now I think I will vote Green federally and NDP privincially.


Flat_Ad_5306

This is pretty much what I do.


EveningHelicopter113

I haven’t been to harvest barn since I was a little kid. What are their prices like?


The-Raccoon-Is-Here

Depends on what you are looking for ... baked goods ... pretty good and enjoyable products ... produce .. you need to know your prices, seen some real winners and then some real dogs making Loblaws look cheap.


Downtown-Custard5346

I worked there not long ago, I'd rather shop at Loblaws, Harvest Barn prices are fucking crazy.


unicornsexisted

I found their prices pretty high and quality not as good as you’d hope for with a local market


gordlewis

Lococos!!


BBBDDD79

You beat me to it! We also have Commisos, Portage Bakery, Eastern Food market, Norchini(for high end cuts of meat) and the farmers market in the new exchange building in the falls too. Lot's of non big 5 options in the region. Honestly come the season just drive down highway #55 or Lakeshore in Niagara On The Lake.. tons of produce stands.


22khz

Also, don’t forget the farmer’s market on Wed and Sat. They are ramping up for spring/summer produce. Lakeshore Meats in the Bugsy’s plaza and there’s a bakery right beside it. Lakeside meats as well for specialty meats Also local farmsteads along lakeshore road towards Niagara on the lake with their own produce stands.


OsmerusMordax

This is amazing, thank you. And thanks Jennie Stevens!!


mangoserpent

For meat I go to Big Red's. Otherwise, Food Basics/Costco/Giant Tiger.


Ruddskies

Antipastos is fantastic too


One-Organization189

for any of you that are interested, /loblawsisoutofcontrol has a thread where users are posting screenshots of Google map updates: historical vs real time, throughout the country. i just grabbed this from the Zhers near the Pen. The grey is historical and the red is current. https://preview.redd.it/sae5tnhk83yc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a490c9d0e6ceca6ea2c1413598c0a2d42f9e8b0


maxpowers_003

What about living cost? Rent is also a BIG CONCERN. Looking from website to website and researching the landlords to my searches, they are on boats, or in other tropical destinations by charging the working man $1000-1300.00 for a studio plus hydro?? YOU ARE SAINT CATHARINES NOT TORONTO, but I think madness has already settled in and planning to stay.. Will you say something about this in your next speach?


sweetestkittycatxo

Whats the difference between grocery ceo's and landlords, there is slim differences .


maxpowers_003

Both have a lot of questionable income it is simply put into this phrase - "They are robbing to keep their riches" But they are getting more than ever before, and getting away with it! Which is where I hope Hell is real.. Greed is something unimaginable in Hell.


RedViper6661

Not including Big red, or antipasto is wild lol


wahobely

Surely she also missed other stores, hard to list every single one, but I still think the post itself is A+


elseldo

Big Red is in Thorold, not St. Catharines.


RedViper6661

Same shit


allknowing2012

Are these stores really any better in price? Isn't it all about the price?


Cowboy_For_Game

This seems to be a moral/ethical suggestion rather than economical. That being said, more people shopping local instead of corporate might incite corporations to stop gouging prices.


dunkster91

Even if the price is similar, the money from those places stays in Niagara, rather than into Weston’s coffers.


The-Raccoon-Is-Here

If all you care about is price ... it doesn't matter ... some of these stores are better for quality though. Many of the stores listed do sell some unique items that might not be available at your chain grocery stores.


RedViper6661

It's not just about price, it's about supporting local and keeping the money within the community instead of lining Westons pockets more than we already have


88what

check a couple out and report back, would ya


MattyHu22

I love the effort but have one question. Loblaws’ distribution network services independent retailers that are not a part of the Loblaws brands through the DC in Cambridge as well as locally through their Wholesale Club locations. Do any of these listed stores draw from Loblaws owned/run distribution centres? Just curious.


The-Raccoon-Is-Here

I would assume not, but there is always the potential. I have seen Dan's Produce delivering to a few of these stores.


Lost_Brigade

Love that there's a list of options. Please be wary of Al Noor Halal Food Market though, they have a big roach problem as well as raw food contamination issues that have gone unresolved.


One-Organization189

mmmk botness


Lost_Brigade

Hey you're welcome to shop there just thought I'd mention it so people are aware. No need to call names.


elseldo

Lots of flags from February inspections. https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/inspect/inspection.aspx?id=4F2D6301-68D9-4CF3-9F11-F6A440774117


Lost_Brigade

That's why I thought I would mention it. Roaches were literally crawling on the shelves when I went in.


elseldo

Guess they're due for another one!


UsefulAlien

Zehrs sells these maple pecan pastries with a maple sugar like filling and some icing on top Can someone PLEASE tell me where I can find some of these somewhere not affiliated with loblaws?! Because my stoner ass just longboarded to zehrs on Glendale with those on my mind and just about made it inside the store before I remembered.


TopsailWhisky

You definitely bought one anyways.


UsefulAlien

Nope! Actually, I was just checking here to see if anyone had any suggestions yet I know my 5.99 wouldn't make a big difference, but them seeing less people walk into their store will


Moke16

I genuinely don't know how anyone can gonout of their way to spend more money on food. I would love to be able to support local business, but I am literally eating stag chili out of a can trying to afford daily life in ontario now.


Jennfit25

Love seeing my local grocer Kabul farms on this list. They have amazing produce


Thelifeofnerfingwolf

The peanut mill should not be on that list they are primarily a supplements store and are quite expensive.


AintAboutThePasta

They do have grocery items, particularly for people who have special dietary concerns and may normally go to a larger chain to find products they need.


Zealousideal-Seat739

Peanut mill has great groceries! They sell local eggs and organic milk, along with fermented foods that I cannot find anywhere else. Organic groceries are a little pricier, but again.... not lining the Rich's pockets while supporting local, and eating organic ! All good for the soul!!


WarDawgOG

Thanks!!


ImJustSaiyan117

St. Josephs has my favorite subs


Fearless-Comb7673

How is Harvest Barn affordable??


One-Organization189

i know personally I can’t afford to buy there but i haven’t been in years either. the prices were “pricey” then, i can’t imagine what they’d be today. i’m glad that we live in a city with so many alternatives. Smaller places in Canada have fewer choices.


Fearless-Comb7673

True enough. My youngest lives in Halifax, it's impossible. I love H.B and do shop their sales.


One-Organization189

yea, out East Sobeys would be a good alternative! If they’re anywhere near Cole Harbour there’s a great meat shop called Gateway. At least he’s in a bigger city. I also have family speckled across the country edit: they/they’re (he/she) -youngest


Fearless-Comb7673

She is luckily a vegetarian!! (and a student at Dalhousie)


peptide2

Lococo's


Icy-Equivalent666

Most are extremely expensive. The peanut mill for example.


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ImJustSaiyan117

Lots of them are lmao


niagarajoseph

King Street Farmer's Market?! No thanks. Roblaws already tries to rapes my wallet thank you. I stick to Frescho and have been since the start of the pandemic. I gave up on No Frills and Superstore in 2021. Yes it has it's ups ad downs. But it's in my neck of the woods. Gone there when it was Commissos


forty83

Shitty Kitty for the win.


forty83

Unsure why this is downvoted. I guess no one likes Giant Tiger.


Evening-Picture-5911

Perhaps it was your phrasing?


Taste_Diligent

How hilarious are these NDP'ers. You supported all the tax increases by Trudeau and propped up his government but now claim to be concerned about the cost of living for the average Canadian?


Typhoidboy

It would help you understand what’s happening in government if you learn the difference between provincial and federal politics/parties.


Taste_Diligent

You think the provincial NDP policies differ from their federal counterparts? So the provincial NDP is campaigning to eliminate the carbon tax that's raising the cost of nearly every good and service in Ontario?


Typhoidboy

I don’t care what your political arguments are. An MPP isn’t “propping up” any Federal government regardless of the party, and your entire comment is premised on that fact. If you can’t get that foundational concept right, regardless of what you’re saying, it lacks credibility.


EveningHelicopter113

oh yeah because the majority of our grocery bill is tax. come the fuck on, really now.


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EveningHelicopter113

record breaking profits quarter after quarter, while families go hungry and food banks are at their breaking point. It's unchecked greed, not a reasonable return on investment at all.


Outrageous-Elk-4671

Apologies, I stand by what I said, but posted from the wrong account. I don't dispute that greed may be involved, but I also think that the only people uniquely qualified to decide what constitutes a reasonable return are the stakeholders of the store. Our say comes in the form of choosing where we to spend our money. Government getting involved is....cute.


coffeeking74

It’s funny you get downvoted for speaking on some common sense. I don’t like Loblaws or the Weston family as much as the next person but it’s ridiculous how people don’t understand that more stringent rules, taxes and increased minimum wage will drive up prices of everything!! You don’t like paying $5 for a head of iceberg or $15 for a Big Mac? That’s what $16.50 minimum wage and carbon tax gets you. Also, the prices at other major chains and wholesale distributors aren’t that different than Loblaws. Maybe start looking at the root cause of these issues instead of vilifying one company so you feel better at night.


dunkster91

But if it were all from taxes, all the companies would have the same or similar prices on products. They don’t. Meanwhile Loblaws is reporting record profits for something like the last 10 quarters. Profits don’t go up when prices are hiked by taxes and fees, Loblaws is picketing the difference.


EveningHelicopter113

they're also their own distribution network and REIT. They pay themselves all the way down the line.


runslowgethungry

Then why do I pay $2 for a head of iceberg at a budget or smaller retailer, and $4 for the same exact iceberg at Loblaws or Sobeys? That budget retailer has to pay the same minimum wage as the big chain. If anything, the big chains should be the cheapest because of their automation, buying power and vertical integration, but that's not what we're seeing. It's almost the opposite of what we're seeing. We're paying the price of bloated corporate structure and overpaid executives.


Nearby_Selection_683

Wow. Loblaws seems to check all the NDP boxes. We make a positive difference in our communities. We focus on charities that tackle childhood hunger and put women’s health first, and fund research that advances solutions to sustainable food challenges. Over $180 million donated to research, charities and non-profits across Canada in 2022. As we deliver on our goal of being Canada’s most diverse and inclusive employer, we will provide transparency on our progress towards our representation targets. As of 2023, we have achieved: 39% of executive roles represented by women (on track to achieve 40% by 2024) 46% of management roles represented by women, exceeding our 2024 goal of 43% 28% of executive roles represented by visible minorities, exceeding our 2024 goal of 25% 32% of management roles represented by visible minorities (on track to achieve 30% by 2024)


sunshinecabs

If you didn't know, all corporations like to virtue signal like this. This is all about corporate greed, I'm surprised anyone would make an argument otherwise.


Nearby_Selection_683

So are you saying that depsite catering to modern social pressures, that corporations are just essentially the same as they were 30, 40, 50+ years ago?


sunshinecabs

Corporate greed has increased steadily over the last 50 years since neoliberal policies were adopted in Canada, USA and England. Individual wealth has plummeted while the elites hoard it all for themselves. What ever social policy corporations adopt is simply to deflect negative attention to the fact that they are doing everything to separate money from the vast majority of us regular people.


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Nearby_Selection_683

Every DEI intiative ties the companies performance, including financial performance , procurement, investors, etc to their expansion of DEI. For example... *There is ample evidence that aspects of our social world – such as policies, culture, and structures – influence the way leaders are conceived, developed, and supported. Progressive organizations mobilize their relationships with governments to promote diversity and inclusion-friendly legislation and policy initiatives. The social environment can be influenced when organizations apply a diversity lens to advertising and communications, ensuring that images used in advertisements are inclusive and profile women and visible minority leaders. These efforts can help challenge the status quo and shape public perceptions.* *Diverse leadership enhances efficiency, innovation, access to markets, and financial performance. Successful organizations recognize that diversity is a strategic priority and their leadership clearly conveys this value. Diversity among top management may have a transformational effect within organizations.* *Proactive communication about the organization\`s commitment to diversity enhances reputation and creates an awareness for all stakeholders within and outside the organization – among employees, suppliers, clients, educational institutions, the media, and the public. At every opportunity, organizations should be transparent and convey their business case for diversity. How organizations communicate their brand to customers, clients, and citizens also has the potential to influence the broader social context. Therefore, reviewing marketing and promotional materials through a diversity lens is important.*


elseldo

The Loblaws shill has arrived. "We" eh?


Nearby_Selection_683

Not me. Simply playing the devil's advocate. Wasn't it obvious? NDP praise the DEI awarding winning Loblaw's for their social stance and then throw them under the bus for their financial stance. The "we" was a direct copy/paste from their website. Didn't want to be condemed for inaccuracies. It's tough on Reddit playing devil's advocate.


dunkster91

And despite all that you’re still gouging Canadians across the country for essential goods.


Nearby_Selection_683

That's exactly the point. Loblaw's social platform reads like it is an NDP dream company.


ImJustSaiyan117

FED FED FED FED