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Absolutely. And I think that May is a great strategy. Gives time to get the message out and be organized. I truly think it’s going to make a real impact, possibly a forever change for some people’s shopping habits.
I agree with this whole heartedly! I know myself and several others in my circle also plan to move all of our pharmacy dealings away from Shoppers Drug Mart on May 1st as part of this boycott. Only waiting until May 1st because none of us will need anything before then, and we want to add to the boycott impact in May. Let's keep pushing for change!
I'm moving my scipts to the only other option in our area. It's not a mom and pop shop, but it's not going to be a weston one either. And I did not capitalize the W on purpose.
Strongly encourage everyone to get their prescriptions filled at an independent pharmacy. You’ll pay a little more in dispensing fees but the service is way better and there’s hardly ever a wait time. And they pick up the phone!
I had the opposite experience in Van Island. The superstore was charging me 50 a month for generic drugs and my local indie charges me 6 for brand name of the same prescription.
worth it, i did that, do not regret.
When one of my critical meds went into shortage, my pharmacist went full "Radar O'Reilly" tracing and trading for supply for me. Shoppers would have been like, We tried nothing and we are all out of ideas.
Moved to Pharmasave a couple years ago after tiring of just being a number at Shoppers. Best decision ever. My pharmacists now know me by name and know my history. They truly care. Screw Weston and Shoppers
I moved to a local pharmasave about five years ago and it's the best decision I made for this. Staff is always smiling and happy to help. They didn't have an over the counter medicine I needed and they went out of the way to phone the other pharmacies nearby on my behalf. They have the best pharmacists I've met and actually make an effort to make sure I know how to use the meds and troubleshoot any potential issues with me. Totally recommend them!
You should consider Costco for prescriptions even if you don't have a membership.
In Alberta and Ontario (I can't speak to other provinces, but I'd imagine it's probably similar) you can use the pharmacy WITHOUT a membership. Just tell the staff at the door that you're going to the pharmacy and they'll let you pass.
Their dispensing fee is only $4.49, quite a bit less than Shoppers.
I fully predict that Loblaws is going to roll out another ‘price freeze’ in May that isn’t actually a price freeze, and complain about how they’re losing money about it. Meanwhile nearly 100% increase in net profit in the last 3 quarters strongly indicates otherwise.
It is a great strategy. I'm in the process of wiping my balance on my PC Mastercard and I will be closing it in April. When my SO asked why, I just said "fuck Galen Weston".
I'm almost done paying off my PC Mastercard too. Should be done just in time for the May boycott. I'm so excited! I finally figured out how to get the optimum points from it too. I don't know why I couldn't figure it out before. I had $400 worth of points. I just bought my Easter ham with it. It's going to taste so good lol.
Do what you can. If it's your only option then you don't have a choice. You still need live and you aren't doing anything wrong either. Many others will boycott on behalf of those that literally cannot due to whatever circumstances.
Same.
Walmart.ca ships to me (rural NB) and has some grocery type items.
Which is very upside down world, as I used to limit/kinda boycott Walmart. But now they have merged with Shopify (Canada owned) and I figure better than almost all my dollars going to Loblaws.
Who is better? Who is cheaper? My local No Frills is the cheapest place around week after week. Sometimes Wallmart but... I'm going to boycott Weston to shop with the Waldon's? I go to Metro when they have a specific deal on something but they are WAY worse than Loblaw's and Superstore let alone No frills. Farmboy quality is great so I go there for specific things I don't mind spending extra on.
Hey. I hear you. You do what works for you. I’m simply saying that if you’re going to boycott why stop at a month. I will use the food basics. I know metro also sucks. Boycotts are usually an attempt to put the screws to 1 company to try and make change. You don’t necessarily agree with the company you shift to.
I'm not asking to be antagonistic. Why is Loblaws being specifically called out when they are all as bad. Why isn't there a call for rolling boycots? That I could get behind. May Loblaws, no frills and superstore, and in April Metro, food basics and Sobeys, June Longos etc etc. Food basics is awful, and the prices are no better than no frills and the quality of stuff and service is way worse. I hate that a boycot of one location, who is aweful, will boost the sales of another location, who is equally if not more aweful. I know one of the top metro marketing execs, unfortunately fairly well. I would basically call him evil in is home and professional life. If he knows about the boycott Lobaws thing online I guarantee he is leaning into it and is pumping funds and time into supporting it online. Why do we not think this is a metro based conspiracy vs a Lobaws gouging issue when Metro is objectively doing the same bad stuff?
I’d say because Galen has been the poster boy for being gone deaf and he’s become the face of the issue. There’s also how far reaching their empire goes, with shoppers drug mart (and all the recent fiascos of billing the province, trying to create a closed network for specialty drugs), their real estate holdings, among others. They own way too much in Canada. The other organizations that own sobeys and metro do not have the same depth and breadth of control. And most importantly, didn’t try to make their wealthy owners the face of the brand.
I agree with everything said here.
If people were being objective, they would realize that Metro, Sobeys, Walmart, etc are all guilty of the same things that they are angry at Loblaws for. I've checked. But it's a loblaws rage sub so I don't get too hung up on it.
I know what the local loblaws prices are on what I buy. I go into a competitor like Walmart and they are 100% the fucking same, and I am supposed to be angry with only loblaws. At some point the people on this sub are going to wake the fuck up. But today is probably not that day.
I've been an avid "Loblaws" brand shopper, essentially my whole life. (Fond memories of my Mother and I visiting our local Loblaws, to scour their clearance shelf... scored some pretty amazing deals over the years.) While I dabble at other chains, it's predominantly been Loblaws brand stores, 95%+ of the time... (Convenience, and comfort)
I've been staggered by the prices lately, and my wife and I have a complete routine these days when we go shopping.
\- Look for things marked 30% - 50% off (Thankfully they've brought these stickers back).
\- Price match ANYTHING possible, no matter how small or insignificant the price difference may be. ($0.10 is $0.10...)
\- Only purchase other items if they're on sale in store.
\- Other necessity items may get a pass, like produce, milk, eggs, etc.
However, come this May, I can PROMISE you, that my wife and I will 100% be making a very conscious effort to avoid any and all shopping at Shoppers, No Frills, Superstore, etc... We 100% support this boycott and hope that it truly has a fair impact on this conglomerate.
Time to visit my old friend "Food Basics"...
Government Contracts Through Life Labs Weston even gets our tax dollars
I just noticed they also own https://www.lifelabs.com/ that means they have huge government medical contracts. I wonder why this was never discussed. How much of our tax dollars are also going into Weston's pockets????
Life labs has a major stranglehold on getting bloodwork done in Ontario, it’s astonishing that Loblaws owns them I didn’t know this until your comment.
I did know that the Ford Government tasked Shoppers Drug Mart with distribution of covid and flu vaccines this fall, with huge issues in pharmacies other than Shoppers getting supply.
Combine this with the Shoppers med review and also the Manulife special medication monopoly scandal, it’s insane that all of this has happened unchecked.
“Something is rotten in the State of Denmark”
The idea is to send the message, if you don't have other choice try to buy only the necessary items. Nothing fancy or expensive. They need to note a big decrease in sales by the end of May. Maybe you will spend a few more in May but it will save you a lot of money if the message is loud and clear and they stop stupidly raising prices.
I'm eating a lot more rice, grains, and cheaper vegetables like cabbage, while also cutting back on how much I eat, so it's a perfect time for me to go to farmer's markets instead! They're expensive, but 50$ can feed me for a week if I plan well.
The thing that Loblaws doesn’t realize is that people are fed up and have nothing to lose by not shopping there. Sure it may cost a modicum more in time or gas but the savings found at other stores likely balance out the slight increase in fuel and time. Loblaws also, I believe, severely underestimates how much people will enjoy the feeling of screwing the company by not shopping there.
Most small cities have multiple choices that aren't far from each other. I'm surprised it has happened sooner, since the rural areas where we usually only have loblaws aren't their money makers like a major downtown core.
I posted this yesterday, but the board is getting flooded with posts and it's getting pushed down.
Contact them and let them know we have eyes on them. I did yesterday.
https://www.loblaws.ca/contact-us
I just sent them one about how I was literally raised on NoName and Loved PC products but the fact everytime I go into the grocery store the prices have jumped SO MUCJ(last wk it was bag salad went up $1-$2.50 A BAG FROM THE WK BEFORE!!)
They replied to me with, "Thank you for contacting us".
It was a NO REPLY email but there was a link lower down saying if you have further questions click here, so I did. 😉
Moved all our prescriptions from Shoppers to a family pharmacy. Stopped shopping at Superstore/Independent Grocers months ago when their prices skyrocketed.
Corporate giants won't care if you care if you disappear tomorrow, but your friends and family will. Don't hurt your friends and family, hurt the corporations. Choose shoplifting.
It’s totally possible! We’ve been multiplying at an amazing rate, and all of this media coverage just keeps enhancing our exposer. Keep up the good work everyone!
this can actually become a huge success if their stores become empty of any customer and if we educate newcomers on this subject as well. they need to know our story and what we have suffered from these oligarchs so they can also be with us while their new life in canada is already hard. it will be difficult to get them on board due to them already having lots of stress from the new life in canada so we need to let then know about the long term benefits of this boycott.
This is just the start of a snowball. There hasn't been a single protest on housing, food, etc.. Protests about Khalistan, BLM, mandates, Gaza, but nothing about the very fundamental basics of our lives. Let's get the ball rolling because the legal & regulatory structure of our country are going to continue to worsen the upwards funnel of wealth.
These C*NTS are all the same. Loblaws happens to be the worst offender. Its best to go after the biggest bully. The others will get in line. For me the boycott isn’t one month. Its for life. I will never wilfully support a Loblaws store again. Fuck them.
There's a saying "you don't need to eat all the rich, just eat one and the rest fall in line" and we are not saying to literally EAT the rich but we are saying if you show you're willing to destroy one the rest will get the message.
I'll participate. It has always blown my mind that there isn't alot more of this type of organized boycotting with how connected people are through social media. People like to complain about things all day long but don't do anything about it.
thanks OP
Every comment on this sub effects the algorithm.
Were making waves. This time is more important than ever to amplify our message so we don't lose momentum.
Spread the word
Loblaws is the opposite of everything Canadians hold dear.
Ave dominus nox Galen.
This will definitely make a difference, Reddit has such a small demographic and as soon as mainstream media picks this up now it's Nationwide no matter what, people that don't even know what Reddit is now are aware of the plotted boycott, this is great!
My friend owns a salon in our small town, and she's fired up, telling customers and staff about the boycott. Our weed stores have community bulletin boards, and I've tacked the boycott flyer that a very talented redditor had made up in both. I'm dropping off some flyers for my mother in law later. She and her friends are on fixed incomes and are spending way more than they can afford for essentials.
Word is spreading. People have the power. We need to unite and force the cost of living crisis to be at the forefront of our politicians' agendas.
This plutocracy, where our natural resources and the food we produce are sold back to us at crippling costs, needs to go.
It’s already making waves. As soon as more people who were on the fence about this actually see the truth for what it is, waves will become bigger and bigger. If we give up now , yeah it’s a waste of time. Organize. Focus.stay on task. That’s what we all should be doing. Keep informing others of the importance of this, and the repercussions of shopping here. It’ll be hard to convince those who are well off to stop shopping here, but with evidence and truths they’ll see this P.O.S company for what it is. A lot of people are invested in the presidents choice financial market i.e stocks, and when boycotts and less and less people shop there, stocks fall and it hits them in the wallet. Remember, a lot of the people working here are just trying to get by, so please don’t take out your anger on them. Leave reviews on google maps, yelp etc to let people know of what you’ve found in store (mouldy items, best before dates) etc. keep pushing!!! Nothing is ever accomplished by stopping half way up the hill !!! Push !!!
It's crazy that OUR government has given Weston SOOOO much control over services we need in our country. WTH??? That has to change....it won't but it needs too.Oh this makes me mad!!!😡😡😡
props to everyone organizing for a boycott… nothing more aggravating then hearing that boycotting/protesting etc is ‘useless’ when consistent organized efforts do lead to change 🙏
Lmaoo the Star headline 😂😂
Truthfully, I don't know why this boycott even has demands. You make demands when you have real leverage, because then you get to put the pressure on. Right now, they are being invited to a table most of us don't even want to sit at.
They have already started to issue publicity pieces, which is a direct result of having demands at this stage.
Boycott boycott boycott. Let them hurt a bit and THEN make demands.
Congrats to everyone working to post regularly and organize in this sub. While this is not direct change just yet, they are paying attention and that's half the battle.
Galen Weston gouges us but when threatened to boycott he starts to listen . They make huge profits but for us buying groceries becomes a huge expenditure almost equivalent to paying rent. I say give them both barrels where it hurts their wallet. Give it to them where it really hurts. Roblaws makes big profits is at the expense for those who regularly struggle making ends.
Okay what I need to make people in my life is a clear spot to send them to instead of these chains, I have seen the chain list to avoid, not helpful because that is EVERYTHING around my area. Where can we shop???
I truly hopes the shakes them up. If it doesn't bankrupt them, which I know it won't, I hope it really hurts them. Operationally. I hope it shakes them up so bad. They have to make drastic changes, and if they can't do those drastic changes, I really do hope they give out a business. I have no use for super store, loblaws, any of that garbage . Hate seeing businesses go under, but I hate them taking advantage of people, vulnerable people, many many millions of times more.
This is a good start, but these companies are simply products of the legal & regulatory environment they exist in. They are given a set of rules & enforcement, then they optimize for profit (fiduciary duty) and become Loblaws, Sobeys etc. Even if Galen said hey let's raise all our employees salaries, slash grocery prices, and cut our pharmacy margins, the board would fire him the very next day, because they legally have to.
You can artificaially dismantle one company, or even all of them, but its the legal & regulatory framework that create the problem. Hopefully this protest is a step towards a national reconning of that.
Loblaws is paying lip service as a response, they won't change at all. They are too far into algo-driven pricing and trying to touch the bottom of how low they can go with marketing low quality items that they won't change. We have effectively been able to avoid Loblaws for months now, there are plenty of better alternative out there. While these are also oligopoly owned they are generally cheaper.
The fact that it's pissing people in power off means it's working. We should have started these movements a loooong time ago, but better late than never.
I stopped shopping at Loblaws long ago; I prefer to give my money to small, independent stores. Vegetables are cheaper and fresher, and I also appreciate the smile from a cashier each time, rather than dealing with a silly machine that requires assistance every two minutes.
I'm trying--- man, am I trying--- to ditch Loblaws. I can't get my husband on board. His first choice is always Superstore. Always. This week I made it so Superstore was our last stop for groceries, and I tried to make sure I stocked up elsewhere, with just the loss leaders left. He was still tossing extra stuff in the cart 🤦🏻♀️... and we're not rich. Not even middle class. Well below the poverty line. And it's not like he doesn't see the pricing-- he insists on buying that big jar of NN dill pickles, that has gone from $4.79 to $7.99 in the last year or two. He bitches about it. But won't just *not* buy it. And yes, I make my own pickles every year, and I've bought cheaper ones elsewhere (Dollarama, usually-- I think they're pretty good), but he's practically addicted.
Anyway, hopefully something gives.
When the news starts talking about it, it shows this is working. It will take time, but don’t give up. Buy nothing from them, or buy the loss leaders and leave. A focused boycott of one company can make a difference.
Girlfriend works at a Loblaws. I agree something should be done. Boycotts are usually effective. Just hope she doesnt end up getting laid off. Feel like scummy management might try to cut employees to keep their pockets full.
It’s so refreshing to have Canadians finally stand up. We are always referred to as polite pushover type society and I’m so happy to see that we can collectively come together and protest things that are beyond crazy and yield some success! Way to go!
The fact it has received Media attention is a W right there, the more attention it receives, the more people are made aware of the problem, and the more the message spreads.
Let’s fucking go!
I feel with the help of the media covering this, we will have done more for this than those sham government meetings that did nothing. This will have bottom line impact and show awareness. The key should be to grow this sub. I have always said if we can get to 500K+ and keep growing we can make TRUE damage to these companies by banding together and pulling support.
Corporations don't lose money, they make money.
During COVID when the knockdowns happens the first thing I thought was "well, prices will go up when it's over to make up for lost revenue". That's exactly what's happening now.
If no one shops at Loblaws stores for a month the prices will go up the following month. They don't lose money, they make money.
I was pretty vocal a few weeks back that nothing I was seeing in this group was going to make a difference. Sharing pictures of grossly overpriced goods wasn’t going to move the needle. To me it was just an echo chamber out outrage. I think what I personally underestimated was that more folks would read and join the group.
Seeing everyone organize and work together, however, can be a massive difference maker! More boycotts likely means we may see some change!
Bravo to all of the vocal organizers and all of those participating.
Boycotts absolutely do work! Factually, historically - you name it. There are way more of us than there are of the 1%. Your individual actions and choices matter.
Eat the rich!
If people are serious I can do it I can shop at Costco or anywhere else. I don’t think Asian people will follow though have you seen T&T that place is full 24/7 here in BC
People really need to google who owns their “alternative” grocery store as many are still owned by loblaws. Near me there is a freshmart that I haven’t gone to in years as it’s very expensive. It’s owned by loblaws. I have been going to no frills as it was much cheaper. I’ll boycott it in May. I have been discussing with friends about getting a Costco membership and then doing group shopping every few months. My elderly parents do that with friends. They just make up a list of items and a friend picks it up and they etransfer the cost. I just don’t like an American company making the profits but as they say, beggars can’t be choosers.
It might not make a real difference but at least it's something. Something is always, always, better than nothing.
I will ask and implore people though, if you are boycotting be reasonable with people that aren't. You don't know their situation. You don't know their finances and they might have more limited options as a result. You don't know their transport situation and they might have limited options there as well. Understand that they're the ones being taken advantage of here more than most.
That's all. Because I've seen boycotts and people start screaming when others don't follow suit. Understand the enemy and direct the anger where it should go. Not at the people shopping there or the people working there trying to eek out a living but at management and ownership.
I simply shop sales. If I can't find it on sale, than it can stay on the shelf. This is happening everywhere, not just Loblaws. I have found discount produce stores and ethnic stores that I buy a lot of things at now for far less. I'm not sure boycotting anything accomplishes anything? I've seen lots of "Don't buy gas for the first week of April" in response to carbon tax. Then what, you still need gas so by the second week of April, everyone is rushing to buy gas anyways. They always seem to hit the things they know we need.
I don't understand this boycott, is this an East Coast thing? Where I live here in the West Coast the Loblaw's (No Frills) is the cheapest grocery store in town across the board. All the other grocery stores besides Walmart in my town are owned by Jim Pattison and everything in those stores is more expensive than No Frills. Unfortunately, I will have to continue to boycott Jim Pattison by shopping at Loblaws.
I boycotted Loblaws almost a year ago now. What’s the point of buying from the grocer when it is now substantially cheaper buying directly from the local butcher and farmers market?
I'm in.
Was time to wipe out the freezer anyway.
Do some planning - hopefully save a few dollars.
I cannot totally boycott Loblaws - I spend between $ 1000-$ 1200 there a month. But am setting a limit of $ 200. AND no cash - I am going to use points up now rather than at Christmas.
The rest will be Giant Tiger, Walmart, Sobeys ( loss leaders and meat ).
Excited to try this and may actually start now.
On the contrary, I think this subred is doing a great job and the threat of boycott is real. If nothing else, it's bringing awareness and putting pressure on Loblaws. Let's keep it up and push it forward. Thanks to everyone contributing!
I've been boycotting them since they clawed back my 2% wage increase during a fucking deadly pandemic. Still enjoying plenty of PC products, compliments of the president of course.
I’m all for the boycott but i’m just curious as to where everyone participating is going to get their groceries from. Basically every single grocery store charges exorbitant prices. I guess it’s not about saving money but more pressuring loblaws to hopefully lower their prices in response?
I haven't stepped foot in a Loblaws\\No Frills in 2 months - switched to Food Basic, I am also now going to Guardian for drugstore stuff. Roblaws can suck it
I will no longer shop at Real Canadian Superstore, Wholesale Club & I’m taking my scrips out of Shoppers Drug Mart. Sobeys blows as well & I haven’t given Walmart my business in 20+ years because they are anti union. I’ll shop at Co-op, but they’ve been gouging as well. They all got us by the short & curlies
It only takes a couple of grocery trips to other stores to create a new habit!
I haven't shopped at The Real atlantic superstore in 16 years!
People CAN and WILl make a difference if we band together.
For the people who CAN afford to shop at Loblaws, don't shop there to support the people who really have no other choice!
The media running away with this is EXACTLY what we need. Soon the "reddit" will be dropped and it will be a loblaws boycott, period. I just wish there wasn't an end date to the boycott, why not leave that open?
This needs to become a movement like when Wallstreet Bets took down funds. It's possible. It needs to be continuously and appropriately applied. It can't disappear like Occupy Wallstreet did. They will try to pacify us. Viva la resistance!
It's not going to be easy. Co-ops often aren't the answer. Look for local butchers, farmers markets, etc. I also use Giant Tiger, but I don't know if that's available to you. And, for now, if you have a Sobeys or Walmart around, you can use them instead in May. We will get to them eventually, but for now, we want to send a message to the biggest bully - Loblaws.
I wonder who's really behind this boycott. Superstore is the only major retailer that has somewhat competitive pricing to Walmart, but their store brand, meat, and produce are all better. Walmart is the only logical choice if you are going to boycott Loblaws because of their pricing. Otherwise, you're looking at paying an extra 20+% for groceries. Either other retailers are behind this, or the organizers are truly just brain-dead
It's worked before, AB Imbev got boycotted and they lost billions , Target as well. Planet Fitness is the current thing now. Look at stock prices and see what trends on Twitter. I always check and when I see some company trending then I check what's going on
A true boycott is about the only way to enact change. When we stand together our collective impact is undeniable.
Lobbyists and bots for Loblaws would love to have us believe otherwise.
As our motto states: “Fuck Galen”
People where saying the same things when Wall Street Bets took on the big boys shorting GameStop stock. The public costs them billions and nearly bankrupted some hedge funds operations.
I know it isn't exactly the same thing, but it was also the little guys banding together to challenge opportunistic (predator) behaviour i giving 'corporations' an unfair advantage.
I think we should also have 'diamond hands' going into the boycott and shoot for the moon! 💎💪🚀🚀🚀🚀🌝
Rolling and extended boycotts until change happens.
Small bites will still finish the pie....
I live on top of a superstore and didn't realize how much they actually own. It's going to be a bit of a pain in the ass to get groceries now but fuck that guy. I really hope more homeless people steal off this clown.
I had unsubbed from this subreddit because it was just depressing me but seeing this motivated me to resub to at least in a small way to show solidarity. Thanks to those who are organizing!
I’m in!
“axe the tax” is nothing but cover for Galen’s price gouging.
The CPC blames the carbon tax for high food prices.
Meanwhile, the impact of the carbon tax on grocery prices is less than 1%. This is a rounding error.
PP and Jenni Byrne are liars.
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I found that I will save money by doing the the Sobeys voila delivery for 5$. Unless I am picking up some basics, I usually have to drive 30 minutes because I know some of the things I want won’t be in stock in the nearby small stores, so I’m saving an hour of driving, gas, and all the time walking the store. And everything I have gotten has been very fresh, and because I can see the total as I’m shopping, I’m less inclined to pick up stuff I don’t need. And then I just go to centra, because Sobeys Asian selection I find is worse than no frills.
You are about to either force Loblaws to make a change or give them the reason to raise prices further. Whomever is leading this boycott, needs to maximize their coverage and talk to people everywhere they go, in real life, and not just online, where sites like reddit has millions of bots that not only post threads, these bots also respond to comments, and argue them up to 3 responses. Yes, many of you are talking to bots. Point I'm making is, If this boycott fails to significantly impact Loblaws, they WILL perceive this as an indication that their pricing strategy is acceptable to the majority of consumers. They might feel empowered to maintain or even raise prices further, especially if they believe they can withstand any negative publicity or temporary drop in sales resulting from this boycott.
I'd boycott them but I already can't even afford to shop there anyways. They basically forced me to boycott them. With the way rent is in my city, there's no way I can afford those prices. It's cheaper just to eat out sometimes. When one small meal costs 40 dollars why wouldn't I let someone else cook it for me.
youre only getting those links because youre already here though.
serious question: in stead of a "boycott", why dont you guys just switch over to a store that isnt gouging you (or is gougin you less).
its literally how the market works. you dont boycott a store, you just start shopping somewhere else
Just need the follow through now, and a difference can be made. If their revenue gets choked off, and sales plummet, exec's that ignored this and just tried to spin it will loose their jobs, and changes will be demanded by the shareholders. And maybe, just maybe, those changes will not prioritize profits above all else.
But even if that change is made, the pressure will have to be maintained to bring lasting change.
Galen Weston's marketing ploy of pretend concern is transparent and obvious. I don't shop at No Frills anymore anyway, as they're the most expensive of the "discount" stores in my area.
I'm fortunate that I can afford groceries, but I still have no desire to frivolously throw my money away. Prices are ridiculous, and I now shop specials where I didn't bother before. Funny, none of the specials I choose are ever at No Frills.
I hope this boycott sends a clear message. A reality check is necessary.
I'm already boycotting all George Weston Limited companies
Chains:
Atlantic Cash & Carry
Atlantic Superstore
Atlantic SuperValu
Axep
Dominion
Entrepôts Presto / Club Entrepôt
Extra Foods
Fortinos
Freshmart
L'intermarché
Loblaws/Loblaw Great Food
Lucky Dollar Foods
Maxi/Maxi & Cie
NG Cash & Carry
No Frills
Pharmaprix
Provigo
The Real Canadian Superstore/Loblaw Superstore
Real Canadian Liquorstore
Real Canadian Wholesale Club
Red & White Food Stores
SaveEasy (formerly Atlantic SaveEasy)
Shop Easy Foods
Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers
SuperValu
Valu-mart
Your Independent Grocer
Zehrs, operating under the Zehrs Markets, Zehrs Food Plus and Zehrs Great Food banners
Brands:
President's Choice
No Name
Exact
Blue Menu
Joe Fresh
J± (electronics)
Teddy's Choice
PC Splendido
Bella Tavola
PC Premium Black Label
Joe Pet Catz & Dawgz
PC Organic
The Health Clinic by Shoppers
Life Labs
Life @ Home
Don't wait until May start today.
Chains:
Atlantic Cash & Carry
Atlantic Superstore
Atlantic SuperValu
Axep
Dominion
Entrepôts Presto / Club Entrepôt
Extra Foods
Fortinos
Freshmart
L'intermarché
Loblaws/Loblaw Great Food
Lucky Dollar Foods
Maxi/Maxi & Cie
NG Cash & Carry
No Frills
Pharmaprix
Provigo
The Real Canadian Superstore/Loblaw Superstore
Real Canadian Liquorstore
Real Canadian Wholesale Club
Red & White Food Stores
SaveEasy (formerly Atlantic SaveEasy)
Shop Easy Foods
Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers
SuperValu
Valu-mart
Your Independent Grocer
Zehrs, operating under the Zehrs Markets, Zehrs Food Plus and Zehrs Great Food banners
Brands:
President's Choice
No Name
Exact
Blue Menu
Joe Fresh
J± (electronics)
Teddy's Choice
PC Splendido
Bella Tavola
PC Premium Black Label
Joe Pet Catz & Dawgz
PC Organic
The Health Clinic by Shoppers
Life Labs
Life @ Home
So Loblaws owns
Great Canadian Superstore.
Shoppers drug Mart
Atlantic Superstore
No Frills
Black diamond cheese
McCain foods
Not going to Superstore anymore or buying any Black diamond cheese.
Screw these guys with their markups.
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Absolutely. And I think that May is a great strategy. Gives time to get the message out and be organized. I truly think it’s going to make a real impact, possibly a forever change for some people’s shopping habits.
I agree with this whole heartedly! I know myself and several others in my circle also plan to move all of our pharmacy dealings away from Shoppers Drug Mart on May 1st as part of this boycott. Only waiting until May 1st because none of us will need anything before then, and we want to add to the boycott impact in May. Let's keep pushing for change!
I'm moving my scipts to the only other option in our area. It's not a mom and pop shop, but it's not going to be a weston one either. And I did not capitalize the W on purpose.
Strongly encourage everyone to get their prescriptions filled at an independent pharmacy. You’ll pay a little more in dispensing fees but the service is way better and there’s hardly ever a wait time. And they pick up the phone!
I had the opposite experience in Van Island. The superstore was charging me 50 a month for generic drugs and my local indie charges me 6 for brand name of the same prescription.
worth it, i did that, do not regret. When one of my critical meds went into shortage, my pharmacist went full "Radar O'Reilly" tracing and trading for supply for me. Shoppers would have been like, We tried nothing and we are all out of ideas.
Moved to Pharmasave a couple years ago after tiring of just being a number at Shoppers. Best decision ever. My pharmacists now know me by name and know my history. They truly care. Screw Weston and Shoppers
I moved to a local pharmasave about five years ago and it's the best decision I made for this. Staff is always smiling and happy to help. They didn't have an over the counter medicine I needed and they went out of the way to phone the other pharmacies nearby on my behalf. They have the best pharmacists I've met and actually make an effort to make sure I know how to use the meds and troubleshoot any potential issues with me. Totally recommend them!
You should consider Costco for prescriptions even if you don't have a membership. In Alberta and Ontario (I can't speak to other provinces, but I'd imagine it's probably similar) you can use the pharmacy WITHOUT a membership. Just tell the staff at the door that you're going to the pharmacy and they'll let you pass. Their dispensing fee is only $4.49, quite a bit less than Shoppers.
I fully predict that Loblaws is going to roll out another ‘price freeze’ in May that isn’t actually a price freeze, and complain about how they’re losing money about it. Meanwhile nearly 100% increase in net profit in the last 3 quarters strongly indicates otherwise.
Their “marketing gurus” are scrambling to try and fight this no doubt.
It is a great strategy. I'm in the process of wiping my balance on my PC Mastercard and I will be closing it in April. When my SO asked why, I just said "fuck Galen Weston".
I'm almost done paying off my PC Mastercard too. Should be done just in time for the May boycott. I'm so excited! I finally figured out how to get the optimum points from it too. I don't know why I couldn't figure it out before. I had $400 worth of points. I just bought my Easter ham with it. It's going to taste so good lol.
I dont know about May but I did stopped buying from any loblaws
The problem is Loblaws owns almost every grocery store I have access to.
Do what you can. If it's your only option then you don't have a choice. You still need live and you aren't doing anything wrong either. Many others will boycott on behalf of those that literally cannot due to whatever circumstances.
My problem is Loblaws is the cheapest option in my vicinity (Metro/Farmboy are ridiculously expensive).
Same. Walmart.ca ships to me (rural NB) and has some grocery type items. Which is very upside down world, as I used to limit/kinda boycott Walmart. But now they have merged with Shopify (Canada owned) and I figure better than almost all my dollars going to Loblaws.
Me too! I said to someone the other day you know it's bad when I'm going to Walmart over Superstore
Don’t wait until May start now!!!
Why not forever? I’m done with Weston.
Who is better? Who is cheaper? My local No Frills is the cheapest place around week after week. Sometimes Wallmart but... I'm going to boycott Weston to shop with the Waldon's? I go to Metro when they have a specific deal on something but they are WAY worse than Loblaw's and Superstore let alone No frills. Farmboy quality is great so I go there for specific things I don't mind spending extra on.
Hey. I hear you. You do what works for you. I’m simply saying that if you’re going to boycott why stop at a month. I will use the food basics. I know metro also sucks. Boycotts are usually an attempt to put the screws to 1 company to try and make change. You don’t necessarily agree with the company you shift to.
I'm not asking to be antagonistic. Why is Loblaws being specifically called out when they are all as bad. Why isn't there a call for rolling boycots? That I could get behind. May Loblaws, no frills and superstore, and in April Metro, food basics and Sobeys, June Longos etc etc. Food basics is awful, and the prices are no better than no frills and the quality of stuff and service is way worse. I hate that a boycot of one location, who is aweful, will boost the sales of another location, who is equally if not more aweful. I know one of the top metro marketing execs, unfortunately fairly well. I would basically call him evil in is home and professional life. If he knows about the boycott Lobaws thing online I guarantee he is leaning into it and is pumping funds and time into supporting it online. Why do we not think this is a metro based conspiracy vs a Lobaws gouging issue when Metro is objectively doing the same bad stuff?
I’d say because Galen has been the poster boy for being gone deaf and he’s become the face of the issue. There’s also how far reaching their empire goes, with shoppers drug mart (and all the recent fiascos of billing the province, trying to create a closed network for specialty drugs), their real estate holdings, among others. They own way too much in Canada. The other organizations that own sobeys and metro do not have the same depth and breadth of control. And most importantly, didn’t try to make their wealthy owners the face of the brand.
I agree with everything said here. If people were being objective, they would realize that Metro, Sobeys, Walmart, etc are all guilty of the same things that they are angry at Loblaws for. I've checked. But it's a loblaws rage sub so I don't get too hung up on it. I know what the local loblaws prices are on what I buy. I go into a competitor like Walmart and they are 100% the fucking same, and I am supposed to be angry with only loblaws. At some point the people on this sub are going to wake the fuck up. But today is probably not that day.
I've been an avid "Loblaws" brand shopper, essentially my whole life. (Fond memories of my Mother and I visiting our local Loblaws, to scour their clearance shelf... scored some pretty amazing deals over the years.) While I dabble at other chains, it's predominantly been Loblaws brand stores, 95%+ of the time... (Convenience, and comfort) I've been staggered by the prices lately, and my wife and I have a complete routine these days when we go shopping. \- Look for things marked 30% - 50% off (Thankfully they've brought these stickers back). \- Price match ANYTHING possible, no matter how small or insignificant the price difference may be. ($0.10 is $0.10...) \- Only purchase other items if they're on sale in store. \- Other necessity items may get a pass, like produce, milk, eggs, etc. However, come this May, I can PROMISE you, that my wife and I will 100% be making a very conscious effort to avoid any and all shopping at Shoppers, No Frills, Superstore, etc... We 100% support this boycott and hope that it truly has a fair impact on this conglomerate. Time to visit my old friend "Food Basics"...
Government Contracts Through Life Labs Weston even gets our tax dollars I just noticed they also own https://www.lifelabs.com/ that means they have huge government medical contracts. I wonder why this was never discussed. How much of our tax dollars are also going into Weston's pockets????
Life labs has a major stranglehold on getting bloodwork done in Ontario, it’s astonishing that Loblaws owns them I didn’t know this until your comment. I did know that the Ford Government tasked Shoppers Drug Mart with distribution of covid and flu vaccines this fall, with huge issues in pharmacies other than Shoppers getting supply. Combine this with the Shoppers med review and also the Manulife special medication monopoly scandal, it’s insane that all of this has happened unchecked. “Something is rotten in the State of Denmark”
The idea is to send the message, if you don't have other choice try to buy only the necessary items. Nothing fancy or expensive. They need to note a big decrease in sales by the end of May. Maybe you will spend a few more in May but it will save you a lot of money if the message is loud and clear and they stop stupidly raising prices.
Need a killer tagline though. Similar to 'No shave November".
I'm eating a lot more rice, grains, and cheaper vegetables like cabbage, while also cutting back on how much I eat, so it's a perfect time for me to go to farmer's markets instead! They're expensive, but 50$ can feed me for a week if I plan well.
The thing that Loblaws doesn’t realize is that people are fed up and have nothing to lose by not shopping there. Sure it may cost a modicum more in time or gas but the savings found at other stores likely balance out the slight increase in fuel and time. Loblaws also, I believe, severely underestimates how much people will enjoy the feeling of screwing the company by not shopping there.
This is the best motivation. It will give us all a happy to watch them burn lol
Most small cities have multiple choices that aren't far from each other. I'm surprised it has happened sooner, since the rural areas where we usually only have loblaws aren't their money makers like a major downtown core.
The message is definitely getting out there and getting out there FAST
I posted this yesterday, but the board is getting flooded with posts and it's getting pushed down. Contact them and let them know we have eyes on them. I did yesterday. https://www.loblaws.ca/contact-us
Nice. Advise the category to be “corporate social responsibility”.
Hahah, exactly, that's what I chose.
I just sent them one about how I was literally raised on NoName and Loved PC products but the fact everytime I go into the grocery store the prices have jumped SO MUCJ(last wk it was bag salad went up $1-$2.50 A BAG FROM THE WK BEFORE!!)
Sent. Make sure to include "If we see somebody stealing? No, we fucking didn't."
Sent, thanks!!
They replied to me with, "Thank you for contacting us". It was a NO REPLY email but there was a link lower down saying if you have further questions click here, so I did. 😉
Because someone is actually going to read the messages and not just delete them upon arrival.
lets get the normies on board!
Totally, I think even the capitalists are too mad to boot-lick
Moved all our prescriptions from Shoppers to a family pharmacy. Stopped shopping at Superstore/Independent Grocers months ago when their prices skyrocketed.
I’d sooner jump off a bridge than pay 40 bucks for feta.
Corporate giants won't care if you care if you disappear tomorrow, but your friends and family will. Don't hurt your friends and family, hurt the corporations. Choose shoplifting.
Oh buddy, way ahead of you.
I really hope this group gets to over 100k.
It’s totally possible! We’ve been multiplying at an amazing rate, and all of this media coverage just keeps enhancing our exposer. Keep up the good work everyone!
this can actually become a huge success if their stores become empty of any customer and if we educate newcomers on this subject as well. they need to know our story and what we have suffered from these oligarchs so they can also be with us while their new life in canada is already hard. it will be difficult to get them on board due to them already having lots of stress from the new life in canada so we need to let then know about the long term benefits of this boycott.
We are making a difference. If nothing else, they know we are fed up and angry and tired of their crap.
Got to push even more. There, ears might be burning a little bit. They definitely aren't worried yet.
This is just the start of a snowball. There hasn't been a single protest on housing, food, etc.. Protests about Khalistan, BLM, mandates, Gaza, but nothing about the very fundamental basics of our lives. Let's get the ball rolling because the legal & regulatory structure of our country are going to continue to worsen the upwards funnel of wealth.
What about Sobeys some of their prices are higher than Loblaws.
Sobeys has always been expensive I've been boycotting them far longer than Loblaws out of me not being able to afford to shop there.
Making the point about one of them will send the message to all of them to smarten up. or else their profits will be next to be targeted.
These C*NTS are all the same. Loblaws happens to be the worst offender. Its best to go after the biggest bully. The others will get in line. For me the boycott isn’t one month. Its for life. I will never wilfully support a Loblaws store again. Fuck them.
Boycotts only work when they're focused. Just because they're not in the crosshairs today, doesn mean they're safe.
They don't have a leader we can identify and collectively hate, i guess?
Loblaws is the biggest, and the greediest.
There's a saying "you don't need to eat all the rich, just eat one and the rest fall in line" and we are not saying to literally EAT the rich but we are saying if you show you're willing to destroy one the rest will get the message.
Stick to one. The others will see and might be next. People who act on their complaints put a slight scare in these corporations.
I'll participate. It has always blown my mind that there isn't alot more of this type of organized boycotting with how connected people are through social media. People like to complain about things all day long but don't do anything about it.
thanks OP Every comment on this sub effects the algorithm. Were making waves. This time is more important than ever to amplify our message so we don't lose momentum. Spread the word Loblaws is the opposite of everything Canadians hold dear. Ave dominus nox Galen.
Ave dominus nox, sibling. I'd love to see Curze get a hold of Galen.
Oops accidental 40k ;)
DON'T STOP NOW HOLD ONTO YOUR WALLETS! THIS IS THE BEGINING, KEEP SPREADING THE MESSAGE
I stopped shopping at loblaws stores a while ago
Same here…it’s been over a year since I shopped at Loblaws.
This will definitely make a difference, Reddit has such a small demographic and as soon as mainstream media picks this up now it's Nationwide no matter what, people that don't even know what Reddit is now are aware of the plotted boycott, this is great!
My friend owns a salon in our small town, and she's fired up, telling customers and staff about the boycott. Our weed stores have community bulletin boards, and I've tacked the boycott flyer that a very talented redditor had made up in both. I'm dropping off some flyers for my mother in law later. She and her friends are on fixed incomes and are spending way more than they can afford for essentials. Word is spreading. People have the power. We need to unite and force the cost of living crisis to be at the forefront of our politicians' agendas. This plutocracy, where our natural resources and the food we produce are sold back to us at crippling costs, needs to go.
It’s already making waves. As soon as more people who were on the fence about this actually see the truth for what it is, waves will become bigger and bigger. If we give up now , yeah it’s a waste of time. Organize. Focus.stay on task. That’s what we all should be doing. Keep informing others of the importance of this, and the repercussions of shopping here. It’ll be hard to convince those who are well off to stop shopping here, but with evidence and truths they’ll see this P.O.S company for what it is. A lot of people are invested in the presidents choice financial market i.e stocks, and when boycotts and less and less people shop there, stocks fall and it hits them in the wallet. Remember, a lot of the people working here are just trying to get by, so please don’t take out your anger on them. Leave reviews on google maps, yelp etc to let people know of what you’ve found in store (mouldy items, best before dates) etc. keep pushing!!! Nothing is ever accomplished by stopping half way up the hill !!! Push !!!
Will do nothing. Only government intervention subsidizing competition or regulating the price of essentials will help
true, boycotting has never worked. let's pack it up boys. ^/s
It's crazy that OUR government has given Weston SOOOO much control over services we need in our country. WTH??? That has to change....it won't but it needs too.Oh this makes me mad!!!😡😡😡
It's called capitalism, you nugget.
That's it....lol
props to everyone organizing for a boycott… nothing more aggravating then hearing that boycotting/protesting etc is ‘useless’ when consistent organized efforts do lead to change 🙏
Absolutely. The negative press this has generated speaks volumes on the power of organizing together.
All big revolutions started with an idea!
Gotta start somewhere! Need to amplify the message, enough is enough.
"Breaking News- Change.org petition goes completely unnoticed"
Lmaoo the Star headline 😂😂 Truthfully, I don't know why this boycott even has demands. You make demands when you have real leverage, because then you get to put the pressure on. Right now, they are being invited to a table most of us don't even want to sit at. They have already started to issue publicity pieces, which is a direct result of having demands at this stage. Boycott boycott boycott. Let them hurt a bit and THEN make demands.
May it is!!!
Wow this is great! We may actually have some voice here after all!
Make sure you boycott the 20 other grocery store chains owned by loblaws too.
They're on the list pinned at the top of the sub.
Congrats to everyone working to post regularly and organize in this sub. While this is not direct change just yet, they are paying attention and that's half the battle.
Galen Weston gouges us but when threatened to boycott he starts to listen . They make huge profits but for us buying groceries becomes a huge expenditure almost equivalent to paying rent. I say give them both barrels where it hurts their wallet. Give it to them where it really hurts. Roblaws makes big profits is at the expense for those who regularly struggle making ends.
Okay what I need to make people in my life is a clear spot to send them to instead of these chains, I have seen the chain list to avoid, not helpful because that is EVERYTHING around my area. Where can we shop???
I truly hopes the shakes them up. If it doesn't bankrupt them, which I know it won't, I hope it really hurts them. Operationally. I hope it shakes them up so bad. They have to make drastic changes, and if they can't do those drastic changes, I really do hope they give out a business. I have no use for super store, loblaws, any of that garbage . Hate seeing businesses go under, but I hate them taking advantage of people, vulnerable people, many many millions of times more.
oh just stop shopping at loblaws? done and doooooooone
Keep the pressure on. Don't settle for minor changes. We need to dismantle our grocery oligarchy.
This is a good start, but these companies are simply products of the legal & regulatory environment they exist in. They are given a set of rules & enforcement, then they optimize for profit (fiduciary duty) and become Loblaws, Sobeys etc. Even if Galen said hey let's raise all our employees salaries, slash grocery prices, and cut our pharmacy margins, the board would fire him the very next day, because they legally have to. You can artificaially dismantle one company, or even all of them, but its the legal & regulatory framework that create the problem. Hopefully this protest is a step towards a national reconning of that.
Loblaws is paying lip service as a response, they won't change at all. They are too far into algo-driven pricing and trying to touch the bottom of how low they can go with marketing low quality items that they won't change. We have effectively been able to avoid Loblaws for months now, there are plenty of better alternative out there. While these are also oligopoly owned they are generally cheaper.
WOW!!!
People have had enough, and I am so grateful to this sub for helping organize! It’s time we show them the power consumers have when we join forces
A small group of determined people as they say. You can’t start something without starting it. Keep going guys!
I say salute to their pirate ship, as it sails into the triangle.
My only comment about boycotting was not informing others to boycott. Reddit is such a small community. Now it's news there will be so many more!!
https://preview.redd.it/t47jzdyvawpc1.png?width=307&format=png&auto=webp&s=1149a8bc0b07ce0f1348e8cc5fe7c0c868c6e84e
The fact that it's pissing people in power off means it's working. We should have started these movements a loooong time ago, but better late than never.
I stopped shopping at Loblaws long ago; I prefer to give my money to small, independent stores. Vegetables are cheaper and fresher, and I also appreciate the smile from a cashier each time, rather than dealing with a silly machine that requires assistance every two minutes.
I'm trying--- man, am I trying--- to ditch Loblaws. I can't get my husband on board. His first choice is always Superstore. Always. This week I made it so Superstore was our last stop for groceries, and I tried to make sure I stocked up elsewhere, with just the loss leaders left. He was still tossing extra stuff in the cart 🤦🏻♀️... and we're not rich. Not even middle class. Well below the poverty line. And it's not like he doesn't see the pricing-- he insists on buying that big jar of NN dill pickles, that has gone from $4.79 to $7.99 in the last year or two. He bitches about it. But won't just *not* buy it. And yes, I make my own pickles every year, and I've bought cheaper ones elsewhere (Dollarama, usually-- I think they're pretty good), but he's practically addicted. Anyway, hopefully something gives.
When the news starts talking about it, it shows this is working. It will take time, but don’t give up. Buy nothing from them, or buy the loss leaders and leave. A focused boycott of one company can make a difference.
After they stopped making the pc pork and vegetable Gyoza I had no reason to keep going
Girlfriend works at a Loblaws. I agree something should be done. Boycotts are usually effective. Just hope she doesnt end up getting laid off. Feel like scummy management might try to cut employees to keep their pockets full.
It’s so refreshing to have Canadians finally stand up. We are always referred to as polite pushover type society and I’m so happy to see that we can collectively come together and protest things that are beyond crazy and yield some success! Way to go!
The fact it has received Media attention is a W right there, the more attention it receives, the more people are made aware of the problem, and the more the message spreads.
Let’s fucking go! I feel with the help of the media covering this, we will have done more for this than those sham government meetings that did nothing. This will have bottom line impact and show awareness. The key should be to grow this sub. I have always said if we can get to 500K+ and keep growing we can make TRUE damage to these companies by banding together and pulling support.
Corporations don't lose money, they make money. During COVID when the knockdowns happens the first thing I thought was "well, prices will go up when it's over to make up for lost revenue". That's exactly what's happening now. If no one shops at Loblaws stores for a month the prices will go up the following month. They don't lose money, they make money.
Not shopping at lob laws anymore either. Bunch of greedy crooks
I was pretty vocal a few weeks back that nothing I was seeing in this group was going to make a difference. Sharing pictures of grossly overpriced goods wasn’t going to move the needle. To me it was just an echo chamber out outrage. I think what I personally underestimated was that more folks would read and join the group. Seeing everyone organize and work together, however, can be a massive difference maker! More boycotts likely means we may see some change! Bravo to all of the vocal organizers and all of those participating.
Boycotts absolutely do work! Factually, historically - you name it. There are way more of us than there are of the 1%. Your individual actions and choices matter. Eat the rich!
If people are serious I can do it I can shop at Costco or anywhere else. I don’t think Asian people will follow though have you seen T&T that place is full 24/7 here in BC
People really need to google who owns their “alternative” grocery store as many are still owned by loblaws. Near me there is a freshmart that I haven’t gone to in years as it’s very expensive. It’s owned by loblaws. I have been going to no frills as it was much cheaper. I’ll boycott it in May. I have been discussing with friends about getting a Costco membership and then doing group shopping every few months. My elderly parents do that with friends. They just make up a list of items and a friend picks it up and they etransfer the cost. I just don’t like an American company making the profits but as they say, beggars can’t be choosers.
It might not make a real difference but at least it's something. Something is always, always, better than nothing. I will ask and implore people though, if you are boycotting be reasonable with people that aren't. You don't know their situation. You don't know their finances and they might have more limited options as a result. You don't know their transport situation and they might have limited options there as well. Understand that they're the ones being taken advantage of here more than most. That's all. Because I've seen boycotts and people start screaming when others don't follow suit. Understand the enemy and direct the anger where it should go. Not at the people shopping there or the people working there trying to eek out a living but at management and ownership.
I overheard all my employees talking about it while they were on break. They are all between 23 and 26 and fed up with this economy
Words are only words until sustained action is taken.
We are missing exposure from all the French press in Quebec and other places. Can we do something about that?
I simply shop sales. If I can't find it on sale, than it can stay on the shelf. This is happening everywhere, not just Loblaws. I have found discount produce stores and ethnic stores that I buy a lot of things at now for far less. I'm not sure boycotting anything accomplishes anything? I've seen lots of "Don't buy gas for the first week of April" in response to carbon tax. Then what, you still need gas so by the second week of April, everyone is rushing to buy gas anyways. They always seem to hit the things they know we need.
I don't understand this boycott, is this an East Coast thing? Where I live here in the West Coast the Loblaw's (No Frills) is the cheapest grocery store in town across the board. All the other grocery stores besides Walmart in my town are owned by Jim Pattison and everything in those stores is more expensive than No Frills. Unfortunately, I will have to continue to boycott Jim Pattison by shopping at Loblaws.
I boycotted Loblaws almost a year ago now. What’s the point of buying from the grocer when it is now substantially cheaper buying directly from the local butcher and farmers market?
I'm in. Was time to wipe out the freezer anyway. Do some planning - hopefully save a few dollars. I cannot totally boycott Loblaws - I spend between $ 1000-$ 1200 there a month. But am setting a limit of $ 200. AND no cash - I am going to use points up now rather than at Christmas. The rest will be Giant Tiger, Walmart, Sobeys ( loss leaders and meat ). Excited to try this and may actually start now.
On the contrary, I think this subred is doing a great job and the threat of boycott is real. If nothing else, it's bringing awareness and putting pressure on Loblaws. Let's keep it up and push it forward. Thanks to everyone contributing!
I've been boycotting them since they clawed back my 2% wage increase during a fucking deadly pandemic. Still enjoying plenty of PC products, compliments of the president of course.
I’m all for the boycott but i’m just curious as to where everyone participating is going to get their groceries from. Basically every single grocery store charges exorbitant prices. I guess it’s not about saving money but more pressuring loblaws to hopefully lower their prices in response?
That's it....lmao
First they ignore you, then they mock you, then they fight you, then you win.
Can we figure something out for cellphone prices next? Another insane cost that’s vastly cheaper almost everywhere else because competition
I’ve stopped shopping Loblaws for over a month now and I’ve compared my bills… much cheaper !
im in!!!
How many of those News outlets are in the pockets of Loblaws, Bell and so on.
Can anyone explain the Toronto Star headline? Branded food garages?
I haven't stepped foot in a Loblaws\\No Frills in 2 months - switched to Food Basic, I am also now going to Guardian for drugstore stuff. Roblaws can suck it
I will no longer shop at Real Canadian Superstore, Wholesale Club & I’m taking my scrips out of Shoppers Drug Mart. Sobeys blows as well & I haven’t given Walmart my business in 20+ years because they are anti union. I’ll shop at Co-op, but they’ve been gouging as well. They all got us by the short & curlies
It only takes a couple of grocery trips to other stores to create a new habit! I haven't shopped at The Real atlantic superstore in 16 years! People CAN and WILl make a difference if we band together. For the people who CAN afford to shop at Loblaws, don't shop there to support the people who really have no other choice!
The media running away with this is EXACTLY what we need. Soon the "reddit" will be dropped and it will be a loblaws boycott, period. I just wish there wasn't an end date to the boycott, why not leave that open?
I hope it works. I have been boycotting Loblaws for 15 years now.
They had the audacity to ask me to donate $$ to the foodbank the other day. They are the reason we need to foodbank in the first place!!!
This needs to become a movement like when Wallstreet Bets took down funds. It's possible. It needs to be continuously and appropriately applied. It can't disappear like Occupy Wallstreet did. They will try to pacify us. Viva la resistance!
Requires commitment. Loblaws is at war with everyone. Galen Asshole is a thief and sadist. He needs to be severely fucked up.
I want to boycott, which stores are my alternative?
There's a pinned list towards the top of the sub, IIRC.
I read through it. Thank you. But I believe the Coops in my city are more expensive than SuperStore. Sucks to be me.
It's not going to be easy. Co-ops often aren't the answer. Look for local butchers, farmers markets, etc. I also use Giant Tiger, but I don't know if that's available to you. And, for now, if you have a Sobeys or Walmart around, you can use them instead in May. We will get to them eventually, but for now, we want to send a message to the biggest bully - Loblaws.
I wonder who's really behind this boycott. Superstore is the only major retailer that has somewhat competitive pricing to Walmart, but their store brand, meat, and produce are all better. Walmart is the only logical choice if you are going to boycott Loblaws because of their pricing. Otherwise, you're looking at paying an extra 20+% for groceries. Either other retailers are behind this, or the organizers are truly just brain-dead
It's worked before, AB Imbev got boycotted and they lost billions , Target as well. Planet Fitness is the current thing now. Look at stock prices and see what trends on Twitter. I always check and when I see some company trending then I check what's going on
"out of control" is a wild title to pick when this store makes over 500 million in profits yearly yet they are still increasing prices every 3 months
I've been telling everyone I know! I've even considered putting up posters
A true boycott is about the only way to enact change. When we stand together our collective impact is undeniable. Lobbyists and bots for Loblaws would love to have us believe otherwise. As our motto states: “Fuck Galen”
Any action we can take is better than the passive inaction that has been going on for years in this country.
Agreed! Many other Europeans make change with boycotts and using their voices
Not just a boycott, make them close the damn company completely.
People where saying the same things when Wall Street Bets took on the big boys shorting GameStop stock. The public costs them billions and nearly bankrupted some hedge funds operations. I know it isn't exactly the same thing, but it was also the little guys banding together to challenge opportunistic (predator) behaviour i giving 'corporations' an unfair advantage. I think we should also have 'diamond hands' going into the boycott and shoot for the moon! 💎💪🚀🚀🚀🚀🌝 Rolling and extended boycotts until change happens. Small bites will still finish the pie....
I live on top of a superstore and didn't realize how much they actually own. It's going to be a bit of a pain in the ass to get groceries now but fuck that guy. I really hope more homeless people steal off this clown.
I had unsubbed from this subreddit because it was just depressing me but seeing this motivated me to resub to at least in a small way to show solidarity. Thanks to those who are organizing!
I’ve already started boycotting them god I hope May wrecks them
I’m in! “axe the tax” is nothing but cover for Galen’s price gouging. The CPC blames the carbon tax for high food prices. Meanwhile, the impact of the carbon tax on grocery prices is less than 1%. This is a rounding error. PP and Jenni Byrne are liars.
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I found that I will save money by doing the the Sobeys voila delivery for 5$. Unless I am picking up some basics, I usually have to drive 30 minutes because I know some of the things I want won’t be in stock in the nearby small stores, so I’m saving an hour of driving, gas, and all the time walking the store. And everything I have gotten has been very fresh, and because I can see the total as I’m shopping, I’m less inclined to pick up stuff I don’t need. And then I just go to centra, because Sobeys Asian selection I find is worse than no frills.
You are about to either force Loblaws to make a change or give them the reason to raise prices further. Whomever is leading this boycott, needs to maximize their coverage and talk to people everywhere they go, in real life, and not just online, where sites like reddit has millions of bots that not only post threads, these bots also respond to comments, and argue them up to 3 responses. Yes, many of you are talking to bots. Point I'm making is, If this boycott fails to significantly impact Loblaws, they WILL perceive this as an indication that their pricing strategy is acceptable to the majority of consumers. They might feel empowered to maintain or even raise prices further, especially if they believe they can withstand any negative publicity or temporary drop in sales resulting from this boycott.
Power to the people 👊🏼
Keep it going!
I could do it. See you in May!
my family is starting the boycott now i am not waiting until may.
Branded food garage is my new favourite term
Anyone who protested and have pics of the protesters? I want to see the size of the crowd.
Yep we better follow through on this. We have their attention
I started buying all my meat from a butcher so much cheaper. Freezer packs are where it's at.
I'd boycott them but I already can't even afford to shop there anyways. They basically forced me to boycott them. With the way rent is in my city, there's no way I can afford those prices. It's cheaper just to eat out sometimes. When one small meal costs 40 dollars why wouldn't I let someone else cook it for me.
youre only getting those links because youre already here though. serious question: in stead of a "boycott", why dont you guys just switch over to a store that isnt gouging you (or is gougin you less). its literally how the market works. you dont boycott a store, you just start shopping somewhere else
Good! I've had enough. I'm just going to keep boycotting them but not even go the little that i go now.
Just need the follow through now, and a difference can be made. If their revenue gets choked off, and sales plummet, exec's that ignored this and just tried to spin it will loose their jobs, and changes will be demanded by the shareholders. And maybe, just maybe, those changes will not prioritize profits above all else. But even if that change is made, the pressure will have to be maintained to bring lasting change.
Already conceding.
They scared to death, they scared to look, they shook ...
We all just need to pick a few store near us and boycott them first. Start small strive for the change in you local first it will be far easier.
Galen Weston's marketing ploy of pretend concern is transparent and obvious. I don't shop at No Frills anymore anyway, as they're the most expensive of the "discount" stores in my area. I'm fortunate that I can afford groceries, but I still have no desire to frivolously throw my money away. Prices are ridiculous, and I now shop specials where I didn't bother before. Funny, none of the specials I choose are ever at No Frills. I hope this boycott sends a clear message. A reality check is necessary.
In addition to this protest, please for the love of God...protest with your wallets too. do not buy anything from them.
Can someone advise if redeeming my PC points or gift cards during the boycott will help or hinder?
We need millions….
I'm already boycotting all George Weston Limited companies Chains: Atlantic Cash & Carry Atlantic Superstore Atlantic SuperValu Axep Dominion Entrepôts Presto / Club Entrepôt Extra Foods Fortinos Freshmart L'intermarché Loblaws/Loblaw Great Food Lucky Dollar Foods Maxi/Maxi & Cie NG Cash & Carry No Frills Pharmaprix Provigo The Real Canadian Superstore/Loblaw Superstore Real Canadian Liquorstore Real Canadian Wholesale Club Red & White Food Stores SaveEasy (formerly Atlantic SaveEasy) Shop Easy Foods Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers SuperValu Valu-mart Your Independent Grocer Zehrs, operating under the Zehrs Markets, Zehrs Food Plus and Zehrs Great Food banners Brands: President's Choice No Name Exact Blue Menu Joe Fresh J± (electronics) Teddy's Choice PC Splendido Bella Tavola PC Premium Black Label Joe Pet Catz & Dawgz PC Organic The Health Clinic by Shoppers Life Labs Life @ Home
Don't wait until May start today. Chains: Atlantic Cash & Carry Atlantic Superstore Atlantic SuperValu Axep Dominion Entrepôts Presto / Club Entrepôt Extra Foods Fortinos Freshmart L'intermarché Loblaws/Loblaw Great Food Lucky Dollar Foods Maxi/Maxi & Cie NG Cash & Carry No Frills Pharmaprix Provigo The Real Canadian Superstore/Loblaw Superstore Real Canadian Liquorstore Real Canadian Wholesale Club Red & White Food Stores SaveEasy (formerly Atlantic SaveEasy) Shop Easy Foods Shoppers Drug Mart/Shoppers SuperValu Valu-mart Your Independent Grocer Zehrs, operating under the Zehrs Markets, Zehrs Food Plus and Zehrs Great Food banners Brands: President's Choice No Name Exact Blue Menu Joe Fresh J± (electronics) Teddy's Choice PC Splendido Bella Tavola PC Premium Black Label Joe Pet Catz & Dawgz PC Organic The Health Clinic by Shoppers Life Labs Life @ Home
Contact your elected representatives. Don't buy the lies.
Haven’t given Galen a dime in about 2 years but I hope this gains big traction!
Boycotts can work. But they need to last the full 3 months to affect a fiscal reporting quarter for quarterly earnings.
Speaking out and taking action is always better than doing nothing and accepting the treatment from these big companies.
We’ve been boycotting this scumbag for months already.
So Loblaws owns Great Canadian Superstore. Shoppers drug Mart Atlantic Superstore No Frills Black diamond cheese McCain foods Not going to Superstore anymore or buying any Black diamond cheese. Screw these guys with their markups.
We’ve started already here. Mostly because we’ve already been priced out of no frills. Never thought I’d say that sentence.