Boycott

In all honesty, I rarely go to Loblaws anymore.

When DW and I first moved to Barrhaven, this large Canadian grocery chain was one of the closest stores to us and the prices were reasonable, if not better than other grocery stores in the hood. And shortly after we moved to the neighbourhood, Loblaws built an even bigger store, across the street from the old one, allowing for an Independent grocer to move into the old location.

But then Sobey's got better and moved to a bigger location, and a Farm Boy opened close by. Barrhaven got a Food Basics and a Metro, and eventually, a Costco. And Walmart also started selling groceries.

Our community has a lot of choices when it comes to groceries.

And because we have a lot of choices, you'd think prices would come down to be as competitive as possible. Loblaws used to be one of the least expensive grocery stores: it's now one of the most expensive.

DW and I have a Saturday routine. We get to Costco as early as possible. It officially opens at 9 but sometimes opens as early as 8. We aim to be there at 8:30. We get our groceries and supplies, and head out as quickly as we can, before the bigger crowds arrive.

If we need fresh produce, including meat, we head to Farm Boy, which opened a second location, taking over the space that Sobey's left when they moved out of Barrhaven. If we want name-brand items but don't want to overspend, we go to Food Basics.

And that's pretty much it as far as getting groceries.

I haven't considered Loblaws for a long time, now. Ever since they renovated the giant store, I find it darker and not as inviting. And, of course, things are overpriced.

Many people are upset with Loblaws. During the pandemic, prices were hiked up, citing distribution issues. In 2024, distribution isn't a problem but prices are continuing to climb.

Loblaws even lowered the discounted percentage for perishables that were approaching their best-before date, going from a 50-percent discount to only 30 percent.

So, starting tomorrow, May 1, people have called for a boycott of Loblaws and other affiliated stores. And I support it.

If you have other choices for groceries, consider supporting those stores, instead. If Loblaws is your only option, consider buying only essentials and not comfort foods or treats. Send this giant corporation a strong message that enough is enough.

Shoppers Drug Mart, also owned by Loblaws, should also be avoided. Go to a Rexall or Pharma-Plus, or Jean Coutu.

The price of groceries is not a result of inflation: it's a result of greedy executives.

I saw a great meme on social media and I'd like to share it here: "Poverty exists not because we can't feed the poor, but because we can't satisfy the rich." You don't have to be poor to participate in this boycott but you can send a message to the rich.