You can now grab freshly made bowls at a Toronto Loblaws! The grocery chain just introduced a new in-store element that is super exciting.
Located at the Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens, 60 Carlton Street, the restaurant is called Globōl.
Known as a “grocerant” which is a play-on for combining a grocery store and a restaurant, it offers takeout as well as delivery for delicious globally inspired bowls.
The Globōl website states in more detail about the inspiration behind the concept, “Our menu is inspired by the stories of international street food legends, hardworking farmers and loving mothers & fathers whose crafts have been shaped by generations in their homeland and who personify the spirit of each dish.”
Created by Pierre Jutras and Nipun Sharma, Globōl serves six different types of bowls.
These include beef fajita, chicken shawarma, butter chicken, jerk chicken, General Tao, and pad Thai.
Plus, each of the meals are only $12!
If you aren’t able to make a trip to the Toronto Loblaws, check out DoorDash or Uber Eats to make a purchase!
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Despite being a go-to for groceries and all things bulk, it seems like we, as shoppers, sometimes overlook the power of Costco.
The retail giant has quietly championed the fashion space, stepped up its beauty game, and has even carved out a position in travel.
And now Costco has cemented its position as Canada’s second largest retailer.
According to retail analyst Amar Singh, who spoke with Retail Insider, Costco has bumped Walmart out of its spot on the retail chain and now comes second after Loblaws as Canada’s top retailers. The positioning now sets Costco ahead of grocers like Metro and Sobeys, as well.
Amar Singh attributes the bulk retailer’s success to its growing grocery presence and ability to still delivering “on its true value hunt experience which Canadians love.”
Costco is really a competitor. And what we forecast is that it is going to widen its gap to Walmart in terms of revenue. It’s going to dwarf Walmart over the next five years as well.”
Amar Singh, senior analyst on retail and ecommerce for Canada with Kantar
Another reason for why Costco is Canada’s second largest retailer is its positioning strategy, which has been very calculated. Costco has focused on urban centres and the suburbs, making it easily accessible to most Canadians. “On a per capita basis, Costco has a higher penetration in Canada versus the U.S.,” Singh says.
Additionally, while Canadians are known to love a good bargain, they’re also after quality, and that’s exactly what Costco provides.
Canadians are somewhat more adventurous than other shoppers because we’re open to non-traditional brands. We’re opening to experimenting and “are not married to brands” so long as we’re still getting good quality and benefits from products we seek.
While Costco is no stranger to brands, with its Kirkland brand, it’s able to make good quality product with low margins, and its private label has become a big money maker.
Memberships and membership renewals are also a big money driver.
Which is no surprise. The membership allows Costco to lower its margins on other items so that they can give value back to its members. Its gas stations and auto services also play a role in Costco’s attraction.
This quarter, Costco’s net sales were $46.45 billion.
That’s an increase of 7% from the same period last year. Its net sales for the fiscal year were $149.35 billion, which was also a growth from its last fiscal year.
With sales on the rise, you can bet that we’ll continue to see more Costco locations and more value-driven, high-quality products in-stores — a win for Canadian Costco members!
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In a time of increased competition, retailers are turning to revamped loyalty programs to retain customers, winning them over with perks and promises of exclusivity.
The concept is simple and not new: retailers want to retain customers, so they will offer them rewards when they shop at their stores. Loyal shoppers will often pay for the exclusivity, perks, dedicated customer service, upgrades, and even birthday gifts that come with a loyalty membership. Most recently, brands like Lululemon, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Loblaw Co. Ltd. have been testing paid loyalty program memberships.
For retailers, loyalty memberships often cost consumers money to purchase, then encourage them to shop more frequently and – frankly – more loyally, resulting in increased sales.
Twitter/@JazelllMytay
It also means something increasingly valuable in our modern world: the ability to gather data. Scanning a membership card at checkout gives retailers information into the customer’s shopping habits, enabling them to target specific needs through things like personalized newsletters and deals.
The difference between today’s refreshed loyalty programs and those of times past is a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a focus on personalization. Restoration Hardware’s members, for example, enjoy a complimentary one-on-one consultation with an interior designer.
Lululemon’s pilot loyalty program began in Ontario not long ago and sets members back a relatively pricey $128 per year (considering an all-frills-attached Amazon Prime membership is $79 per year). The program entitles members to a free pair of pants or shorts, access to special events and workout classes, and free expedited shipping. Considering the average yoga class will set you back at least $20, this may make a lot of sense for the yoga-lover.
Instagram/@lululemon
Meanwhile, Canadian grocery giant Loblaw Co. charges its shoppers $99 annually (or $9.99 monthly) for its PC Insider subscription, which officially launched for all PC Optimum members in December.
The program is an extension of the brand’s free PC Optimum program and entitles members to free online grocery pickup and delivery (a huge bonus for busy professionals), a delivered box of President’s Choice items, an additional 20 per cent back on select purchases, and an annual $99 credit for PC travel bookings.
South of the border, Target just made headlines on February 5 when it announced it would take its new, revamped loyalty program to more cities. The free program (at least, free for now), called Target Circle, includes personalized perks like rewards on your birthday and 1 per cent back on all Target purchases to redeem later on, to name a few. The rewards are customized based on the shopper’s tastes and behaviors. The refreshing component with this program is it allows shoppers to choose which local nonprofits Target should donate to.
From cosmetics to furniture, companies are now indeed realizing that it pays to have loyalty cards.
Twitter/@tinajk
But while they may make financial sense for retailers, some customers may have to approach loyalty cards with a degree of caution.
The excitement of getting something for free can actually make you spend more and buy things you don’t necessarily need. As CBC reports, a recent study by COLLOQUAY Loyalty Census found that Canadians are pretty much addicted to hoarding points in exchange for free things and hold an average of 13.3 loyalty memberships per household. This represents 175 million memberships nationwide – a 35% increase since 2015. Another survey by marketing company Yotpo surveyed 2000 U.S. shoppers over the age of 18 and found that nearly 40% of customers who say they’re “loyal” to a retailer will spend more on an item from their favourite store, even if it’s cheaper somewhere else.
We can definitely expect more retailers to jump on the paid loyalty membership bandwagon this year. What this means for you is that you need to weigh the pros and cons of certain memberships, or you may need a bigger wallet to house all those loyalty cards that could end up collecting dust.
Featured image: Instagram/@alifewellconsumed
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While most of us are privy to meal services like HelloFresh and Chef’s Plate, Loblaws is about to change the game with their own home delivery service. The Queens Quay location, right here in Toronto just launched Instacart, a service that will ship anything on your shopping list directly to your front door.
Yup, that means you can purchase all your favourite President’s Choice products without even stepping foot in a brick & mortar location, AND there are no set recipes like in many of the popular meal services currently available. Partnering with Instacart one year ago, Loblaws will be the first major grocery retailer in Canada to offer a service of this kind; even conglomerate Walmart will be playing catch up as they currently only offer pickup options.
In an article by Grocery Business, an Instacart representative stated that this is the first Loblaws branded store to acquire the service. The only other Canadian store that launched the service earlier this October is Loblaw banner Real Canadian Superstore in Winnipeg. However, with over 2,500 locations Canada-wide, these initial two locations are only the beginning.
In the same Grocery Business article, it states that Loblaws plans to roll out Instacart to more Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstores, and T&T locations, all of which will function through the Instacart website or app. Essentially customers visit either platform, pick from a local store’s online inventory (as many as 30,000 products), add their selections to a virtual shopping cart, and then choose a delivery window (one hour or up to five days later).
On the flip side, an Instacart shopper will receive and accept the order on their smartphone – similar to how Uber works – use the app the guide them through the shopping list, and then finally deliver the order within the selected time window. Instacart states that orders of $35 or more have a delivery fee of $3.99 or alternatively, an Instacart Express membership for $9.99 a month or $99 a year, enables free same-day delivery on orders $35 or more.
Check out the Instacart service on Loblaws website here, and enter your postal code to see if the Queens Quay location delivers to your area.
Starting today, a selection of our favourite Joe Fresh Beauty products will be available online at JoeFresh.com! This capsule collection includes our best-selling makeup essentials for eyes, lashes, lips, and skin. These popular makeup products have prices ranging from $8 t0 $12 CAD.
Previously, the cosmetic collection was available in more than 1,200 retail locations, including over 327 Loblaw locations and 886 Shoppers Drugmart locations. As the Joe Fresh brand continues to evolve, the extra availability of Joe Fresh Beauty on JoeFresh.com allows the brand to continue to provide customers with the products they need, at their own convenience.
What are your favourite Joe Fresh Beauty products? Let us know in the comments.
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Did you know that insects are not only affordable but a nutritious source of protein? Many countries have known this for some time, and Canadian specialty stores have been offering them for a few years. But now Loblaw’s, Canada’s largest supermarket chain, has not only introduced cricket flour and cricket powder under its private label, President’s Choice, but is putting a picture of a cricket on its logo! This is a first for a major Canadian food retailer.
Loblaw adds cricket powder to PC line in bet consumers are ready to experiment with bugs in meals https://t.co/Dtw2gEvqMZ pic.twitter.com/hsxrPl4UEi
— National Post (@nationalpost) March 7, 2018
According to Loblaw’s, more consumers are searching for protein alternatives to meat because of ethics, the health value of meat, and the environmental impact from raising livestock. With its neutral taste, cricket flour is perfect for baked goods. It can also be added to smoothies, yogurt, soups, and oatmeal.
Currently, more than 80% of the world’s population eats insects as a normal part of their diet. They are regularly consumed in meals in China, Mexico, and Thailand. While Westerners have not deliberately chosen to eat bugs, food safety research reveals that they frequently are part of the human food chain via vegetables, fruits, and grains. Disregarding the creepy-crawly factor, insects are not harmful. Disgusted yet?
When it boils down to health and sustainability, crickets are healthier than meat products. At only 90 calories and 13 grams of protein for a 2.5 tablespoon, it fulfills the daily requirement for B12 vitamins. According to the University of Oxford, scientific studies show that crickets are more nutritional than meat products and have less fat and sugar. They are an especially efficient crop as they reproduce quickly and occupy little space. However, while Loblaw’s tests people’s curiosity and desire to try this new options, the chain is offering their cricket products at a costly $16 for a 113 gram bag. Entomo Farms in Norwood, Ontario, Loblaw’s cricket supplier, has seen its cricket business grow by 12 times since 2014.
Health Canada will soon release its new food guide which will provoke Canadians to think carefully about their consumption of proteins, especially from meat and dairy products. While it is doubtful that roasted crickets will replace barbequed steaks, chicken or pork in the near future, our relationship with food is changing, and crickets and other bugs will most likely become a part of our diet.
Remember, it was not so long ago that people cringed at the thought of eating lobsters, then known as the cockroach of the sea.
Are you ready to accept insects as part of your diet?
Source: SmithsonianMagazine.com
Featured Image: Loblaws.ca
Would you incorporate crickets into your diet? Let us know in the comments!
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At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail related including how to get the best value at your favourite stores. Hidden offerings, insider secrets and the ultimate savings… we’ve rounded up the 10 things every Loblaws shopper needs to know. Keep reading for the top tips for shopping at Loblaws.
Shop President’s Choice
Get the absolute best value by shopping Loblaws’ private label brand, President’s Choice. President’s Choice has created a huge assortment of quality food and household items that beat the pricing of most national brands. What’s the best part? If you’re not satisfied with a PC product, simply return it (even if it’s half eaten,) for a full refund.
The PC Insiders Report
Shop smarter by browsing the PC Insiders Report online before heading to Loblaws. In it, you’ll find the season’s newest President’s Choice products and awesome recipes. The PC Insiders Report offers a ton of inspiration for dinner parties and gift giving, especially helpful during the holidays!
Cooking Classes
Pick up some new skills by cooking President’s Choice products alongside the experts. Click here to sign up for PC Cooking School classes (available at select Loblaws locations at a very reasonable price).
Insta-Worthy Coffee
Visit Loblaws’ Café before hitting up the grocery aisles for a caffeine fix that’s Instagram worthy. Pair your brew with any of the decadent doughnuts, macaroons or biscotti found at Loblaws’ Patisserie for a drool-worthy shopping treat.
Grab a Drink
Convenience is everything! You can now pick up beer and wine at select Loblaws locations. While Loblaws’ alcohol selection is a bit limited, it certainly comes in handy when an LCBO is closed or out of reach.
Know Your Price Tags
Loblaws’ price tags tell you everything you need to know about a product. We recommend being cautious of sale prices (which typically require items to be purchased in multiples to qualify for a discount). Also pay close attention to when “DNO” is marked on price tags. This equates to “Do Not Order”, meaning that Loblaws won’t carry this product for much longer so don’t get too attached to it.
Know Your Prices
Loblaws abides by the Retail Council of Canada’s Scanner Price Accuracy Code. What does this mean? Basically, Loblaws has agreed to provide customers with accurate and transparent pricing. Therefore, if an item scans differently from the price indicated on the shelf, a customer is entitled to get the item for free. The policy goes into a bit more detail but just ask any Loblaws employee and they’ll be able to assist you.
PC Plus Program
We’ve told you about the PC Plus program before and how using it along with the handy PC Plus app can help you to save money at the grocery store. If you’re still not familiar with this loyalty program, sign up! You’ll be prompted to download weekly coupons that are actually relevant to your shopping behaviour. Imagine receiving coupons to earn bonus points on the items you actually buy?
Shop Reduced Items
Look out for bright pink 50% off stickers on various produce and health and beauty items. You can save big on these items because they are either nearing their expiration date or have been discontinued. Find ‘Reduced’ displays hidden in corners or in shopping carts beside the Customer Service Desk where Loblaws doesn’t want you to find them.
Grocery Shopping Online
Click & Collect is now available at select Loblaws locations. That’s right! Hop online and toss grocery items into your shopping cart (totaling a minimum of $30). For a $3 fee, you can schedule a pick-up at your convenience and avoid the hassle of crowded aisles during the holidays for a much more efficient grocery shopping experience.
Do you agree with our list of 10 things every Loblaws needs to know? What would you add? Let us know in the comments!
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Loblaws pleaded guilty to participating in industry-wide bread price-fixing from 2002 to 2015, and extended an olive branch to eligible customers. Starting today, patrons can register on loblawcard.ca to receive a $25 gift card for free food products at any Loblaws stores, including No Frills, Zehrs, Provigo, Superstore, and many others. The website has a sign-up form plus details on the program, but make sure to read the fine print. Cards have no expiry date, but May 8 is the cut off date to register.
https://www.instagram.com/p/0qKkgyMgIf/?hl=en&taken-by=loblawson
While there is no proof of purchase necessary to participate, only those who purchased certain bread products between 2002 and March 2015 are entitled to the card. The packaged bread products with hiked up prices include: Ben’s Bread, Bon Matin Bread, Country Harvest Bread, Dempster’s Bread, D’Italiano Bread, Gadoua Bread, McGavin’s Bread, No Name Bread, Old Mill Bread, POM Bread, Weston Bread, and Wonder Bread.
The grocer’s move aimed to mollify angry customers when they found out about Loblaw’s admission to inflated packaged bread prices last year.
“Loblaw discovered that Canadians were overcharged for the cost of some packaged bread products in our stores and other grocery stores across Canada.” – Loblaws
The $25 Loblaw Card is good for any food purchases made in Loblaws stores across Canada. Purchases of alcohol, tobacco, gas, or ATM cash withdrawals cannot be purchased with the card. While Loblaws reserves the right to limit the number of cards given out, their website does not state the cap.
There are numerous class action suits against the company, but participation in the rebate program is completely separate from these lawsuits. “Agreeing to this release will not impact your right to participate in any class actions relating to an overcharge on the price of packaged bread,” states the fine print. However, on the sign-up form, it clearly states that $25 will be deducted from any compensation from the lawsuits. In addition, be prepared to give a lot of personal information, such as date of birth, address, etc.
https://www.instagram.com/p/0kz1NIsgOu/?hl=en&taken-by=loblawson
What do you think about this offer from Loblaws?
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From making your life easier when it comes to cooking, to learning more about what’s good and bad for us, Loblaw’s has helped us uncover the Canadian food trends for 2018. Here are some of the predictions:
(1) Meal Kits:
With Canadians working longer hours, who’s interested in coming home late and spending precious time slaving in the kitchen? That doesn’t mean living on junk food. You can still prepare quality meals with a little help from meal-kits. Meal-kits, which come with fresh ingredients measured out for a specific recipe created by top chefs, allow you to throw everything together in minimal time for maximal taste. As 2018 approaches, these kits will gain in popularity and consumers will look for value pricing and increased customization options.
(2) Breakfast with a Twist:
For hardworking people, trying to make time for breakfast is a challenge. But eating breakfast is important, as it provides protein to fuel you through the day. Watch out for the increase in portable breakfasts for morning commuters. They will be less traditional breakfasts, with an emphasis on proteins such as chicken, seafood, and beans.
(3) GIY:
Canadians are getting on-board when it comes to the Grow-It-Yourself culture. We are constantly bombarded with news about chemicals and unhealthy additives in our food supply and want to know where our food comes from. People will increasingly use public spaces to grow food, from backyard beehives to balcony herb and sprout gardens.
(4) Reduced Sugar:
We’ve learned that some fats can be good for you (ahem, avocados!). As we learn the effects of sugar on our bodies, no one is suggesting sugar is good for you. Consumers will be more conscious of searching for foods low in sugar content.
(5) Gut Health:
It’s something nutritionists are talking about these days, and a topic we should all read and learn more about. The use of pre- and probiotics, as well fermented food, will continue to gain in popularity as more people gain an understanding of the importance of gut health.
(6) Decadent Desserts
Millenials put a major focus on food that aesthetically pleasing. We’ve seen the demand and love for macarons shaped like animals and other Instagram ready foods! Continue to enjoy crazy toppings on shakes and emoji shaped dumplings, but keep your eyes peeled for the latest craze.
(7) Wake and Cake
Who doesn’t love cake in the morning? Eating your sweets earlier in the day allows for more time to work it off by the evening. So, why not indulge every so often?
(8) Fat Focused
Now that we know that some fats that are good for you, many will return to more full-fat options, including dairy products such as yogurt and milk.
(9) Retro-Inspired
Find inspiration in recipes from the past, with a twist to the future. These types of foodie options are popping up in menus all over the city.
(10) Food Experiences
Living in a virtual world has opened our minds to new food themes and ideas. People are seeking novel food variations that appeal to the senses and nostalgia. What’s more exciting than a unique and memorable experience with food?
Image: Instagram/@KiinToronto
What other food trends do you predict for 2018?
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If You’re Not a PC Plus Member, You’re Actually LOSING Money! Canadians spend an average of $1,500 on holiday shopping. Why not use a PC plus card to make money? I have been using my PC plus card for three years and have earned $740 in free groceries.
What exactly do I mean by that? I mean that today, I can literally fill up my cart with $740 dollars worth of groceries, tech, kitchenware, and more, and simply leave the store without paying a dollar.
How does this work? You simply download the app and every time you shop, the cashier scans your barcode in the app and you accumulate points. These points translate into dollars which can be redeemed at any time.
Not only can you earn points, if you sign up for the PC Financial World Elite Mastercard, you will earn 3X the PC points on every purchase made at any Loblaws division (Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Joe Fresh, and Shoppers Drug Mart.)
Simply put, you will earn money as you spend money. Happy earning!
Are you a PC Plus member? Let us know in the comments.
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