Many Canadians also opted for conventional full-service grocery stores rather than discount supermarkets and bought more items per visit as part of a one-stop-shop effort to reduce their grocery trips. They also noted a gradual return to discount grocery stores as an increasing number of shoppers sought out promotions over simply convenience. Empire, which owns Sobeys, Safeway and FreshCo, reported similar results in June, noting its same-store sales slid 4.5 per cent while Loblaw, behind store chains like Zehrs, Provigo and No Frills, said its food same-store sales declined 0.1 per cent. La Fleche with Metro said he expects food sales will remain soft this fall. COVID-19 related expenses for the quarter totalled $38 million compared with $107 million in the same quarter last year.

Source: CBC News August 11, 2021 17:15 UTC