Loblaws is opening new no name stores in cities in Ontario

The iconic canary yellow brand no name is about to get its very own dedicated stores here in Ontario, but there’s a catch.

The new no name stores will have a very limited selection, and something major will be missing.

The stores will have no refrigeration, and therefore won’t carry any dairy or fresh meat products. So while they promise lower prices on staples, you won’t be able to stock up on meat or milk at the new no name stores.

The no name stores will offer savings of “up to 20 per cent on everyday grocery and household essentials, by lowering operating costs and carrying only a targeted assortment of products” according to a release.

The ways they’re reducing operating costs include shorter hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., a smaller assortment of items, limited marketing and no flyers, reused fixtures like shelves and cash lanes, fewer weekly deliveries, and of course, no refrigeration.

So what will be included in the smaller assortment of items available at no name stores? The stores will sell frozen items, pantry staples, household necessities, and shelf-stable bakery and produce items including bread, bagels, apples, bananas, peppers, and carrots.

“Since food inflation took off globally, we have been laser-focused on doing what we can to keep prices lower for customers, including opening more discount food locations in more parts of the country,” said Per Bank, president and CEO, Loblaw, in a release. “This new test concept allows us to pass on lower prices to our customers – it’s a completely different and simplified shopping experience.”

Pilot no name stores will open in September 2024 in Windsor, St. Catharines and Brockville.

“Our commitment to customers is that products at the no name store will be up to 20 per cent less than the regular retail price on a comparable product at any of the four main discount grocers in that local area. These no name stores will have a limited selection of 1,300 products, but these are many of our top-selling pantry staples and household goods throughout the province, so we know they’re what customers buy most and what will bring them the biggest savings,” said Melanie Singh, President, Loblaw’s Hard Discount Division, in a release.

“This is a test and learn project, and we’re planning to listen and adjust quickly. The pilot is unchartered territory and while success isn’t guaranteed, our commitment to creating value and meeting customer needs remains unwavering.”