The Empire Group has invested in the Scene+ loyalty program which includes Scotiabank, Recipe Unlimited restaurants and the Cineplex theatre chain. The new ownership structure will allow Scene+ members to earn and redeem points at the grocer’s supermarkets, including Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, IGA, and FreshCo. The current Airmiles program will continue regionally until the Scene+ program is rolled out which will begin in Atlantic Canada in 2022 and should be rolled out across Canada in 2023.

Metro grocery and pharmacy stores will eliminate plastic bags by this September. The move is expected to eliminate 330 million single use plastic bags per year from circulation.

Loblaw is building an automated, multi temperature warehouse just north of Toronto. The new distribution facility will be part of an industrial park at Highway 404 and Green Lane and includes a 100 acre land-lease agreement with Choice Properties. Phase one is 1.2 million square feet it is expected to open in 2024.

The Pattison Food Group which includes Save-On-Foods and Buy-Low Foods will no longer print a weekly flyer and has decided to go digital. In addition to saving costs this will allow them to personalize their offers through email and apps.