As soon as the grocery giant Loblaw Co. announced plans to cut discounts on expired items in its stores, the public reacted with outrage, revealing the true viewpoint of the public regarding the company, according to a Canadian expert.
According to Bruce Winder, a retail expert and spokesman, “They are realizing now that they may have more than a business interest in Canada.”. Canadians see them almost in a paternal way, similar to the way we see our government, and they are aware that they must do more than just make money in Canada.
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Having said that, bigger companies are being asked to take on a paternal or maternal role, not only focusing solely on profits, but also taking into account the planet and society in general,” he explained.
It has been announced by Loblaw earlier this week that the discount difference on expiring in-store items will be reduced from 50% to 30% effective immediately.
In a statement released by Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Sylvain Charlebois, director of the University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, said “The timing of this decision in January 2024 didn’t sit well with Canadians, who were grappling with financial challenges“.
It has to be stated that Loblaw’s decision to reverse its previous decision has been due to the swift backlash from experts, Canadians and government officials. This shows how Loblaw can be prompted into action, according to Charlebois.
He said most Canadians can appreciate the fact that retailers have the freedom to adjust their discount policies in order to remain competitive in their industry.
Charlebois explained that Loblaw has not had a problem with public relations in the past, as it occurs from time to time.
It was announced in the fall of 2016 that the company would no longer carry French’s products. As a result of a contract with French’s to make tomato paste at the time, Heinz saved a plant in Leamington, Ont., where a contract with French’s had saved a Heinz plant from closure. It was a boycott movement by consumers against stores at the time.
According to Charlebois, this time around the public outcry was sparked by sheer desperation rather than anger.
The average Canadian is struggling to pay for food, housing, gas and other everyday necessities as the cost of living continues to rise. Food banks are becoming a more popular option for Canadians as prices continue to rise.
There were a number of experts who were shocked by Loblaw’s initial decision and urged them to reconsider this decision in the face of continuing food inflation.
Winder continued, “This shouldn’t have even been allowed to happen in the first place,” he stated. As one of the analysts put it, “I believe this is a bit of a turning point for Loblaw.”
The 30 percent discount on expiration items is a practice that is common among other grocery stores in Canada, according to Charlebois, but he believes that Loblaw could set a new precedent by implementing the 30 percent discount.
“I think it is very welcome that Loblaw has taken the lead by offering a 50% discount on expired food items in order to encourage other grocers to follow it. That would be very beneficial for consumers,” he said.
That news provided by timenews.
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