Organizers of the ongoing Loblaw boycott are expressing excitement over the perceived impact of their efforts throughout May. Emily Johnson, a Milton resident and one of the boycott’s leaders, noted a significant reduction in shopper traffic at typically busy times, according to data and anecdotal evidence from social media.
The boycott, which originated on the r/loblawsisoutofcontrol subreddit, started as a response to Loblaw’s controversial price adjustments. The movement has since evolved into a call for broader consumer action against high grocery prices, with Johnson emphasizing the importance of diversifying shopping habits away from major grocery chains.
Sylvain Charlebois, a food distribution and policy researcher at Dalhousie University, acknowledged the boycott’s potential but warned it might inadvertently harm suppliers more than Loblaw itself. Charlebois suggested that a more effective approach would be to target all major retailers and support independent grocers instead.
Despite skepticism about the boycott’s long-term efficacy, the organizers remain hopeful it will lead to lower prices and increased consumer awareness about alternative shopping options. Johnson encourages supporters to continue their efforts by writing to MPs, using loyalty points strategically, and signing petitions for a grocery code of conduct