Loblaw backtracks on discount change for nearly expired items

Loblaw is reversing course on its decision to no longer offer 50 per cent in discounts on items nearing expiry after public backlash.

In a statement to Global News, the company said it was reverting to the markdown of 50 per cent for last-day sale items after listening to customers and colleagues about the initial decision.

“We’ve listened to the feedback from our customers and colleagues and are reverting (where it existed before) to the 50% off discounts,” the company’s public relations department said in a statement.

“Customers can expect to see 50% stickers returning in the next few weeks.”

Canada’s largest grocery companydrew public ire after deciding to mark those sale items down across the board, calling it a move to provide more predictability and consistency.

The decision, however, prompted many to ask questions about why the change was being made, with the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) calling it disappointing.

“It is a major increase for some people. It really hurts them. And we were very surprised and disappointed that a company would do something like this,” CARP chief education and advocacy officer Bill VanGorder told Global News.

A day after the announcement, NDP MP Alistair MacGregor called on the Competition Bureau to look into whether there were “possible anti-competitive practices” being conducted by Loblaw over the change.

“I wish to draw attention to a concerning aspect highlighted in Loblaw’s statement, indicating that this shift in pricing strategy is in alignment with other major grocery retailers,” MacGregor wrote in a letter addressed to the Competition Bureau dated Jan. 17,  seen by Global News.

However, both the Retail Council of Canada and competition expert Michael Osborne said