Loblaw Companies Ltd. has issued a stark warning to Canadian consumers: The price of everyday grocery items is set to rise sharply in the coming weeks.
The retailer, which operates chains such as Loblaws, No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore, announced this week that the number of products marked with a "T" symbol — indicating tariff-related price increases — will soar from nearly 1,000 to over 6,000 by mid-July.
CEO Per Bank explained in a LinkedIn post that while current inventories purchased before the tariffs remain unaffected, the impact will soon be felt across a wide range of categories, including pantry staples, natural foods and health and beauty products.
"While the tariff situation might be improving between the U.S. and other countries, that’s not yet the case here in Canada. In fact, we’ll be facing a large wave of tariff-related increases in the weeks ahead,” he said.
He noted that the "T" symbol will help customers identify which items are directly impacted by the U.S. tariffs.
This surge in prices comes as Canada continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the trade dispute with the U.S., which has led to increased costs for Canadian businesses and concerns about potential job losses. While some relief has been offered to other countries, Canada has not seen significant reductions in tariffs.
Chapman’s Ice Cream holds the line—but for how long?
In contrast to Loblaw’s price hikes, Chapman’s Ice Cream, a family-owned company based in Markville, Ontario, announced in March that it would absorb all immediate cost increases resulting from U.S. tariffs.
COO Ashley Chapman emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Canadian consumers during challenging times. "We will continue to reinforce Canadian-first policies within our operations because together we are stronger," she said at the time.
Despite Chapman’s pledge to absorb tariff-related costs, some shoppers have reported higher prices for its products at Loblaw stores — highlighting a potential disconnect between supplier pricing and what consumers are seeing on shelves.
What this means for your wallet
With Loblaw’s extensive product range and Chapman’s commitment to keeping prices steady, consumers may find themselves facing a confusing pricing landscape. Shoppers are advised to be vigilant, compare prices across different retailers and consider supporting Canadian-made products when possible.
As the trade dispute continues to evolve, both retailers and consumers will need to navigate the complexities of pricing in a challenging economic environment.
Sources
1. LinkedIn: Per Bank’s Post (May 14, 2025)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
