Mixed feelings around boycott of Loblaw

Galen Weston pushes back on ‘misguided criticism’ of Loblaw as boycott begins, May 2

I’m in an area where there are Loblaws and Metro stores, so I do comparison shopping. It’s bewildering to me that only Loblaws is being targeted when in fact the prices at Metro are even higher!

At least Loblaws will discount prices at 50 per cent, but Metro will only discount 15 to 30 per cent in my experience. Not sure who has a vendetta against Loblaws, but it’s not fair and hopefully shoppers will not blindly fall off a cliff without doing their research.

Mari Carlo, Toronto

There is a call for the boycotting stores owned by Loblaw for the month of May. Generally, I am not a public boycott follow-thecrowd person, but lately I go out of my way to shop even for one item on my list elsewhere if I feel I am being gouged. I can afford to pay the higher price out of convenience, and I must say that I used to have faith in my grocer that I got a fair deal. But no longer.

There is something wrong with large chain stores saying that higher costs are not in their control, while recording record high profits. Well, I’ve just become an enthusiastic public boycott follow-the-crowd person. A month-long boycott will surely give them a kick in their bottom line. However, higher demand on other stores might tempt them to follow the old “supply and demand curve,” to raise their prices to take advantage. A countermeasure would be to then rotate the boycotts monthly to the next offending chain stores with non-convincing excuses.

Perhaps it’s time to visit my neighbourhood private family grocery store. I understand that they have friendly, helpful people there who do not report to anyone but themselves and their neighbourhood. Maybe they can’t compete with the chain stores on every level, but the personal experience will be worth it while getting some satisfaction from the boycott. Maybe, I will like it so much I’ll make it a habit. I am in!

Roman Kuczynski, Toronto

Loblaw being targeted with numerous allegations and complaints of price gouging, security guards, Plexiglas barriers, showing proof of payment, boycotting stores and personal attacks on Galen Weston Jr. Give your head a shake guys! Shop wherever you want! Loblaw is targeted because it is the largest Canadian owned grocer. It employs thousands of Canadians and many businesses and consultants have prosperous relationship with Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Why Loblaw? I don’t hear folks complaining about Costco requiring to show proof of purchase as you exit the store, nor have I heard any complaints about Costco having controlled entrances and exits. They don’t ask for proof of purchase at the Loblaw store in my neighbourhood. Perhaps this is occurring in Loblaw locations with high theft. This country relies on trucking. Gas goes up and so does all products. Why not protest our government that is fuelling inflation? Canadians should be proud that we have a large successful corporation like Loblaw, who is a good corporate citizen and they reinvesting in Canada unlike Costco and Walmart where their profits leave the country.

Candice Holmstrom, Toronto

Loblaw is in business to make money, period. That’s what they are supposed to do. Consumers have a choice to shop where they please and retailers run their business as they wish. Consumers decide where and why they shop where they do. The proposed boycotts are ridiculous. Loblaw, a Canadian company to be proud of, are in business to be successful. That is their scope. All the other grocers aim for the same successes. Loblaw, keep doing what you do from No Frills to Loblaws and everything in between!

Anna Iacono, Toronto