Canada's favourite grocery store was revealed and it's not Loblaws, Sobeys or Metro
When you think of grocery stores in Canada, a few big names probably pop into your head right away.
The country's "big three" supermarkets — Loblaw, Sobeys and Metro — dominate Canada's grocery landscape, together selling nearly 60% of all groceries across the country. But there's another contender that's shaking up the grocery game, and while it might not have the biggest slice of the market, it does have Canadians' hearts.
With grocery prices in Canada a constant hot topic, shoppers across the country have strong opinions about where to get the best deals and quality, and the verdict is in: Costco is Canada's favourite grocery store.
According to a new report from dunnhumby, the wholesale giant is this year's top grocery store for Canadians, standing out for its unbeatable value and customer loyalty.
The report surveyed 6,000 Canadian grocery shoppers this fall, asking them to rate the country's 28 biggest retailers across five key pillars — price, promotions and rewards; quality; digital experience; speed and convenience; and operations consistency.
If you're looking for low prices without skimping on quality, Costco's blend of bulk savings, fresh produce and its famous Kirkland Signature brand is clearly doing the trick. This isn't just about the cheapest grocery stores in Canada — it's about how Costco checks nearly every box for Canadian shoppers.
The report points to Costco's stellar scores in the categories of Quality and Price, Promotions & Rewards as reasons for its placement, noting that it was the only retailer in Canada to score above average in both of the highest-weighted categories.
Shoppers praised Costco for its efficient service, reliable stock and bulk options, though they noted the occasional drawback, like long lines and crowded stores. One survey respondent even joked about the enduring affordability of Costco's hot dog combo, saying, "I really appreciate that they refuse to raise the price of the hot dog."
Wondering how your favourite grocery store fared? Here are Canada's top nine most popular grocery chains for 2024:
- Costco
- Super C (owned by Metro)
- Maxi (owned by Loblaw)
- Walmart
- Real Canadian Superstore (owned by Loblaw)
- Wholesale Club (owned by Loblaw)
- Food Basics (owned by Metro)
- FreshCo (owned by Sobeys)
- No Frills (owned by Loblaw)
As inflation continues to stretch Canadians' wallets, Costco's strategy of balancing affordability and quality resonates with shoppers nationwide. While traditional supermarkets like Loblaws, Sobeys and Metro still have their loyalists, even their own discount banners are outstripping them when it comes to customer perception.
So if you're looking to stretch your grocery budget in 2025, this might be your sign that Costco could be worth the membership fee. Who knew wholesale could feel so luxurious?
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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