loblaws boycott parking

Canadians claim Loblaws parking lots look emptier than usual amid boycott

The May-long Loblaw boycott is underway and Canadians say they're already starting to see the consequences at stores.

A couple of videos of bare parking lots at Loblaw-owned stores have popped up online just three days into the protest.

On the first day, TikTok user @sidewalkslug shared footage of their neighbourhood Real Canadian Superstore and its sparse parking lot.

"On the first day of boycott, my true love gave to me only five cars in the parking lot," he sings in the video to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

@sidewalkslug Happy boycott day #1 everyone! #loblawsboycott ♬ original sound - Robert

People chimed in in the comments, sharing that they've noticed fewer cars in their nearby Loblaw stores too.

"I've noticed less cars at my superstore consistently over the last few months," commented one person.

"Yes!! In my small town it looks the same 🤩🤩🤩," added another.

However, many were also skeptical given that the TikToker didn't share what time the video was taken.

"What time is this? Is this staff cars before the store opens?" asks one commenter.

"What time of the day was that? Loblaws near me looks normal," added another.

TikTok user @katiefromclips also posted a video of a scant parking lot, this time at a Loblaws in Calgary.

"This place is usually filled during the day!" the caption reads.

@katiefromclips Parking lot for the East Village Loblaws in Calgary...this place is usually filled during the day! #boycottloblaws #loblawsboycott ♬ original sound - Katebc03

The comments were similarly divided.

"My No Frills was very, very quiet. Stuck my head in and was pleasantly surprised. Hide your wallet!" reads one comment.

"I drove to three today only to check. All were full. Thankfully, most Calgarians aren't buying into this," disagreed another person.

The Loblaw boycott began on May 1 and was organized by members of the Reddit community Loblaws is Out of Control.

Canadians are protesting skyrocketing grocery prices by avoiding shopping at the corporation's stores, which include Loblaws, Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, and No Frills.

The grocery giant's CEO, Per Bank, addressed the boycott in a statement to employees reportedly shared on April 22.

"Not only are we being unfairly blamed, we're also not getting credit for the value we are providing," he wrote.

Lead photo by

mikecphoto / Shutterstock.com


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Village by the Grange is Toronto's most international and underrated food court

Christmas Eve and holiday hours for the LCBO in Ontario

30 restaurants open on Christmas Day 2024 in Toronto

Notable bars that closed in Toronto this past year

5 new restaurants on Dundas West in Toronto you need to try at least once

Is Costco Canada planning to ditch Pepsi for Coca-Cola?

Canadian grocery tycoon Galen Weston Jr. shortlisted for an award nobody wants

New barbecue restaurant in Toronto opening in 'destroyed' historic building