Competitors demand Walmart suppliers match discounts

TORONTO — A group of Walmart Canada’s grocery competitors is following its lead in seeking savings from suppliers. United Grocers Inc., a buying group representing such banners as Metro, Longo’s and Couche-Tard, wrote to suppliers last week saying it will “expect to receive any cost reduction you may decide to offer any competitors.” Walmart Canada raised the ire of its suppliers last month when it informed them it would be introducing new fees to help fund its $3.5 billion investment in its stores and e-commerce platform. UGI President Michael Forgione did not specify how it would obtain the reductions but said the group would not set similar fees.