Loblaw closes stores, launches delivery

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Loblaw Cos. Ltd. will shutter 22 underperforming stores and begin rolling out home delivery. The company, whose banners include Loblaws and Provigo, declined to indicate which stores would be affected, but expects the closures to be completed during Q1 of the coming year. At the same time it announced the introduction of an online delivery service, beginning in Toronto in December. The service will then be rolled out to Vancouver in January with more markets to be added through 2018. Partnering with U.S. online grocery platform Instacart, the company will offer one-hour delivery of online purchases through the Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, and T&T banners.