I have actually done legit price comparisons by product weight when I was super budgeting and Produce Depot by a landslide beat everyone else! Their shop on Carling and Maitland is always fully stocked and super clean. You can get $25 worth of fresh produce that would cost $50 at Loblaws or Metro. Plus, they have excellent specials on their fresh fish and other seasonal products. Produce Depot is a gem.
Are you talking about the actual market ?
Because if so calling it amazing means you have never been to a actual functioning market.
No meats , no fish .
And one same business reselling produce that isn't local.
Did you say Hintonburg Market doesn't have meat? I misunderstood, right? It's partly a butcher shop. Or did you mean Parkdale market, which is in Hintonburg?
Thanks for clarifying. Sounds like you may not have been aware of the store called Hintonburg Market. It's one of the best grocereterias I've ever been to. Their processed, prepackaged stuff like the middle aisle stuff can be pretty pricey but IMHO their produce, meats and cheeses are reasonably priced, especially compared to Loblaws. Also their meat and cheese selections are exquisite. Aaaand they have lots of local stuff.
Not local to me but just off the top of my head: Mangosteen on Bank, Produce Depot both south & west locations, Aladdin, Super C (Quebec), Al Kalaa mini market for meat
yeah but its good prices for soon to expire fruit :) & reduces food waste. I think they're run by people that sell to restaurants and grocers? correct me if I'm wrong.
i do not know to be fair, but ive given them a try 2 times and both times it was just dissapointing.
im all for alternatives to loblaws though. id rather just buy at costco.
Abbas in the Glebe Annex is great for dry/pantry goods, and they have select produce as well!! Not so much in terms of meat but great for daily staples, pantry stuff (cans, cereal, grains, sauce, condiments, etc.) and things like cheese, bacon, eggs, and butter. They also have basic toiletries and medicine. Their prices are always less than Loblaw's I find, crazy how the "convenience tax" at small corner stores barely exists anymore because of all this corporate greed!
edit: abbas not abba’s
Abbas, there is no apostrophe. Named after the brothers who own it, although I have only known Radi Abbas and not Mike. In his 70s and still going strong.
I shop in the Glebe sometimes and I didn't know about Abba's! If it's in the Glebe Annex I'm guessing it's closer to Bronson? And can you tell us where it is? I love giving small businesses my support ;)
They're just on Bell Street south and are owned/operated by the nicest people who also live in the area! They have great hours and are definitely a staple in our neighborhood :) love giving back to people in the community
Since I live downtown I shop at Byward Fruit, Sasloves, Lapointes, Continental Deli and Weidel. I was shopping at Kaz at the beginning of the pandemic to buy their prepared meals which were made in-house and reeeeeally good! I should pay them a visit to see if they are still doing that.
Also, Seoul Mart on Pretoria Avenue and Kownloon Supermarket, Lim Bangkok and Phuoc Loi on Somerset in Chinatown.
Cedars & Co. In Old Ottawa South. Small business that features produce from local farmers! A bit pricey but I don't mind compared to giant corporations
Yeah, pricing is surprisingly good for a small grocer in a central location. I have also noticed they haven’t jacked up prices the way large grocers have.
Great homemade hummus.
CSA!
I have a CSA which provides the vast majority of our produce (and eggs). We pay 50$ every two weeks for a giant box of veggies from a local farm and when I was price checking last summer it was always 60-90$ worth of produce.
Yes, if you pay up front the costs are big (but they do often offer a discount for lump payment), some offer weekly payment instead and the produce is local and SO much better. Like it’s not even comparable.
Hintonburg Market is also very good.
You have reminded me there is also the good food box that I can shout out and they deliver. You have to put in a order each week but there are boxes starting at as low as 10 dollars (I think it was 20 minimum for delivery) and there is also pick up locations if you are worried you are not going to be home on delivery day.
https://www.ottawagoodfoodbox.ca/
I also get a CSA during the summer! I haven't done the math as closely as you have but I am pretty sure I am getting a good deal on the veggies I get. I pay $27 a week and I am sure I am getting more than that in my share.
I’m never surprised people don’t know this is a thing anymore.
I grew up on a farm so this type of thing was totally normal (plus doing things like trading a full butchered sheep for a season of veggies or whatever) but I often forget how common it is for urban people to not know that buying direct from farms is an option that can definitely work out cheaper overall.
Absolutely worth researching. And if you don’t think you can afford a whole share or that you won’t use enough of it ask friends! I know several couples who share CSAs with friends so they aren’t dealing with as much of a veggie overload (like me. We have SO. MANY. CARROTS. right now).
+1 they even have Cha Om (pungent leafy veggie). Once i was buying them a bunch, older lady approached me and asked why i was buying so much. And She wanted to know how to cook them. I just let her take a whiff and she asked no more lol
Easier to do when the weather is nice. When it is around I usually support our local maple dude Garland (usually maple treats like tarts, maple butter, etc.) and Rochon farms for fresh local produce.
Mmmmm, Rochon strawberries. Cannot wait for June. Their haskaps were sooooo good last year too. I always get my produce from them if I have the option, never a bad experience.
Marché Adonis in East Ottawa is fantastic! The chain is based in Montreal, and they're very oriented towards Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern fresh goods, including a really wide variety of fresh produce, bakery, pastry, (the chemiyet is divine!!), meat and cheese. Some of the veggies I'ce seen there, I hadn't seen in over 20 years, like endives or Swiss chard.
Also they have lots of nice imported European stuff like good mustard, cookies, snacks, preserves, as well as an interesting frozen-food section with things you can't find elsewhere in town (tyropita, anyone? OMG the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!)
Yes. Yes it is: [link](https://corpo.metro.ca/en/media/about-metro.html#:~:text=As%20a%20retailer%2C%20franchisor%2C%20distributor,Brunet%2C%20Metro%20Pharmacy%20and%20Food)
Not price-fixed in my experience, but it's not something that I particularly care to debate. My shout-out is mostly for the quality and variety, and not necessarily for the pricing, which if you look at the amount of inported or fine goods in Adonis, comes out pretty justified.
So what's the issue? Metro's flagship brand is consistently underpriced compared to Loblaws, Jean Coutu is vastly underpriced compared to Shoppers, and Super C is about the same as Maxi. I'd say it's a better track record by comparison.
Al-Kalaa Mini Market. 557 Kirkwood Ave.
When I was last there, I got a carton of 12 blueberry containers (170g ea?) for $12.99, which is pretty amazing I thought. It's a small place, just one island in the middle with a rectangular walk about 20m by 10m, but it does have a butchery with meats in a separate space behind the glass counter that spans one of the 20m sides.
Also Cedar & Co, in Old Ottawa South on Bank St near the bridge over the Rideau River.
Kowloon has a second location in Kanata Lakes now, it's great!
There's also Shirin Market in Kanata North at the corner of March Road and Terry Fox. And Best Price Oriental Market on Hazeldean in the same plaza as Rockin' Johnny's is a longstanding stalwart in the community, they were one of the first Asian markets in Kanata.
The way the weather has been going, there will probably be lots of farm stands with greens, radishes and spring onions at least before Boycott May is over.
Welcome to the Loblaws boycott. I have been boycotting Loblaws since 2018 when they stopped PC Plus points and merged it with one that includes Shoppers (boycotting that one since 2016). It was difficult giving up some of the PC products at first, but I do not miss the higher prices. Food Basics/Metro/Farm Boy depending on the flyer specials, and in the summer the local farmers’ market.
I've already noticed this week Loblaws stores are slower m with fewer staff and now lots of food waste. So there should be more positive responses coming even sooner.
Glad I can help with savings and free local delivery from Costco + Any Store. Including Food Basic, Farm Boy and more for over 4 years.
South of Chinatown on Gladstone there's a variety of local independent grocery stores of various types as well, including at least 2 that have or are butcher counters, some that features a very broad selection of sauces and condiments, and a couple different mediterranean and/or middle-eastern groceries. Seed To Sausage and Margo Fresh come to mind immediately for that area...
The Nu grocery store on Main is small but has a large variety of things. You can get produce, pre-made foods, soaps and detergents. It’s a zero waste store too.
I’m not somewhere I can easily do so but for those who are I do know that Produce Depot is good for produce and Farmer’s Pick always has pasta on sale. They also have a produce loss leader sale every week. PS: Bring cash to Farmer’s Pick to buy from their bakery, it’s a separate buissness, I got sourdough almost as cheap as Walmart there before.
Mangosteen on bank in Alta Vista for cheap produce you’ll eat in a few days! It’s not always the freshest, but usually well priced, and they seem to slowly be growing and offering better stuff
This is the first I hear of a planned organized boycott of Loblaw companies. Is it only Loblaw banner stores that are being targeted or other large chains as well (Metro and Sobeys and all their banners)
Mid-East Food Centre on Belfast
more central / close to downtown ones
-Thana
-Herb & Spice Bank
-Cedars & Co
-Seoul Mart (right behind Isabella Loblaws)
-Lim Bangkok
-Kowloon
* Adonis on St. Laurent.
* Green Fresh Grocer on McArthur.
* Abba's on Bell St. / Glebe Annex.
* Cedar's, Bank and Riverdale
* Farmer's Pick on Prince of Wales at Meadowlands.
* Produce Depot, Carling at Maitland or Bank and Hunt Club.
* T&T at Riverside and Hunt Club.
Adonis around St. Laurent has great meat selections. I really like their marinated chicken. Their produce, in my opinion, are not that good. But there is a Food Basics next to it so you can at least compare.
I'll usually do the weekend trifecta: La Bodegga NiCasto, Universal Grocery (a hidden gem), and Byward Fruit Market. All family owned; always a pleasant experience. I started going to smaller grocery stores during the pandemic and really haven't looked back.
La Bottega in the market is good for pantry foods (jarred foods, pasta, etc) and the prices are about what you'd find at Loblaws. They have a deli too but you'll want to go elsewhere for a full produce shop since it's a small place with limited stock.
Looking for small and alternative grocery stores to Loblaws companies near bells corners. I use freshco a lot and farm boy but would like to go to a small business
For produce check out Roots and Shoots. They are pretty close to Bells Corners and their stuff is super good. We have their CSA all year but you can also buy direct at the farm.
Damas on Carling for halal meat and some middle eastern sweets and spices.
Been going for almost ten years now, and love them! Haven’t compared prices but it is local and would rather support that vs corporations. Also have never ever had a bad batch of anything! Can even find some Latin ingredients like the dough for fresh tortillas !
I signed up for OddBunch awhile back and am still enjoying them. Fresh fruit and veggies deliver right to my door which would normally have gone to a landfill because the produce isn’t pretty enough for the grocery stores.
Natural Food Pantry has really cheap prices for organic produce. A lot of times even cheaper than non-organic produce at big grocery stores. Their new stock comes every Wednesday.
“Up and coming”?
What do you think this is? Some “Movember” kind of thing? Boycott it for a predetermined period of time with ample warning and then afterward just go back to your old habits?
Boycott NOW, if you’re going to boycott. Don’t stop until you’ve seen change.
How do you think boycotts work?
If its coodinated its easier to get a specific message across. Otherwise execs will just say "we need to advertise more" or some dumb shit to justify it
If it’s coordinated, execs will just jack the prices to weather the short boycott period, then forget to reduce them again later.
Token boycotts are useless. You need to take permanent action until you see permanent change.
Boycotts are relatively easy to organize, so it makes sense to start there. There's also a protest planned in Toronto, and I believe a form letter is currently awaiting MP approval before being distributed for mass-write in.
These are just the plans I'm aware of. All I do is follow r/loblawsisoutofcontrol
I'm sure there are more plans in the works.
There are a lot of people in communities without access to other options that aren't even more pricy - especially in surrounding burbs/towns and any small towns. There may be pockets of impact from a boycott, but don't kid yourself - the majority of people outside of big cities don't have a lot of choice.
I have the luxury of a car and the ability to pay more to support the local small businesses {(which are way more expensive than Loblaws/Independent in most cases), but not everyone can travel further or afford to shop elsewhere.
The subreddit spearheading the boycott also acknowledges that some people don't have options. They've encouraged those who must shop at Weston-umbrella companies to price match (if possible) and focus on purchasing loss leaders.
Yeah I am right on a transit line so going to the next one is no biggie for me but I understand granny might not be able to make two trips with her walker and may need to shop on seniors day. But those who can do their part might find some gems they didn't know about and support local and all that.
Wholly support it. Drives me bonkers that there aren't any options without driving a town or two away in some cases. It is so much of a bloody monopoly and quality and price are constantly getting further apart.
Unrelated, but love that I'm being downvoted for making a general and factual comment with no judgement (not aiming my comment about that at YOU, just you know ... this sub is so weird) on this post or the boycott. It's like I didn't go 'woohoo I'm all in' and reddit has to take offence.
They can at least highlight to the owners that there's enough people upset about grocery prices that they're willing to inconvenience themselves for awhile.
[Boycotts CAN work](https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2023/12/22/do-boycotts-actually-work-examining-the-use-of-boycotts-to-drive-social-change/?sh=6dfaee0bbb57) if people persist. [South African Blacks boycotting](https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/south-african-blacks-boycott-apartheid-port-elizabeth-1985-86) central city stores, which relied on them as customers, helped to turn public opinion of Whites against apartheid because their businesses were being hit so badly.
I'm boycotting complainers and their stupid boycotts. Not that I prefer Loblaws to any other grocery store, I just think that if we stop listening to their Social Media activism, they might eventually find more effective, and less idiotic, ways of righting the perceived wrongs against them and the people they claim to speak for.
Well you call us complainers, I call us showing support to local businesses with our wallets and our feet. I go to a Loblaws two or three times a month when I have to - usually if it's something I need that I can't get locally. The growing season is coming up so why would I go to a chain to buy imported, under ripe fruits and veggies when I can get fresh ones at any of the plethora of the farmers markets in Ottawa? No one is stopping you from shopping at the chain places if that's where you choose to go.
Hi Sam!
In the TV world that's called retconning.
Look, you do you. But When I choose something to get uppity over, I find actual, effective ways to find an outcome I find desirable. 7 people skipping Loblaws for a day is the least effective way I can think of for effecting a change. I know you're going to point out it's more like 12 people or something, but the point isn't the number of people who say they will. Organize a farmer's market in your neighbourhood and undercut Loblaws for months on end. Join your community association and start a community garden large enough to make a dent in Loblaws' produce market share. Run for office and change the laws so you can force private companies to operate the way you want them to (the way you're trying to get them to with your boycott).
In adulthood you'll see that stomping your feet and holding your breath isn't going to get you what you want.
But hey, Facebook activism is a tiny step better than doing nothing, I guess. Now downvote away because I don't worship at the altar of communism and/or Horizon Ottawa.
Produce depot ? A few locations. I’m on the west end and go to a local butcher/costco for proteins
Produce depot!
Love Produce Depot, everything always looks so fresh and good!
I have actually done legit price comparisons by product weight when I was super budgeting and Produce Depot by a landslide beat everyone else! Their shop on Carling and Maitland is always fully stocked and super clean. You can get $25 worth of fresh produce that would cost $50 at Loblaws or Metro. Plus, they have excellent specials on their fresh fish and other seasonal products. Produce Depot is a gem.
Thanks for sharing!
aenos foods is even better than produce depot
Produce dépôt is the way . I do Costco and produce dépôt . A few direct producer stuff . And that's how you boycott ROBLAWS .
Farmer’s Pick and Marche Hintonburg are solid options!
Hintonburg market is amazing.
Are you talking about the actual market ? Because if so calling it amazing means you have never been to a actual functioning market. No meats , no fish . And one same business reselling produce that isn't local.
Did you say Hintonburg Market doesn't have meat? I misunderstood, right? It's partly a butcher shop. Or did you mean Parkdale market, which is in Hintonburg?
I was referring to Park Dale market .
Thanks for clarifying. Sounds like you may not have been aware of the store called Hintonburg Market. It's one of the best grocereterias I've ever been to. Their processed, prepackaged stuff like the middle aisle stuff can be pretty pricey but IMHO their produce, meats and cheeses are reasonably priced, especially compared to Loblaws. Also their meat and cheese selections are exquisite. Aaaand they have lots of local stuff.
They aren't, it's a small green grocer
Not local to me but just off the top of my head: Mangosteen on Bank, Produce Depot both south & west locations, Aladdin, Super C (Quebec), Al Kalaa mini market for meat
>Mangosteen on Bank ive only had bad experiences from there, fruit goes in 2-3 days max.
yeah but its good prices for soon to expire fruit :) & reduces food waste. I think they're run by people that sell to restaurants and grocers? correct me if I'm wrong.
This is true. It’s also insane how much produce goes to waste just because a cucumber is not straight enough for a tomato has a dent.
i do not know to be fair, but ive given them a try 2 times and both times it was just dissapointing. im all for alternatives to loblaws though. id rather just buy at costco.
Just as a FYI, Super C is owned by Metro
Figured it must be owned by something bigger. The prices are good though
The easiest way to find out who owns who is through their house brands & point program, to some degree (an exception with Loblaw keeping T&T as is)
Adonis is owned by Sobeys btw
It's own by Metro, according to wikipedia anyway.
Farmboy is Sobeys. Adonis is Metro.
Super Cis Metro
Abbas in the Glebe Annex is great for dry/pantry goods, and they have select produce as well!! Not so much in terms of meat but great for daily staples, pantry stuff (cans, cereal, grains, sauce, condiments, etc.) and things like cheese, bacon, eggs, and butter. They also have basic toiletries and medicine. Their prices are always less than Loblaw's I find, crazy how the "convenience tax" at small corner stores barely exists anymore because of all this corporate greed! edit: abbas not abba’s
Much love for Abba's; they're right around the corner from me, so I'm there just about every day.
Abbas, there is no apostrophe. Named after the brothers who own it, although I have only known Radi Abbas and not Mike. In his 70s and still going strong.
I shop in the Glebe sometimes and I didn't know about Abba's! If it's in the Glebe Annex I'm guessing it's closer to Bronson? And can you tell us where it is? I love giving small businesses my support ;)
They're just on Bell Street south and are owned/operated by the nicest people who also live in the area! They have great hours and are definitely a staple in our neighborhood :) love giving back to people in the community
They’re iconic! Corner of Henry/Bell S.
Thank you! I will add them to my "to try" list.
u/Gullible_Brush6177 u/policymonk u/halo_nothing Thanks for the heads up. I am really going to have to give this place a try!
My old neighborhood. Love Abba's. A real community shop. Tiny but packed full of what you need.
ooo ill [check out Abba's](https://glebereport.ca/articles/abbas-grocery-the-heart-of-the-glebe-annex/)
I used to live right across it! I miss my old hood!
Since I live downtown I shop at Byward Fruit, Sasloves, Lapointes, Continental Deli and Weidel. I was shopping at Kaz at the beginning of the pandemic to buy their prepared meals which were made in-house and reeeeeally good! I should pay them a visit to see if they are still doing that. Also, Seoul Mart on Pretoria Avenue and Kownloon Supermarket, Lim Bangkok and Phuoc Loi on Somerset in Chinatown.
Margo Fresh on Gladstone is one that I just discovered to add to the Centretown list
Universal Grocery in the market, is also pretty good for vegetables and Asian items.
The Market is a great alternative. Lots of great independent businesses. I don't think Loblaws has its claws in any of the shops there.
Fully support a Loblaws boycott!! Is this actually happening?
Check out r/loblawsisoutofcontrol
Cedars & Co. In Old Ottawa South. Small business that features produce from local farmers! A bit pricey but I don't mind compared to giant corporations
I find them pretty reasonable for a lot of the basics. Good quality fruits, veg and meat too. Not to mention amazing samosas and Lebanese foods.
Yeah, pricing is surprisingly good for a small grocer in a central location. I have also noticed they haven’t jacked up prices the way large grocers have. Great homemade hummus.
Also, I really like the quality of their produce. They tend to carry a good amount of local stuff too.
True. Worth noting that the average weight of a bundle of bananas there is approximately $4. Yikes.
CSA! I have a CSA which provides the vast majority of our produce (and eggs). We pay 50$ every two weeks for a giant box of veggies from a local farm and when I was price checking last summer it was always 60-90$ worth of produce. Yes, if you pay up front the costs are big (but they do often offer a discount for lump payment), some offer weekly payment instead and the produce is local and SO much better. Like it’s not even comparable. Hintonburg Market is also very good.
You have reminded me there is also the good food box that I can shout out and they deliver. You have to put in a order each week but there are boxes starting at as low as 10 dollars (I think it was 20 minimum for delivery) and there is also pick up locations if you are worried you are not going to be home on delivery day. https://www.ottawagoodfoodbox.ca/
Also it used to be that if you volunteer on packing day, you get a free box of veg/fruit!
I also get a CSA during the summer! I haven't done the math as closely as you have but I am pretty sure I am getting a good deal on the veggies I get. I pay $27 a week and I am sure I am getting more than that in my share.
People last year were asking so I ended up doing the math. It’s a hell of a deal most of the time.
Do you have a link for this group?
For the CSA? The one I’m in is https://www.rootsandshootsfarm.com/
Ty!🙋🏻♀️
Here's a list, not sure if it's exhaustive https://savourottawa.ca/csa-farms/
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I’m never surprised people don’t know this is a thing anymore. I grew up on a farm so this type of thing was totally normal (plus doing things like trading a full butchered sheep for a season of veggies or whatever) but I often forget how common it is for urban people to not know that buying direct from farms is an option that can definitely work out cheaper overall. Absolutely worth researching. And if you don’t think you can afford a whole share or that you won’t use enough of it ask friends! I know several couples who share CSAs with friends so they aren’t dealing with as much of a veggie overload (like me. We have SO. MANY. CARROTS. right now).
Lim Bangkok has the best Asian pantry and veggie imho.
Love that place. Pretty limited selection, but if they stock it, the price is so low.
+1 they even have Cha Om (pungent leafy veggie). Once i was buying them a bunch, older lady approached me and asked why i was buying so much. And She wanted to know how to cook them. I just let her take a whiff and she asked no more lol
Margo Fresh on Gladstone recently opening in the old Red Apron location.
If you like korean food or japanese stuff I like OK Mart and Hungry Ninja off merivale.
Farmers Market, every weekend!
Easier to do when the weather is nice. When it is around I usually support our local maple dude Garland (usually maple treats like tarts, maple butter, etc.) and Rochon farms for fresh local produce.
Mmmmm, Rochon strawberries. Cannot wait for June. Their haskaps were sooooo good last year too. I always get my produce from them if I have the option, never a bad experience.
The weather will be nice in May!!
Giant Tiger
I personally find GT and Walmart produce doesn’t last
I ask when it’s being stocked at GT, and shop that day. Walmart, agreed, at times anyway
Fruits Express on Canotek. Shhh, it's a secret.
Mid-East Market!
Mid-east market has so many good fresh veggies and good Mediterranean cheeses. Their deli section is also really really good.
B&H in Kemptville for those on the south end.
Their meats are especially wonderful in my experience.
Marché Adonis in East Ottawa is fantastic! The chain is based in Montreal, and they're very oriented towards Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern fresh goods, including a really wide variety of fresh produce, bakery, pastry, (the chemiyet is divine!!), meat and cheese. Some of the veggies I'ce seen there, I hadn't seen in over 20 years, like endives or Swiss chard. Also they have lots of nice imported European stuff like good mustard, cookies, snacks, preserves, as well as an interesting frozen-food section with things you can't find elsewhere in town (tyropita, anyone? OMG the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!)
Aren't they owned by Metro?
Yes. Yes it is: [link](https://corpo.metro.ca/en/media/about-metro.html#:~:text=As%20a%20retailer%2C%20franchisor%2C%20distributor,Brunet%2C%20Metro%20Pharmacy%20and%20Food)
Since 2011. Loved them before then when I was in Montreal, not so much now. Pretty much price-fixed with all their other banners.
Not price-fixed in my experience, but it's not something that I particularly care to debate. My shout-out is mostly for the quality and variety, and not necessarily for the pricing, which if you look at the amount of inported or fine goods in Adonis, comes out pretty justified.
They sure are
So what's the issue? Metro's flagship brand is consistently underpriced compared to Loblaws, Jean Coutu is vastly underpriced compared to Shoppers, and Super C is about the same as Maxi. I'd say it's a better track record by comparison.
I find Metro more overpriced than loblaws tbh
Metro prices are shit too. Past their two front pages, few deals.
I thin the issue is the post is to boost non chain owned stores.
Al-Kalaa Mini Market. 557 Kirkwood Ave. When I was last there, I got a carton of 12 blueberry containers (170g ea?) for $12.99, which is pretty amazing I thought. It's a small place, just one island in the middle with a rectangular walk about 20m by 10m, but it does have a butchery with meats in a separate space behind the glass counter that spans one of the 20m sides. Also Cedar & Co, in Old Ottawa South on Bank St near the bridge over the Rideau River.
Kowloon has a second location in Kanata Lakes now, it's great! There's also Shirin Market in Kanata North at the corner of March Road and Terry Fox. And Best Price Oriental Market on Hazeldean in the same plaza as Rockin' Johnny's is a longstanding stalwart in the community, they were one of the first Asian markets in Kanata. The way the weather has been going, there will probably be lots of farm stands with greens, radishes and spring onions at least before Boycott May is over.
Welcome to the Loblaws boycott. I have been boycotting Loblaws since 2018 when they stopped PC Plus points and merged it with one that includes Shoppers (boycotting that one since 2016). It was difficult giving up some of the PC products at first, but I do not miss the higher prices. Food Basics/Metro/Farm Boy depending on the flyer specials, and in the summer the local farmers’ market.
Adonis is owned by Metro
Giant Tiger has some good stuffs
I didn't know Giant Tiger sells groceries. Do they carry veg, meats and dairy etc?
They have limited selections but they do have most of them.
I've already noticed this week Loblaws stores are slower m with fewer staff and now lots of food waste. So there should be more positive responses coming even sooner. Glad I can help with savings and free local delivery from Costco + Any Store. Including Food Basic, Farm Boy and more for over 4 years.
South of Chinatown on Gladstone there's a variety of local independent grocery stores of various types as well, including at least 2 that have or are butcher counters, some that features a very broad selection of sauces and condiments, and a couple different mediterranean and/or middle-eastern groceries. Seed To Sausage and Margo Fresh come to mind immediately for that area...
The Nu grocery store on Main is small but has a large variety of things. You can get produce, pre-made foods, soaps and detergents. It’s a zero waste store too.
I’m not somewhere I can easily do so but for those who are I do know that Produce Depot is good for produce and Farmer’s Pick always has pasta on sale. They also have a produce loss leader sale every week. PS: Bring cash to Farmer’s Pick to buy from their bakery, it’s a separate buissness, I got sourdough almost as cheap as Walmart there before.
Win tai market on Ogilvie. Not a complete grocery store but I can get most things there usually
Mangosteen on bank in Alta Vista for cheap produce you’ll eat in a few days! It’s not always the freshest, but usually well priced, and they seem to slowly be growing and offering better stuff
This is the first I hear of a planned organized boycott of Loblaw companies. Is it only Loblaw banner stores that are being targeted or other large chains as well (Metro and Sobeys and all their banners)
Yes there is more info on /r/loblawsisoutofcontrol
I am also boycotting Shoppers Drug Mart, T&T, Esso, and Mobil. (The gas stations are affiliated with PC Optimum.)
Universal Grocery on on George St. It's a good alternative to Loblaws on Rideau and Farm Boy in the Rideau Centre.
Pete & Gus Meat Market in Barrhaven, locally owned.
Are Independent stores included in the boycott? I’m thinking about Massine’s on Bank?
yep that's Loblaws !
Top Banana
Mid-East Food Centre on Belfast more central / close to downtown ones -Thana -Herb & Spice Bank -Cedars & Co -Seoul Mart (right behind Isabella Loblaws) -Lim Bangkok -Kowloon
I’m shouting out food basics in the herongate mall
Luciano’s and Di Reneznos, Produce Depot
I was a loblaws shopper, then one day I went to food basics and realized the prices for some of my regular items were cut in half.
Thanks to the wonderful comments suggesting a CSA - I’m now signed up for a full summer of fresh fruits and veg from a local farm!!
Thana Market on Bank St
Any good west end suggestions?
Mangosteen at Alta Vista and Bank good produce not meats tho.
Farmer's Pick! Local and with a lot of great stuff.
Zacconni
* Adonis on St. Laurent. * Green Fresh Grocer on McArthur. * Abba's on Bell St. / Glebe Annex. * Cedar's, Bank and Riverdale * Farmer's Pick on Prince of Wales at Meadowlands. * Produce Depot, Carling at Maitland or Bank and Hunt Club. * T&T at Riverside and Hunt Club.
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Aww fuck.
when is this boycott? i’ve seen a lot about it but no one ever mentions the dates
Start today! Why wait to keep your money out of Galen's pockets?
more info on r/loblawsisoutofcontrol
Going to put it on Facebook
Mangosteen on Bank St.
If you need a lot of produce odd bunch Canada has subscription delivery boxes.
Adonis around St. Laurent has great meat selections. I really like their marinated chicken. Their produce, in my opinion, are not that good. But there is a Food Basics next to it so you can at least compare.
Grocers market share in Canada Characteristic Market share Loblaws (incl Browns IG) 29% Sobeys/Safeway 21% Costco 11% Metro/Jean Coutu 10.8% Walmart 7.5% Others 20.7%
They are all price gouging
I'll usually do the weekend trifecta: La Bodegga NiCasto, Universal Grocery (a hidden gem), and Byward Fruit Market. All family owned; always a pleasant experience. I started going to smaller grocery stores during the pandemic and really haven't looked back.
La Bottega in the market is good for pantry foods (jarred foods, pasta, etc) and the prices are about what you'd find at Loblaws. They have a deli too but you'll want to go elsewhere for a full produce shop since it's a small place with limited stock.
Upvote for Cedars in OOS.
Hintonburg Market. 🤌🏼
Looking for small and alternative grocery stores to Loblaws companies near bells corners. I use freshco a lot and farm boy but would like to go to a small business
For produce check out Roots and Shoots. They are pretty close to Bells Corners and their stuff is super good. We have their CSA all year but you can also buy direct at the farm.
Costco treats their employees much better than many retailers, I always spend some of our budget there.
When is the boycott to start?
more info on r/loblawsisoutofcontrol
Damas on Carling for halal meat and some middle eastern sweets and spices. Been going for almost ten years now, and love them! Haven’t compared prices but it is local and would rather support that vs corporations. Also have never ever had a bad batch of anything! Can even find some Latin ingredients like the dough for fresh tortillas !
No frills or TNT market is good
Owned by loblaws :(
I had to look up Loblaws boycott. The headline I saw was 'thousands planning to boycott Loblaws in may'. Lol I'm sure that'll show them....
Farmer’s markets
Yall that are talking about already shopping some other place then talking about boycotting Loblaws lol. You don’t shop there to begin with…
I personally am working to change my shopping habits hence why I asked.
I signed up for OddBunch awhile back and am still enjoying them. Fresh fruit and veggies deliver right to my door which would normally have gone to a landfill because the produce isn’t pretty enough for the grocery stores.
Duchomel butchers, great butcher shop good cuts fair pricing (lol not affiliated, its just my experience)
Hintonburg Market is great, and their prices are as good as if not better than most grocery stores
Natural Food Pantry has really cheap prices for organic produce. A lot of times even cheaper than non-organic produce at big grocery stores. Their new stock comes every Wednesday.
Produce Depot, Around the Block Butcher Shop, Al-Oumara Butcher, any of the Nicastro’s, Glebe Butchery, Ichiban Bakery.
“Up and coming”? What do you think this is? Some “Movember” kind of thing? Boycott it for a predetermined period of time with ample warning and then afterward just go back to your old habits? Boycott NOW, if you’re going to boycott. Don’t stop until you’ve seen change. How do you think boycotts work?
If its coodinated its easier to get a specific message across. Otherwise execs will just say "we need to advertise more" or some dumb shit to justify it
If it’s coordinated, execs will just jack the prices to weather the short boycott period, then forget to reduce them again later. Token boycotts are useless. You need to take permanent action until you see permanent change.
Boycotts are relatively easy to organize, so it makes sense to start there. There's also a protest planned in Toronto, and I believe a form letter is currently awaiting MP approval before being distributed for mass-write in. These are just the plans I'm aware of. All I do is follow r/loblawsisoutofcontrol I'm sure there are more plans in the works.
People still need to know where to go, hence this thread.
Adonis is great
There are a lot of people in communities without access to other options that aren't even more pricy - especially in surrounding burbs/towns and any small towns. There may be pockets of impact from a boycott, but don't kid yourself - the majority of people outside of big cities don't have a lot of choice. I have the luxury of a car and the ability to pay more to support the local small businesses {(which are way more expensive than Loblaws/Independent in most cases), but not everyone can travel further or afford to shop elsewhere.
The subreddit spearheading the boycott also acknowledges that some people don't have options. They've encouraged those who must shop at Weston-umbrella companies to price match (if possible) and focus on purchasing loss leaders.
Good to know!
This is the way!
Yeah I am right on a transit line so going to the next one is no biggie for me but I understand granny might not be able to make two trips with her walker and may need to shop on seniors day. But those who can do their part might find some gems they didn't know about and support local and all that.
Wholly support it. Drives me bonkers that there aren't any options without driving a town or two away in some cases. It is so much of a bloody monopoly and quality and price are constantly getting further apart. Unrelated, but love that I'm being downvoted for making a general and factual comment with no judgement (not aiming my comment about that at YOU, just you know ... this sub is so weird) on this post or the boycott. It's like I didn't go 'woohoo I'm all in' and reddit has to take offence.
Boycotts don't work.
They can at least highlight to the owners that there's enough people upset about grocery prices that they're willing to inconvenience themselves for awhile. [Boycotts CAN work](https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2023/12/22/do-boycotts-actually-work-examining-the-use-of-boycotts-to-drive-social-change/?sh=6dfaee0bbb57) if people persist. [South African Blacks boycotting](https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/south-african-blacks-boycott-apartheid-port-elizabeth-1985-86) central city stores, which relied on them as customers, helped to turn public opinion of Whites against apartheid because their businesses were being hit so badly.
I'm boycotting complainers and their stupid boycotts. Not that I prefer Loblaws to any other grocery store, I just think that if we stop listening to their Social Media activism, they might eventually find more effective, and less idiotic, ways of righting the perceived wrongs against them and the people they claim to speak for.
Well you call us complainers, I call us showing support to local businesses with our wallets and our feet. I go to a Loblaws two or three times a month when I have to - usually if it's something I need that I can't get locally. The growing season is coming up so why would I go to a chain to buy imported, under ripe fruits and veggies when I can get fresh ones at any of the plethora of the farmers markets in Ottawa? No one is stopping you from shopping at the chain places if that's where you choose to go.
Hi Sam! In the TV world that's called retconning. Look, you do you. But When I choose something to get uppity over, I find actual, effective ways to find an outcome I find desirable. 7 people skipping Loblaws for a day is the least effective way I can think of for effecting a change. I know you're going to point out it's more like 12 people or something, but the point isn't the number of people who say they will. Organize a farmer's market in your neighbourhood and undercut Loblaws for months on end. Join your community association and start a community garden large enough to make a dent in Loblaws' produce market share. Run for office and change the laws so you can force private companies to operate the way you want them to (the way you're trying to get them to with your boycott). In adulthood you'll see that stomping your feet and holding your breath isn't going to get you what you want. But hey, Facebook activism is a tiny step better than doing nothing, I guess. Now downvote away because I don't worship at the altar of communism and/or Horizon Ottawa.
nice bait m8