The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Sept. 2, edition that Loblaw is boosting the number of new stores it plans to open this year. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Loblaw now expects to open about 75 new locations this year, up from earlier plans for about 70. Chief executive officer Per Bank says: "We have a significant investment program underway, and we're putting that capital behind the parts of our business that meets the needs of Canadians. That includes accelerating our network expansion efforts to reach more customers, faster." Loblaw has opened 38 new grocery stores and pharmacies in Canada, including 21 grocery stores and 17 Shoppers Drug Mart locations, so far this year. The new stores are part of $2.4-billion in planned capital spending for 2026, the second year of Loblaw's five-year plan to invest $10-billion in Canada by 2030. Loblaw said it has spent about half of the total for 2026 so far, with plans for the remaining money to include accelerating the opening of new stores, renovating existing locations and continuing to develop new store formats and concepts. Loblaw's grocery expansion has been focused on its No Frills and Maxi banners.