Both are thriving in post-pandemic markets

Article Excerpt

Loblaw is ready to thrive in a post-COVID-19 environment. Many of its customers who opted for home delivery (or in-store pickup) during pandemic lockdowns are sticking with that value-added service. The company’s improvements to its loyalty programs should also drive additional spending per visit, both in its stores and on its websites. The stock lets you tap this growth and the company’s other successful retailing strategies. Note that George Weston—with its 52.6% interest in Loblaw—provides you with another way to benefit from the retail giant’s success. LOBLAW COMPANIES, $121.40, is a buy. Through your shares (Toronto symbol L; Shares o/s: 324.6 million; Market cap: $39.4 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Divd. yield: 1.3%; www.loblaw.ca), you tap 1,092 food stores and 1,344 Shoppers Drug Mart outlets in Canada. Loblaw has increased its selling prices in response to rising costs for food, fuel and other inputs. It’s also benefitting from strong demand for cough and cold medications, and cosmetics. In the quarter ended October 8, 2022, overall sales rose 8.3%,…