Loblaws announces price surges for tariff-hit groceries, food products
Members of the media may directly contact the following experts on this topic:
Keri Kettle (English only)
Associate Professor, uOttawa Telfer School of Management
[email protected]
Professor Kettle's research focuses on consumer identity and financial decision making.
“Loblaw’s is very smart to get ahead of this, and their foresight mirrors their reaction to recent actions by the Trump government. Canadians have been shifting to purchasing Canadian-made products, and Loblaw’s (along with other retailers) have responded by actively labeling those products with Canadian flags and/or red maple leaves.
"By proactively announcing price increases, Loblaw’s is helping ensure that Canadians blame the US government – and not the grocery retailer – when US-sourced products become more expensive. It is also cementing itself as a Canadian alternative to Wal-Mart. Very intelligent actions by Loblaws to position themselves as the Canadian grocer of choice.”
Michael Mulvey (English and French)
Assistant Professor, uOttawa Telfer School of Management
[email protected]
Professor Mulvey can offer consumer-centered perspectives, such as:
- Public reactions to these events on social media.
- Making sense of brands (consumer-initiated boycotts and buycotts).
"Labeling tariffed items may enhance transparency, but it also risks consumer backlash as shoppers face price hikes with no clear end in sight and little patience for determining who’s to blame."