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The Different Loblaws Store Models

Today’s post will be the start of a 2 part series on Loblaws models and decor packages. The first part going over the major store models that Loblaws used within the blog’s coverage area. This will only cover known models that Loblaws used and not models used by their other chains or acquired chains. Note that there may be overlap with other models.

Early models

Loblaws used many store models in their early years that look similar, so I’ll only be talking about the most common surviving one. Their earliest surviving store model was the “generic market” model with a rectangular entrance way. Most of these stores are now Nofrills or Valu-Mart stores or reused for other non-retail uses. See link at the end of the post for photos of these early stores.

Late 70s- 80’s Super Store model [1]

This model was used around the  late 70s 80s. Stores during this era were known as “Loblaws Superstore”, which is a forerunner to the present day Real Canadian Superstore chain. These store had a congregated slanted  yellow metal façade. Not very many of these stores still house a Loblaws store as most were demolished or downsized into No Frills.

Rectangle Model (90s-early 2000s)

Remodeled Rectangle model (Credit: Google Maps)


This model was used in the 90s. This model was used along side the market model. This model is pretty generic looking with a rectangular entrance and a boxy shape.

“Market” Model (90s-mid 2000s)

Earlier barn model (Credit: Google Maps)

This model was used in the 90s-early 2000s along side the rectangle model. This model is notable for having triangular gables at each of the entrances. These stores had the “market” decor as their original decor package. This is the most common Loblaws model used in the blog's coverage area.

2000’s Superstore Model (early 2000s-2010s)

This model was used during the early 2000s when Loblaws was introducing Real Canadian Superstore to Ontario. This model is very similar to later barn model stores, but with rectangular glass entrances and a flat roof. Some of these stores have peaked entrances like the previous model, but with a flat roof These stores have a more superstore feel to them than previous store models as they now have a tiny section of general merchandise. Some later stores use the Great Food decor package instead of the Market decor package.

Beige Box (2010s-now)

The beige box model is Loblaws’ current standalone model first used in the early 2010s. This model has an orange rectangle entrance way, which is retrofitted onto some of the older models during remodels. Some newer stores have a glass entrance way instead. These stores are built with Loblaws’ Inspire prototype.

That was all the major store models that Loblaws used within the blog’s coverage areas. Stay tuned for part 2, which will be covering Loblaws decor packages.

Until part 2, DZ 

References used in this post

[1] http://www.andrewturnbull.net/loblaws1.html

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