Nova Scotia Loyal: Walmart, Superstore to identify local products in stores

With a growing national push to buy Canadian, buy local initiatives are gaining

It’s now easier to identify Nova Scotia-made products at two major grocery store chains in the Maritimes.

Both Walmart and Real Atlantic Superstore have agreed to display the Nova Scotia Loyal branding campaign by rolling out signage and stickers highlighting local products in their stores.

Signage is already up at 46 Loblaw-owned stores in Nova Scotia, including Real Atlantic Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, and No Frills, while Walmart has rolled out the sticker campaign at 18 of its stores.

“Every day, we are seeing more and more businesses join our Nova Scotia Loyal movement,” said Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc.

“From small independent retailers to the big box stores, Nova Scotian retailers recognize the importance of stocking locally-made products and making it as easy as possible for Nova Scotians to find these products on their store shelves.”

Participation in the Nova Scotia Loyal marketing program has doubled in the last week to 540 producers and manufacturers, confirmed LeBlanc.

A lot of that interest in supporting local has come from the implementation of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. LeBlanc says there’s significant interest in getting on board with the Nova Scotia Loyal program by both producers and retailers.

“Whether they be smaller independent stores or larger stores like this one here (Real Atlantic Superstore) today,” said LeBlanc. “We are looking at all options to make it easier for customers to buy local.”

“Loblaw is proud to be on board with the Nova Scotia Loyal branding program,” said Jonathan Caroll, senior vice-president with Superstore operations.

“Through the Nova Scotia Loyal program, we’re making it easier for customers to find and support local products in our stores. This initiative showcases more locally-made items, supports Canadian jobs and brings high-quality, affordable options to our shelves, helping Nova Scotians enjoy the best their province has to offer.”

Nova Scotia Loyal has an agreement already with Sobeys and Scene+ to offer customers a chance to earn bonus loyalty points at their stores when they purchase local.

Although Walmart Canada and Real Atlantic Superstore have their own customer loyalty programs, no points agreement has been made with Nova Scotia Loyal at this point, confirmed LeBlanc.

“As this program continues to evolve, we will reassess different elements of the program,” said LeBlanc.

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