Competition Bureau says stores don’t always advertise the lowest grocery prices

Skip to Content News Archives Economy Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.HomeNewsRetail & MarketingCompetition Bureau says stores don't always advertise the lowest grocery pricesBureau said it was 'concerned that grocery deals are being kept from Canadians'A person shops at a grocery store in Montreal, Que. Photo by ANDREJ IVANOV/AFP via Getty Images filesCanada’s Competition Bureau is sounding the alarm over policies that it says are keeping lower prices out of reach for Canadians.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe bureau on Monday said it was “concerned that grocery deals are being kept from Canadians” when they use use grocery flyers, apps and online promotions to find deals.It said that stores aren’t always allowed to advertise their lowest prices because of supplier policies or deals negotiated between suppliers and retailers. Such policies set the lowest price at which a retailer can advertise a product.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.The grocery sector uses minimum advertised pricing policies that can prevent retailers from advertising lower prices, even when those are offered in-store, it said.Breaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“Canadians expect grocery stores to be able to advertise their best deals,” said interim competition commissioner Jeanne Pratt. “We’re concerned that policies that prevent this make it harder for grocers to compete, and for consumers to access lower prices.”The competition bureau said in industries like retail grocery, where a few large companies dominate the retail landscape, such policies can make it harder for retailers, including discount grocers, to offer lower prices and compete for customers.It said some retailers may remove in-store discounts entirely if they cannot advertise lower prices under those policies.The bureau is now looking for input from consumers, retailers and suppliers about those policies’ impact on grocery pricing. It said input will support its ongoing examination of the food supply chain, building on a previous retail grocery market study. That study found that greater competition in retail grocery would help lower prices and deliver more choice and innovation for Canadians.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.