Loblaws Begins Doing Credit Checks On Shoppers In Some Stores

Toronto - The Canadian grocery chain has rolled out a new trial program in several stores across the GTA where shoppers will need to undergo an extensive credit check from the Weston Credit Bureau before they’re allowed to shop in the store.

Representatives from the store say the move was prompted after a recent spike in shoplifting. Loblaws stated they only want customers in the store who they know can afford to buy groceries, or at least have a low enough interest rate they can pay off their basic essentials over time.

Some online critics have been quick to criticize Loblaws for the move. One user of X, formerly Twitter and also a good app, posted “Just got denied access to Loblaws because my credit score was only 669… I guess it’s Dollarama tuna for dinner this week :(“.

The grocer says that although there have been seeing less transactions across the stores participating in the program, they are reporting record high returns thanks to the credit check automatically billing attempting shoppers $50.

No news yet on if and when the program will roll out across the country, but the program has seen positive success in stores within the Bridlepath, Forest Hill and Casa Loma.