Sobeys to cut 800 jobs across Canada

November 23rd, 2017  |  Canadian Business

And next up to the plate of Canadian lay offs – Sobeys. Canada’s second largest food retailer announced that they will be cutting the jobs of 800 office workers. The reason cited for the cuts, is the “creation of one efficient national organization out of five regional operations”, according to an announcement made by the company on Friday.

"The future success of Sobeys, and our continued service to over 900 communities across the country, depends on our steadfast commitment to transform our business," said Michael Medline, who is chief executive of Sobeys and its parent company, Empire Co. Ltd.

Sobeys faces many of the same problems that other retailers like them have been plagued by. The rise in minimum wage, and the rise of technology and at home grocery services have been taking a toll on grocery chains across the country. Earlier this month, Sobeys biggest competitor Loblaws announced that they would be closing down 22 stores across Canada.

"The first phase of our plan to transform our business, which has been focused on resetting the foundation of Sobeys and creating a new organization structure, is now substantially complete," Medline said in a statement to the media. "This will allow us to be more efficient in many ways and to be more agile as we pursue new opportunities to compete and win the loyalty of Canadians."