With the cost of living on the rise, Ron Robinson is focused on cutting expenses, starting with his grocery budget. He opts to shop at Liquidation Marie, a discount grocery chain where prices are significantly lower compared to regular supermarkets, with items like steaks priced at around six dollars each instead of the usual $20 to $25 for a pack of three at big box stores.
The trend of seeking bargains at liquidation-style grocery stores is gaining popularity nationwide as Canadians grapple with high food costs. Stores like Bianca Amor’s Liquidation Supercentre in Western Canada and The Grocery Outlet in southern Ontario are expanding rapidly. Liquidation Marie, established in 2012, has doubled its number of locations in the past year alone and plans to open 10 more stores in 2026, bringing the total to 18 in Quebec.
The key to the low prices at Liquidation Marie is no secret, according to co-owner Marie Eve Breton. The store acquires surplus or mislabeled food products from major retailers at discounted rates and sells them to consumers at rock-bottom prices. These products could be items with damaged packaging or discontinued stock, offering a variety that changes daily.
Despite the unpredictable inventory, Liquidation Marie attracts an average of 30,000 customers weekly, with a Facebook group boasting over 139,000 members. The surge in interest in discount grocery stores is driven by the current economic climate, where grocery prices have surged by more than 27% in the last five years, leading families to seek ways to stretch their budgets further.
Liquidation grocery stores like Liquidation Marie not only provide affordable options for consumers but also contribute to reducing food waste by repurposing products that would otherwise be discarded. These stores challenge the conventional norms of the food supply chain and encourage consumers to rethink best-before dates as indicators of quality rather than safety.
Experts suggest that the success of Liquidation Marie may also be linked to its choice of locations and the socioeconomic dynamics of the neighborhoods it serves. By operating in areas with lower rent and catering to a diverse customer base, the store has found a niche in the market.
In conclusion, the popularity of discount grocery shopping is on the rise across various demographics, driven by the need to navigate high food prices and make every dollar count. The shift in consumer attitudes towards best-before dates and the acceptance of discounted products are reshaping the grocery shopping landscape, with liquidation stores playing a significant role in the evolving food retail industry.