Lower prices and general penny-pinching at Loblaw’s are credited for solid third quarter sales. The venerable retailer reported a 1.4 per cent rise in revenue in the third quarter ended Oct. 8 to $14.14 billion, up from $13.95 billion a year ago. Loblaws program of kicking out brand items that don’t sell fast enough is a daily phenomenon for staff and customers alike. Can’t blame them perhaps but sometimes the firm retreats. That would seem to be the case with Silk brand soy milk which vanished abruptly a couple of years ago. Silk has now found its way back. It was a strange choice for removal because it is among the best-selling of such drinks. Maybe it was just a shot across the manufacturer’s bow on cost. Recently Planters Peanuts saw its pecan line gone from Loblaws shelves. It’s true the tasty nuts are expensive. But it is a daily guessing game for loyal Loblaws customers as to what will be there tomorrow and what will not.
