Good News for the Grocery Goblin: Grocery prices going down

"Competition is a key reason for an expected moderation in Canada. Wal-Mart Canada is opening new super-centres next year, while Target is planning on entering the Canadian market in 2013. Both moves are expected to put pressure on Canada’s existing grocers – Loblaw, Sobeys and Metro – to trim prices to hang on to market share."

Grocery store wars expected to cool food prices - Globe and Mail

The University of Guelph predicts that food prices will increase at about 2%, compared to the inflation of 4.3%.  This moderation of price comes from increased competition, and not because of a reduction in feed/production costs.

This is great news for the Grocery Goblin!  Grocery Goblin spends well over the average 10% of household expenses that other Canadians spend on groceries.

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Anticipated Food Movie: Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Jiro Dreams of Sushi: JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is the story of 85 year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. He is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances, it is the first restaurant of its kind to be awarded a prestigious 3 star Michelin review, and sushi lovers from around the globe make repeated pilgrimage, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro’s sushi bar.

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TNT SUPERMARKET: Another one for the Greater Toronto Area

There's a new TNT SUPERMARKET opening in the GTA.

9255 Woodbine Ave
Woodbine and 14th Ave
Markham, ON

You heard it here first!

OPENING DATE:  January 5th, 2011

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Walls of cheese, salume, and cupcakes: Report on Loblaws @ Maple Leaf Gardens

Walls of cheese, salume, and cupcakes: Report on Loblaws @ Maple Leaf Gardens

See my first post here

The reaction (amongst anyone I have asked) to Loblaws placing their banner over the old mecca of hockey, Maple Leaf Gardens, is mixed. From the extreme hockey fanatic on one end to the grocery devoted on the other (that's me!). For example,

 "I just can't do it. It would break my heart to go there and see Loblaws on the Gardens."
"Cool!"
"I hear there's a wall of cheese. Many people I know went to see it."
"Maybe I'll check it out"
"When's Ryerson opening?"

I went to check out Loblaws @ 830am, the day after the grand opening. It was lonely in there. At that time of the day, with no free giveaways, the staff to customer ratio was about 40:1. Perfect to take a good look at the displays, not so perfect to not be noticed snapping pictures.

Initial impression:  Grab a "map" and be amazed.  I was like a big kid in a giant candy store.  There's a set of escalators that take you to the LCBO on site, Loblaws Cooking School, and a Joe Fresh department.

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Smoked Salt / Fume De Sel

Product Name: Smoked Salt

Price: 164.90/KG

Store Purchased: Gift

Ingredients: Salt, Smoke

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