Ron Robinson is focused on cutting costs with the rising cost of living, especially when it comes to his grocery expenses.
That’s why the Montreal resident shops at Liquidation Marie, a discount grocery chain where prices can be up to 50% lower than traditional grocery stores.
Robinson fondly remembers buying steaks for around six dollars each, a significant contrast to the $20 to $25 price tag for a pack of three at big-box stores.
The trend of seeking bargains at liquidation-style grocery stores is gaining traction nationwide as Canadians grapple with escalating food prices.
Stores like Bianca Amor’s Liquidation Supercentre in Western Canada and The Grocery Outlet in southern Ontario are prime examples of this trend, with Liquidation Marie in Quebec rapidly expanding its presence, aiming to open 10 new locations in 2026, bringing the total to 18 across the province.
Marie Eve Breton, co-owner of Liquidation Marie, attributes the store’s incredibly low prices to purchasing surplus and discounted food products from major retailers and reselling them at discounted rates.
According to Breton, the store’s inventory varies daily, offering items like mislabeled or surplus goods, creating a unique shopping experience where products are constantly changing.
Despite the unpredictable inventory, Liquidation Marie attracts around 30,000 customers weekly, with its Facebook group boasting over 139,000 members, showcasing the store’s popularity.
‘You cannot cut rent’
Dr. Yu Ma, a marketing professor at McGill University, attributes the growing interest in these discount stores to the current economic climate, with grocery prices surging by over 27% in the last five years.
With inflation straining household budgets, Ma notes that families are seeking ways to stretch their finances, turning to alternative shopping options to save on grocery expenses.
LeBel from Concordia University emphasizes that Liquidation Marie’s strategic location choices and appealing to specific demographics play a role in its success.
Sylvain Charlebois of Dalhousie University highlights the symbiotic relationship between major retailers and liquidation stores, where surplus or damaged goods find a second life, preventing unnecessary waste.
Best before, not bad after
Experts stress that best-before dates indicate quality and freshness rather than safety, with many food products like dried goods and canned items remaining edible past these dates when stored correctly.
Charlebois notes a shift in consumer attitudes towards buying food nearing its expiry date, driven by the need to save money amid rising food costs.
By reducing food waste and easing pressure on food systems, the popularity of liquidation grocery stores contributes to a more sustainable approach to food consumption.
Ma underscores how the rise of these stores reflects a rejection of inefficiencies in Canada
