(Brampton) Loblaw Companies announced Friday plans to invest more than $2 billion in its nationwide store network, which is expected to create more than 6,000 jobs.

The retailer in the food and pharmacy sectors, which owns the Provigo, Maxi and Pharmaprix brands in Quebec, said the spending would allow it to open 38 new establishments and renovate or convert 600 others.

Projects covered by the investments include the construction of low-cost supermarkets in underserved communities, an increase in the number of pharmacist-run health clinics and the continued establishment of a new distribution center in the region. of Toronto.

Loblaw already has 2,500 stores and e-commerce options nationwide and employs nearly 220,000 employees, said the company, which prides itself on being “the largest private employer in the country.”

The new jobs expected from this year’s investments will be in the retail, supply chain, technology and construction sectors.