Loblaw Shuts Down 170+ Theodore & Pringle Optical Locations as Specsavers Takes Over

What’s Happening a Loblaw?

Loblaw is shutting down all of its 170+ Theodore & Pringle optical locations across Canada as part of a new partnership with Specsavers Canada. The affected stores will be phased out and replaced by the independently owned Specsavers outlets.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we are already hearing from numerous Theodore & Pringle employees across the country who have been impacted by this decision. Many are reaching out to our firm for severance pay advice and to better understand their legal rights as these closures take effect. While Loblaw has framed the move as a seamless brand transition for customers, the consequences for workers are significant and ongoing.

Additional Details

• All Theodore & Pringle locations will cease operations at over 170 locations.
• The replacement will begin in September 2025, starting with 111 new Specsavers stores inside Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, and Zehrs locations.
• Specsavers will enter five new provinces and one territory, expanding its footprint to over 260 stores across Canada.
• Affected locations span across BC, Alberta, and Ontario, among others.

Official Statements and Context

In a joint press release on July 30, 2025, Loblaw and Specsavers announced the transition as a major shift in how Canadians will access optical care. According to Irene Doody, Head of Optical at Loblaw:

“Theodore & Pringle was born from the belief that eye care should be convenient and affordable for everyone. Specsavers’ reputation for accessible eye care aligns perfectly with our purpose — to help Canadians live life well.”

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Next Steps for Theodore & Pringle Staff

If you’re fired from Theodore & Pringle (owned by Loblaw), or offered a new job with Specsavers, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada are entitled to severance pay. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly.

The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

📺 WATCH: Everything Non-Unionized Employees Need to Know About Severance Pay

Key Severance Facts:

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to 2 years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Lost Your Job at Theodore & Pringle? Contact Us

If you’ve lost your job at Theodore & Pringle for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and BC have helped thousands of non-unionized employees get justice and full severance packages.

📞 Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.