Metro, one of Quebec’s largest grocery chains, announced that its order processing hub in Montreal will shut down a month before Christmas 2026. The decision eliminates 154 positions, affecting the employees who handle the preparation and distribution of online and in‑store orders for Metro’s network of supermarkets.
The closure means that the centre, which has been responsible for assembling and routing grocery orders to stores across the province, will cease operations in early November. Workers who were assigned to the facility will see their jobs terminated as the company moves the function to other locations or restructures its logistics model. The timing coincides with a period of heightened demand for grocery deliveries, as families prepare for the holiday season.
Metro has not released a detailed explanation for the shutdown, but the move follows a broader trend among retailers to reassess supply‑chain and fulfillment strategies. The retailer continues to operate its full complement of stores throughout Quebec, and the loss of the Montreal hub may prompt adjustments in how orders are processed and delivered during the busy Christmas period.
The affected employees are expected to receive standard notice and any applicable severance in line with provincial labour regulations. While the announcement does not specify any relocation or re‑employment assistance, the reduction in staff underscores the challenges faced by large retailers as they balance operational costs with consumer expectations for rapid order fulfillment.
The decision adds a significant workforce impact in Montreal just weeks before the holiday rush, marking a notable shift in Metro’s logistics approach as the company navigates a competitive grocery market.
The closure will be felt both by the displaced workers and by customers who rely on Metro’s order‑to‑shelf service, especially during the season when grocery demand typically spikes.