Originating in Western Canada in the late 1970s/early 1980s, the banner expanded into Ontario in the early 2000s as Loblaw attempted to fend off competition from department stores including U.S.-based Walmart.

The company has since reverted to marketing the entire chain as Real Canadian Superstore, although some locations might retain other signage.

Items in the latter two categories are mainly from Loblaw's private labels, such as President's Choice, Life at Home, No Name, or Joe Fresh.

Employees of Loblaws and the Real Canadian Superstore are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union.

The stated goal of the rebrand is to help customers make value choices, as well as reduce operating costs by aligning with a national chain.

As well, there are a handful of large-format Loblaws and Zehrs stores in Ontario – including certain locations in Markham and Kitchener – which closely replicate the selection of food and general merchandise available at Superstores.