LCBO’s Future State Modernization
In 2023, the provincial government announced the modernization of the marketplace to create more convenience and choice for consumers. In addition to more retailers selling alcohol, it was announced that LCBO will become the exclusive wholesaler for all retail, bars and restaurants selling alcohol and a new ‘cost-plus’ wholesale pricing would be developed that was consistent for all retailers. These changes will be implemented on April 1, 2026.
At the same time, LCBO has embarked on a multi-year program called Future State Modernization (FSM) that will strengthen our IT systems, and streamline our business processes, improving our operations for our company and our stakeholders.
FSM is a critical enabler of marketplace modernization, and both will result in changes for suppliers in the spring.
Key changes for grocery and convenience stores starting April 1, 2026
- You will transition to a new online ordering platform, wholesale.lcbo.com, which is currently used by many of our other wholesale customers. Supported by our eCommerce site, this new platform will provide a more integrated experience by offering a single platform for ordering, and processing claims.
- As a result of the new online ordering platform, you will now have the option to self-cancel orders within 30 minutes, you will continue to receive email alerts about your order status, and for convenience store customers, the platform will auto-default to delivery or pick-up for TBS and LCBO supplied product based on your order quantity.
- We are also making some process changes including inventory reservation at our warehouses to improve fill rates for LCBO supplied products.
- As directed by the provincial government, LCBO is implementing a new wholesale pricing model based on a formula that adds taxes, mark-ups, and fees to the supplier’s quote. The new pricing model closely aligns with industry standard best practices and will streamline and simplify the current wholesale pricing model.
Key dates and ordering information in preparation for April 1
As we approach the launch on April 1, 2026, there will be a migration period where new information cannot flow into our systems. As a result, the following impacts and actions should be noted to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any interruptions to your business.
- February 16: Please submit any changes to customer information, including contact, account or banking details, prior to February 16, otherwise they will be made after April 1.
- March 17 – 23 (6pm): This will be your last opportunity to order via GMS based on your regular scheduled ordering day.
- March 23 (6pm) until March 31: You will be unable to place orders on GMS starting 6pm on March 23 in preparation for the transition to wholesale.lcbo.com. You can continue to view GMS information until the afternoon of March 29 when it will be offline.
- March 24 – 31: You will have alternative ordering options which will allow you to place orders for select products from LCBO and/or The Beer Store during this time. You will be unable to order from supplying sources during this time. Further details will be shared in the coming months.
- Convenience Only: March 28 (noon): All convenience store orders placed in GMS on/before March 23 for in-store pick up must be picked up by March 28, otherwise they will be cancelled.
- April 1: Wholesale.lcbo.com launches and regular ordering resumes based on your regularly scheduled ordering day.
- April 10: Last date to submit a claim on the B2B Claims App online. You will be able to view / download historical data until April 30. Starting April 1, all claims should be made on wholesale.lcbo.com.
A calendar of key dates for easy reference can be found here.
Information and resources
- FAQs
We will provide the information resources you need to ensure a smooth transition; they will be posted to this page as new information becomes available. Training details will be shared in February. Please contact your Account Manager with any questions.