The investigation centers on the use of exclusivity clauses in property contracts, which effectively block competitors from accessing land or leased premises. These restrictive covenants are under scrutiny for their potential to limit consumer choice and degrade product quality. By obtaining legal mandates for evidence, the bureau aims to map how Empire negotiates these property controls and assess their wider impact on the national grocery landscape.

This aggressive regulatory posture follows recent legislative amendments in Canada designed to grant antitrust authorities broader investigative reach into real estate practices. While the bureau probes whether these arrangements hinder fair market participation, Empire has yet to provide a formal response regarding the ongoing inquiry.