Feb 19 (Reuters) - Canadian retailer Loblaw ( LBLCF ) said

on Wednesday it plans to invest C$2.2 billion ($1.55 billion) in

renovating existing stores, opening new ones and create about

8,000 jobs this year.

The company also expects to invest more than C$10 billion

over the next five years, the company said.

($1 = 1.4203 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru)