Nov. 11, 2008 – Two fundamentally different Canadian Tire stores are now open in Welland and Orleans, Ontario. These two stores are the first of Canadian Tire's latest store format- the Smart store- and feature significant changes that leverage Canadian Tire's heritage businesses and unique product mix, as well as a Mark's Work Wearhouse offering to create an even more compelling shopping experience for customers.
Two fundamentally different
Canadian Tire stores are now open in Welland and Orleans, Ontario.
These two stores are the first of Canadian Tire's latest store format-
the Smart store- and feature significant changes that leverage Canadian
Tire's heritage businesses and unique product mix, as well as a Mark's
Work Wearhouse offering to create an even more compelling shopping
experience for customers.
With decades of learning developed from building and replacing more than 300 of its stores, Canadian Tire has launched the Smart store as its next wave of concept renewal. The new format stores are designed to improve operating productivity while at the same time creating a comfortable and inspiring shopping experience for customers. The Company has plans to open up to ten new Smart stores and complete a number of retrofits to existing stores in 2009.
Easy-to-read navigational signage, the reintroduction of the "race track" and the use of high walls and ceilings are a few of the design changes aimed at helping customers comfortably navigate throughout the store.
With impressive new presentations and a combination of improved category adjacencies and additional space devoted in Canadian Tire's heritage businesses – automotive, sporting goods and tools – the new concept features inspiring boutiques within the store offering customers valuable information and a deep assortment of innovative products.
Energy-efficiency
Canadian Tire continues to be a leader in environmentally-sustainable retail design. Starting with the construction phase through to the opening of the store, the store was built with a focus on energy efficiency and includes a number of energy-efficient features including state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems, T8 lighting, significant glazing to harvest daylight, motion sensors to control lighting, to name a few.
Summary of the major features of the new store:
———————————————–
Customer Service – The new Smart stores feature a number of customer service features designed to take service at Canadian Tire to a whole new level. In addition to customer help buttons which are located throughout the store, the new store features additional customer assistance desks, price look-up stations and helpful 'how to' guides throughout key areas of the store. To help customers manage bulky purchases, the new Smart stores will all feature an automated Customer Pick-Up Area.
Seasonal – The seasonal department is located at the front of the store and offers customers a dominant assortment of products to help customers start each season with confidence. In the spring/summer the area features barbecues and outdoor living items, while in the winter customers can find a large selection of Christmas décor and winter-related items. Design changes have made room for the display of bulkier items such as log splitters and sheds, items not previously displayable in previous store formats.
Household Essentials – With more than twice the space of other Canadian Tire store concepts, the Household Essentials area features a dominant assortment of consumables and pet products, along with a brand new convenience offering. The 1,000 – 1,400 square foot convenience food section features quality brand name snacks and staples including milk, bread, eggs, frozen dinners, dry good and condiments to help provide customer with quick-to-prepare food for time-starved customers.
Storage and Organization – With 164 per cent additional square footage dedicated to products that help customers stay organized both inside the home and in the garage, the Storage and Organization category continues to represent a key growth area for Canadian Tire. Increased space and design changes enable the store to feature inspiring closet organization, garage organization and laundry room displays.
Small Project Centre – this new area of the store brings together hardware, paint, plumbing and electrical in one, easy-to-shop location. With an extensive assortment of products, new customer service desk and kiosks offering customers helpful tips and information, the Small Project Centre has everything customers need to complete their projects with ease and confidence.
Tools – located beside the Small Projects Centre, the tool boutique is visible from the front of the store and features one of the country's largest assortments of power, carpentry and stationary tools organized to make it easier for customers to find what they are looking for- quickly and easily. This co-location strategy means that customers now have a complete, convenient hardware store offering.
Sporting Goods and Outdoor Recreation – With more than a one-third increase in space, the impressive Sporting Goods and Outdoor Recreation area features hockey and outdoor recreation boutiques offering customers an extensive selection of year round hockey equipment, as well as innovative camping and outdoor recreation products. With its own Customer Service Desk, this area provides helpful information, maps and fishing and hunting licenses designed to meet the needs of the sports enthusiast. Canadian Tire's signature bike rack featuring more than 225 bikes for adults and children is also prominently featured in this area of the store. With almost 300 per cent more space allocated to fitness, the new store features a dominant year-round assortment of fitness products.
Automotive – Canadian Tire continues to emphasize its dominant assortment of automotive parts and accessories. In addition to an impressive selection of tires tailored to the local market, the automotive department also features a wide selection of parts and accessories and an Automotive Service Centre offering motorists the latest in diagnostic equipment to help them maintain their vehicle and get back on the road safely and easily. The new Automotive Service Centre also features a comfortable waiting area complete with comfortable chairs, cultured stone accents, flat screen television and internet stations.
Mark's Work Wearhouse – Featuring two great Canadian brands under one roof, the Smart store leverages Canadian Tire's interrelated businesses and features a Mark's store within the Canadian Tire store. Featured off the main race track, the Mark's offering is beautifully laid out and includes the latest product offering in work and casual apparel and footwear for men and women.
Print this page
