Kevin Graff

Consumers Go for Bad Idea and Buy Food in Tire Stores

February 25, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
In a RetailWire poll back in October 2008, respondents were asked, "How difficult is it for a retailer not in the food business to succeed at selling groceries?" It appears as though Canadian Tire is beating the poll's odds as the chain has expanded food sales.... What challenges will Canadian Tire face if it significantly ramps up its food operations?      [more...]

This really isn't about CT looking to become a grocery powerhouse. It's more about driving up average sales, while at the same time increasing frequency of shops. The 'big guys' continue to look to expand their offerings to become more of a one-stop shop. Shoppers Drug Mart, another outstanding Canadian retailer, continues to push the product assortment as well as a means to grab a larger share of the consumers wallet.

Keeping the assortment right, and the dealer/owners onside, will be the key to ongoing success. Shouldn't be a problem for them at all.