Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. yesterday officially introduced its new Smart Store concept to Quebec, an initial $17-million investment.
The iconic national automotive and housewares chain has converted five local stores to the format, designed to make them more customer friendly and productive through renovations and reorganization.
Company president and chief executive officer Stephen Wetmore was in town to celebrate the grand reopening of those outlets, in Notre Dame de Grâce, St. Léonard, St. Laurent, Dollard des Ormeaux and Delson.
“Since opening our first (Quebec) store in Rouyn-Noranda in 1939, we have been focused on making continued investments in the Quebec market to ensure customers have the best possible shopping experience,” Wetmore said.
“The Smart Store represents the next phase of renewal. We are pleased to celebrate the grand opening of five Smart Stores in Montreal, and another two in the province (Alma and Sept Îles) next week.”
The company’s goal is to switch 110 of its 495 dealer-run stores (95 of them in Quebec) across the country by the end of 2010.
Since unveiling the concept, which won of a Retail Council of Canada award of excellence, 25 Canadian Tire stores have adopted the changes.
Source: Montreal Gazette
