Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (tsx: CTC) is one of Canada's 35 largest publicly traded companies and operates an inter-related network of businesses engaged in retailing (hardgoods, apparel and petroleum) and services (financial and automotive). It operates Canadian Tire Retail, Canada's largest and most-shopped general merchandise retailer best known for its unique selection of home products, hardware and tools, automotive, sports, camping, lawn and garden products. It also operates Canada's largest independent gasoline station network and a chartered bank in Canadian Tire Bank, and it owns Mark's Work Wearhouse, a leading specialty apparel retailer of work and casual clothing, and PartSource, retailing auto parts and accessories. Its head office is in Toronto, Ontario.

The chain is also known for its Canadian Tire "money" which is a pioneering loyalty program first introduced in 1958. It is also known for its innovative advertisingFact: date=October 2008.

History

Canadian Tire Corporation has tried on two occasions to expand into the US market. In the 1980s the White Auto Store chain, concentrated in Texas was acquired and cost Canadian Tire $200 million to fold. In the 1991 a second attempt with the Auto Source chain with grand plans of 100 to 120 outlets in the US Midwest was started. The Auto Source chain was sold costing the company a reported $80.6 million.

Canadian Tire has experienced a period of significant growth and success, having transformed its store network in three major waves beginning in 1994. In its last five-year strategic plan it attained top-quartile total returns to shareholders among all publicly traded North American retailers, with a total return of 286%.

Store brands

Certain merchandise items are branded specifically for Canadian Tire. The most recognized of these are Mastercraft (tool brand), SuperCycle (bicycles) and Motomaster (tires, batteries and other automotive goods).

Canadian Tire Retail

As Canada's largest retailer, it is said that 85 percent of all Canadians live within a 15-minute drive of a Canadian Tire store; that nine out of ten adult Canadians shop at one at least twice a year; and that 40 percent of Canadians shop at Canadian Tire every week. There are more than 450 stores across Canada. Canadian Tire Stores are each operated by an associate dealer. The buildings and lands are owned or leased by the company and everything inside the building, from fixtures to merchandise, is owned by the dealer. The majority of stores operate in distinct categories of automotive parts, automotive service, tools and hardware, sporting goods, housewares, and seasonal.

Since 2003 Canadian Tire has converted many of its old traditional and new-format stores, as well as built new stores, into its new "Concept 20/20" format. These stores feature more retail space as well a new setup that is easier to navigate. Some smaller stores have been closed. Currently, the largest Canadian Tire store is located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia at Dartmouth Crossing. It incorporates a Marks Work Warehouse (owned by Canadian Tire) within its doors.