With all the talks of tariffs and sovereignty, Saugeen Times is introducing a new series – A Canadian Success Story. The first in the series is Canadian Tire – its history and local success.
For more than 100 years, Canadian Tire stores have been retail pillars in their communities.
The long history began in 1922, when two brothers, John William and Alfred Jackson (A.J.) Billes, invested their life savings of $1,800 in the Hamilton Tire and Garage Ltd. The company purchased tires from manufacturers at a discount in the winter and then resold them during the summer. From their inauspicious beginning, they then opened their first retail store in Toronto on Yonge and Gould Streets.
In 1927, with the main focus on tires, the brothers changed the name to the Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd. and, in 1928, the Canadian Tire catalogue was launched.
From its focus on tires, still one of its mainstays, Canadian Tire today has expanded to include tools, clothing, household items, sports and recreation equipment, seasonal products, electronics, furniture and cleaning products, in addition to its entry into the world of finance with its Canadian Tire Bank established in 2003.
With made-in-Canada products such as its Premier line of paint from Quebec, kitchenware by Paderno (Meyer) from Prince Edward Island, tires and more, Canadian Tire plays a key role in the Canadian economy and employs some 58,000 people.
According to statistics, “… about 85 percent of all Canadians live within a 15-minute drive of a Canadian Tire store; nine out of ten adult Canadians shop at one of these outlets at least twice a year; and 40 percent of Canadians shop at Canadian Tire every week.”
Closer to home, the Mowbray family celebrates more than 20 years in the community having opened their first Mowbray’s Canadian Tire in 2012 in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores). From the family’s old store (now the Dollartree) in Port Elgin, the family opened the doors at their current location with a new 16,000 sq. ft. facility with state-of-the-art lighting, heating and all around eco-friendly design.
With all of their success, the Mowbrays also believe in giving back to the community and have supported many causes from providing the local high school with needed supplies to fundraising for youth sports through its Jumpstart program.
In a recent media release, “Canadian Tire Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to become the home of iconic Canadian brands and other intellectual property of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). This includes the HBC Stripes and various company names, logos, designs, coat of arms and brand trademarks.
The Company released the following statement from Greg Hicks, President and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation:
“Canadian Tire and the Hudson’s Bay Company are among the nation’s longest-standing companies, with a combined Canadian heritage measured in centuries. Some things are just meant to stay Canadian and we are honoured to welcome many of HBC’s leading brands – including the iconic HBC coat of arms and the Stripes – into our Canadian Tire family.
“This choice feels as strategic as it feels patriotic. It builds on our generational connection to life in Canada and it fits our new True North strategy. The Stripes will add beautifully to our portfolio of owned brands alongside other Canadian favourites that we have fostered and grown, and The Bay and its brands have long been known for their strength in categories that our customers will seek in our stores and online.
“It’s disheartening to witness the final days of another great Canadian retailer, and while the circumstances are unfortunate, we’re proud to step in for customers. Ultimately, customers are at the core of all we do, and by Canadians’ reaction to recent rumours of this news, it is clear they see us as a great home for HBC’s heritage. We are proud to steward these iconic brands into our – and their – next century.”
Canadian Tire – truly a Canadian Success Story
