For several weeks now, you have no doubt been navigating your own unique challenges, all while protecting the health and well-being of yourself and your family. On our side, we too have been facing some big challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. I’m reaching out today to let you know how we are supporting your community and what you can expect when shopping with us at this time.
In addition to doing everything we can to provide you with the essentials, we understand that we have an even bigger role to play in this crisis. That’s why we launched our $5 Million Canadian Tire COVID-19 Response Fund, to help frontline healthcare and community workers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this, we are donating $1 Million each to the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada, as well as providing $3 Million in essential products from across our family of companies – including scrubs from Mark’s and sports masks and goggles from SportChek – to frontline healthcare and community workers. To learn more about our Canadian Tire COVID-19 Response Fund, click here.
Across Canada, we have a network of more than 500 Canadian Tire Associate Dealers who are passionately committed to supporting their communities. I am incredibly proud of how they have risen to this challenge, collectively donating 160,000 masks, 164,000 pairs of gloves, and 20,000 litres of hand sanitizer to local hospitals, nursing homes, and community organizations in need. I know that as this crisis evolves further, our Associate Dealers and local store staff will continue to be there to support you and your community – the best way they know how.
Outside of Ontario, our Canadian Tire Retail stores are open, but with reduced hours. Providing a safe and responsible shopping environment continues to be our top priority. In addition to enhanced cleaning and encouraging strong hygiene among our team members, Canadian Tire Dealers have installed floor decals to enforce physical distancing and as a reminder for everyone to stay two meters apart while shopping. They’ve also installed plexiglass shields to protect customers and staff and are working hard to limit the number of customers allowed in-store at one time.
Additionally, I want you to know that we have halted all sales of N95 and ASTM certified masks at our stores and on our website. We are donating all remaining supply to frontline healthcare workers through the Canadian Tire COVID-19 Response Fund.
Update on the Canadian Tire Website
Right now, I know that many of you are experiencing significant challenges with the Canadian Tire website. We know that this is incredibly frustrating for you – it’s frustrating for us too. With so many Canadians turning to eCommerce and our Curbside Pick Up service to get their essentials, our website has seen incredible increases in demand and is frankly, over capacity. We have the best team possible working around the clock and as quickly as possible to expand capacity and reinforce stability so that you can continue shopping with us. We are grateful for your understanding as we work through this challenge.Changes to Our Canadian Tire Paper Flyer
I wanted to let you know that we have temporarily paused the distribution of our paper flyer to customer homes. We will still provide the same promotional offers that you’ve come to expect and may need now more than ever. Our full promotional offering will be delivered through our E-flyer and can be viewed online. Outside of Ontario, when you visit one of our Canadian Tire stores, you can still get a single-use paper copy if you’d like one. All promotional deals are available online, as well as in-store in provinces other than Ontario.
Our COVID-19 Safety Precautions
As I’m sure you know, an increasing number of Canadians, including those working in essential services, have tested positive for COVID-19. Given the nature of this virus, this is expected to continue. If a Canadian Tire store employee tests positive for COVID-19, be assured that we will adhere to the following steps:
- We will work closely with Public Health authorities to follow their protocols and prescribed safety measures for our employees as well as our customers;
- We will immediately close the store for a deep-clean and sanitization, over and above our current enhanced cleaning measures;
- Any colleagues who may have come into contact with this employee will be instructed to stay home and self-isolate as per Public Health Guidelines.
As we mentioned in our latest Canadian Tire Commercial, our nation and our world have seen significant change over the last few weeks. Coast-to-coast, from our smallest communities to our largest cities, Canadians are making sacrifices to help flatten the curve and are finding ways to support one another. It definitely isn’t easy, but our country has stepped up nonetheless and continues to work together to adjust to this “new normal.” As tough as these times may be, they are the times when I am most proud to be Canadian.
Thank you for your support and patience as we continue to navigate through COVID-19 together.
Sincerely,
Greg Hicks
President and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation
