Canadian retail and its differences explained.
One may initially think the Canadian retail space is just like the US retail space. This seems like a safe assumption because Canada has Walmart locations, Costco warehouses, The Home Depot stores, and Staples office products superstores just like the US. However, what about a retailer with the word “Tire” in its name that sells hockey skates, home appliances, and pet products? Or a drug store that is known for its expertise in technology products? What is a Giant Tiger? What sells at an Indigo store? These are all retail experiences you will find in Canada which demonstrate that the Canadian market is unique, and that Odyssey Partners should be your sales partner to understand and explain what makes the Canadian market different from other markets, not just the United States.
Let’s look at some of the Canadian Retailers that often confuse people from outside of Canada:
Canadian Tire
From the very beginning of our company, Odyssey Partners has had to explain many, many times why a retailer named Canadian Tire may be appropriate or interested in a non-tire product. Canadian Tire is a national general merchandise retailer, who is a major retail player in every category in which it competes. In addition, Canadians are extremely familiar with this coast-to-coast retailer, for 85 percent of the Canadian population lives within a 15-minute drive of their local Canadian Tire store. The weekly Canadian Tire paper flyer is a “must read” for its breadth of products, aggressive sales pricing, and as a reminder of the things Canadians need for their cars, homes, backyards, do-it-yourself projects, and throughout their lives. Canadian Tire’s cornerstone businesses are Automotive, Leisure & Sporting Goods, Hardware & Tools, Home Décor, Home Maintenance & Repair, Outdoor Living and Lawn & Garden. In other words, if you have a retail product, there is a good chance it belongs at Canadian Tire.
London Drugs
If Canadian Tire is not all about tires, how about London Drugs being all about pharmaceutical and health products? Nope! London Drugs still has the pharmacy component of their business as the heart of its business, but today London Drugs offers a full-service computer department, a vast cosmetic offering, furniture, cameras, high-quality photofinishing, hi-tech electronics, as well as grocery and hard goods. London Drugs is a trusted expert in all categories that it participates in. The highly trained London Drugs staff, in their more than seventy-five stores, are, in fact, friendly, subject experts to over forty-five million customers every year in communities throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. London Drugs even has customers throughout the rest of Canada due to their successful online offering. Again, do not be scared off if your product is not a pharmaceutical or health-related, London Drugs may be the perfect place to offer your product.
Indigo
Often potential vendors know Indigo as Canada’s leading book retailer. In fact, in a former life, Indigo was called “Chapters” reflecting its focus on retailing books. Today Indigo’s very loyal consumers shop their stores and website for books and magazines but also Stationery & Gift items, Toys & Baby items, Health & Wellness products, Sleepwear, and unique housewares. This vast assortment helps Indigo achieve its promise to its customers – “… to add a little joy to our customers’ lives…” Odyssey Partners can assist in determining if Indigo and your offering are a perfect fit.
Giant Tiger
A proudly Canadian, privately held company, Giant Tiger believes when you step into one of their over 270 stores, you, in fact, are stepping into a community where you can feel confident in Giant Tiger’s commitment to low prices. This idea of community is very real, for each Giant Tiger store is locally owned and operated by a franchise partner, who understands their own community. If your product is right for a Giant Tiger store’s market, Giant Tiger and the local team will get behind your brand and products. When utilizing Odyssey Partners, we will determine whether the fit between Giant Tiger and you is right and then strive to make that a reality.
Why Canadian Retailers are Different
Canadians have a distinct preference for supporting local businesses and brands that resonate with their national identity. The importance of community-focused marketing cannot be overstated in a country where local engagement drives loyalty. Retailers like Canadian Tire, London Rugs, Indigo, and Giant Tiger thrive because they tap into this community spirit, making them not just stores but vital parts of the neighborhoods they serve.
Moreover, the seasonal variations have a significant impact on Canadian retail trends. Products that cater to extreme weather conditions, such as winter apparel, snow removal equipment, and summer recreational gear, see fluctuating demand throughout the year. Retailers must be adept at managing these seasonal shifts, ensuring they stock relevant products at the right times. Odyssey Partners excels in helping businesses adapt to these seasonal dynamics, ensuring they remain competitive year-round.
Additionally, the bilingual nature of the Canadian market, with both English and French being official languages, poses unique challenges and opportunities. Retailers and businesses must often provide bilingual marketing materials and customer service to effectively reach all Canadians. Odyssey Partners can guide you through these linguistic considerations, ensuring your brand communicates effectively across the country.
The above names may be unfamiliar to those new to the Canadian market, but these retailers along with more familiar retailers, such as Walmart, Costco, Staples, and others, constitute the uniquely Canadian consumer market. In fact, Walmart, Costco, The Home Depot, and Staples have successfully come to Canada by applying their own “spin” on what is necessary to be successful in Canada. These retailers know what works “South of the border” may not hold true in the Great White North. Odyssey Partners can also assist your company in selling to these successful “Canadian-ized” retailers.
In Conclusion
Canada is no different from other consumer markets in it being unique in its makeup, breadth of retailers, and consumer likes and dislikes. Whether it is navigating the extensive reach of Canadian Tire, understanding the diverse offerings of London Drugs, or tapping into the local charm of Giant Tiger, Odyssey Partners is here to help. Let us be your guide in unraveling the complexities of the Canadian retail landscape, ensuring your brand not only enters but thrives in this vibrant market. Or conversely, contact Odyssey Partners to help your company to use Canada as a stepping stone into the larger North American market called The United States of America. “Test the water” in Canada before “plunging in” South of the border.