Canadian Tire at Your Finger Tips

Technology is an ever growing part of all of our lives. We can't go a single day without being impacted by a computer of some sort. In our phones, TVs, even our fridges have computers these days. People are more and more influenced by information at their finger tips. It is becoming more and more important for businesses to harness this technology.  Here are two ways that Canadian Tire is using technology to stay ahead of it's competition.



These days people are getting information online instead of from magazines, flyers, or catalogues.  As a result, Canadian Tire made the decision to eliminate the traditional paper catalogue in exchange for an online catalogue after an amazing 80 years of history and millions and millions of issues delivered. 

Not only did this decision have a financial impact but also an environmental impact as stated by Lisa Gibson, a spokesperson for Canadian Tire, "There's a lot of research out there that says the readership and retention of annual catalogues is declining, and obviously, as a result [of the change], you're saving that many catalogues from being printed and then ending up in the recycling or garbage."

I'm not sure if people miss the online catalogue as it is probably simply a sign of the times.  The website is a better tool in almost everyway.

They also have a smartphone app that I absolutely love. It creates shopping lists, notifies you of sales, and my favourite parts is that it gives you product information when you scan a product's barcode. I find it extremely helpful when shopping. I can be at a competitor's store and scan an item to see if it is worth buying or if I should wait and buy it at Canadian Tire. It is certainly an excellent way to make sure you are getting the best deal. The app can be downloaded for iOS, Android, and Blackberry on their website.


What do you think about companies moving to an online only format?  While it is a good move for the environment, is it the best thing a company can do financially?

What is your opinion on companies such as IKEA continuing to print paper catalogues?


References:

Canadian Tire (n.d.). Find Automotive Tools to Sports Gear to Kitchen & Bath Products | Canadian Tire. Canadian Tire Online Web Site. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://www.canadiantire.ca/home.jsp?site=WebStore

Canadian Tire (2008, March 27). After 80 years, Canadian Tire stops publishing catalogues - CBC News. CBC.ca - Canadian News Sports Entertainment Kids Docs Radio TV. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2008/03/27/cantire.html