First Research Canadian Industry Profile

Canada’s retail sector includes about 133,000 employer establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $588 billion. While some categories are dominated by a few big players, most of the retail market is fragmented. The vast majority of Canadian stores are independently owned and operated: more than 95% of establishments have fewer than 100 employees. Major companies include Alimentation Couche-Tard (convenience stores); Canadian Tire (general merchandise and automotive supplies); Hudson’s Bay (department stores); Loblaw (groceries); and Shoppers Drug Mart (drug stores).

Consumer spending and interest rates drive demand for retail products. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient supply chain management ... plus: