The retailer opened the first two small market stores earlier this week in Herst, Ont., and Deep River, Ont. They represent the first of a planned four-store test market of the concept.

The new store concept includes an 18,000-square-foot Canadian Tire store, a 5,300-square-foot Mark’s Work Wearhouse, a 7,000-square-foot Garden Centre, and a 13,000-square-foot Outdoor compound.

The other test market stores will open later this year in Athabasca and Cochrane, Ont., and will range rom 14,000 to 18,000 total square feet, anchored by a Canadian Tire store and a Mark’s location.

"We have identified approximately 100 communities across Canada that we believe to be potential sites for this concept," said Mike Arnett, president of Canadian Tire Retail. "By leveraging the strengths of our interrelated businesses, we are able to bring this new concept to these markets enabling customers in small towns to get everything they need for their car, home and leisure activities conveniently under one roof." (Tire Review/Akron)