Canadian Tire CEO talks strategy

TORONTO — Target’s entry into Canada was supposed to herald a “bloodbath,” but if so Canadian Tire isn’t taking it lying down. In an interview with Maclean’s, CEO Stephen Wetmore talks about the role technology is playing in keeping the iconic brand in the ever-changing retail game. A pilot loyalty program in Nova Scotia is allowing the retailer to zero in on the needs of its best customers, while analysis of data from its credit card business shines further light on consumer habits. And while previous forays into e-retailing have not taken off, Wetmore hopes to have a fully functional online merchant running by year’s end.