Tires and food: Retailers think outside the box

While I have not personally been in a Canadian Tire store, by naming convention alone, I am assuming they sell primarily tires and automotive supplies. So, when skimming the retail news today, I was a little surprised by the following headline: Canadian Tire Tries Selling Groceries.

I will admit I have never actually purchased a pair of tires in my life, and have only entered an automotive store once or twice as a small girl with my dad. So the concept seems, well... a little odd. It's difficult to picture throwing a pair of tires in the cart and then a gallon of milk. At the same time, retailers who think outside the box are the ones surviving these days.

In a time when people are trading houses because they can not sell them and women are turning their closets into stores, diversification and creativity are key. Yes, consumers want low-cost and convenience, but they are also want fun and light - something that helps them escape from reality, if for even a few seconds.

So why not sell food at a tire store? Twitter promotions to your best customers? Or set up shop in Second Life? These days, it seem anything goes. So throw something out and see if it sticks.

Would love to hear about any other "out-of-the-box" things retailers are doing. Have a great weekend!