About 5 years ago, I was in the Lynden Road store to get a garden tractor battery. I stepped up to the automotive counter where the batteries were kept and waited. At the end of the counter by the wall where the service bays are, 3 Canadian Tire employees were engaged in a discussion. It looked like they were taking a break and shooting the breeze. I was about 30 feet from them and watched them a bit and once in a while, one or more of them would look my way and then continue talking amongst themselves. I expect at least one of them was responsible for the counter but none came over. So, I waited some more. Nothing. Now, I could have walked over to where they were and ask if they could help me but it's pretty obvious I'm waiting for assistance. I waited 5 minutes. Nothing. They keep on talking. I decided to wait another 5 minutes (by my watch) and see if anything happened. Because now I'm rather amazed (and amused in an irritated way) that they know I'm there , waiting, and no one is coming over. Finally, after 10 minutes, they keep on talking amongs themselves so I walked out. I drove over to Walmart and the guy behind the counter there couldn't have been nicer and got me the correct battery.
Until that time I preferred to shop Canadian Tire as I'd like to support Canadian businesses. No more batteries from them. I was reminded of this when my car needed a battery yesterday and I went directly to Walmart. Sad but if Canadian Tire wants to treat me like that, I'll go elsewhere. That being said, I still usually go to Canadian Tire for many things as it's closer to my home, but nothing requiring the automotive counter. Self-serve only. I will say when I've gone to return a couple items it was no trouble. But, I also had my receipt which I feel is my responsibility not to lose.