Canadian Tire’s retail sales in the first quarter of 2007 rose by 3.1 per cent to Can $ 1.24 bn (€ 827 mio). An increase in comparable store sales of 1.3 per cent was reported compared with the previous year. In outlets converted to the new marketing concept developed by the consultancy firm 20/20, comparable store sales were reported to have increased by 6.6 per cent. 70 stores in all are expected to be converted to the new format this year, including nine new stores.