We used to have Kmarts, and the big Canadian counterpart was Zellers. They were good stores for lower cost items. If you wanted something better you could always go to Sears or The Bay. Target tried to expand up here and bought out Zellers. Totally misunderstood the Canadian market and promptly ran the Canadian division into the ground. Within a couple of years Target Canada ceased operations and closed all of the stores, effectively wiping all of the old Zellers stores off the map. Ugh! That would have been a benefit to Walmart.
At least the retail landscape is not entirely one-sided here. Costco started as a wholesaler for business but quickly learned that consumers would gladly take advantage of low prices at bulk volumes. Even through the pandemic Costco has remained very busy, and like Walmart, when the provincial government shut down retail this month (curb side pickup only) they were allowed to keep the produce departments and pharmacies open. Costco still has some of the best meat in town with super thick cuts and produce quality has been very good. You need a chest freezer though because the portions are so damn big.
We also have Canadian Tire which transformed into a department store and has managed to survive in the retail space. Great store for tools and automotive but also expanded into seasonal, houseware, garden centre, etc. They've been smart to stay out of the electronics landscape, carrying just lower cost items for casual shoppers. Good sporting goods and camping sections compared to the others, so they have managed to find their niche.
