Erma Botterill is celebrating 45 years of service at Canadian Tire, a career that began in September 1980 and has spanned three store locations, multiple ownership changes and decades of technological evolution.
Botterill started at the original downtown location, which was later replaced by a store on the same plot, now Dufresne. The current site opened in 1999.
Over the years, she has adapted to changes in retail, from manually pricing items to today’s digital systems.
“Back then, boxes came through the back, and we’d put tickets on them. Now it’s all electronic. You push a button and it goes through.”
Despite the shift toward online shopping, Botterill said customer service remains one of the key aspects of the business.
“You can order things online, but people still want to have a hands-on product. They want to take things out of a box, and they want to look at them. But also, when they pull out of their driveway, you want them to come to Canadian Tire because of the service. And we try to keep the service up so they come here instead of driving to Winnipeg.”
She credits her longevity to supportive owners and a flexible work environment that allowed her to raise three children while maintaining her job.
“Each owner had their own way of doing things, and I’ve just adapted.”
Botterill also sees Canadian Tire as a valuable starting point for young workers.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to get their first part-time job. Some stay for years, others come back during university breaks. It gives them a good foundation.”
In an era where long careers are increasingly rare, Botterill’s 45-year milestone stands as a testament to dedication, adaptability and community connection.