Canadian Tire is considering former Hudson’s Bay locations as it looks for space to expand SportChek’s larger Destination Sport format across Canada.

Executives said during the company’s second-quarter earnings call that the vacant department stores could provide opportunities for SportChek and Mark’s. Canadian Tire’s real estate team is discussing potential sites with landlords, although the retailer has not identified any former Bay properties where leases have been signed.

“We’ve accelerated our ambitions around modern stores,” president and CEO Greg Hicks told analysts.

The company plans to open additional Destination Sport locations during the second half of 2026, followed by more new-concept stores in 2027.

The format carries broader product selections and devotes more space to individual sports, footwear, services and digital features than conventional SportChek outlets. Hicks described its performance during an earlier earnings call as “off the charts.”

The expansion comes as SportChek records sustained growth. Comparable sales increased eight per cent in the second quarter, marking the sporting-goods banner’s eighth consecutive quarter of gains. World Cup merchandise generated about half of the increase, while Montreal Canadiens apparel and athletic footwear also performed well.

Canadian Tire completed 30 store projects during the first half of 2026 and expects to finish additional renovations, relocations and openings before year-end.