The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Canadian Tire has been slashing prices on more than 10,000 items in its stores in recent months as it seeks to continue attracting customers that it says are remaining resilient in the face of inflationary pressures, but are "selective" about their purchases. The Globe's Susan Krashinsky quotes chief executive officer Greg Hicks telling analysts on a call Thursday to discuss the company's first-quarter results. "In the face of macroeconomic confusion, they have their chin up and their eyes wide open, even as budgets get strained. Customers are still shopping, but they are more selective and more value-driven. We are obviously watching these trends very carefully." A slow start to spring dampened demand for seasonal and gardening items. A consistent surprise to the executives has been that households with lower incomes and higher debt burdens are showing the highest sales growth among Canadian Tire shoppers. Credit-card holders with the company's bank are also paying their balances at "healthy" levels, Mr. Hicks said. The retailer is closely monitoring spending trends as gas prices have spiked because of the war in Iran, putting further pressure on households.