I'll plan ahead, too, and it works for me simply because I'm OCD enough to prefer the same lot number, let alone the same brand and viscosity, so I'll stash. With their stock being much improved and that functional live inventory system, I'm relatively happy. Just having to plan purchases that way is a bit silly. Of course, that's not just oil. That's much of CT's stock, including oil filters, kitchen appliances, and tools. You don't just go to Canadian Tire to buy a specific coffee maker you've been thinking of. You have to watch to find out when it's 40% off, which you know will happen.
When my sump pump went, I didn't even consider going to Canadian Tire, because I knew they'd have what I want, but unless I stumbled across a sale, I'd be paying extra. Home Depot (which has its own issues, for sure, especially with oil) had one that was about 20% cheaper than the equivalent at CT. Now, sure, the CT one would go on 35 to 40% off sometime down the road, but I'd rather pay a sensible price when I need it instead of waiting with no sump pump for a bargain basement price or go to CT now and pay through the nose.