Early last year Tony Hurst was put in place as president of Lowe’s Canada. Now, he is sharing his observations in the first episode of a brand-new podcast from Hardlines called What’s in Store.
In this inaugural episode, Hurst shares the company’s plans for growth in Canada, his insights into the importance of the pro customer, the value of the multi-banner model, how relations with vendors have been enhanced, and much more.
Hardlines Subscribers will get a taste of what the interview contains in a special preview article on Monday.
When asked what differences he identifies between Canada and U.S. home improvement markets, Hurst notes that there are many similarities, especially in terms of the customer and how to go to market. But he does recognize that the Lowe’s model here, with its multiple banners and ownership models, is “drastically different than the U.S.”
Talking about the long-term banner strategy for Lowe’s Canada, Hurst says, “I’m not as concerned about the name on the front of the building as I am about the experience and the brand recognition for the customer.”
He recognizes the advantage of the company’s multiple store formats as an advantage when selling to various customers, especially contractors. Those varied stores can also represent product mixes that are tailored to their local markets.
(The full interview with Tony Hurst will appear on the very first episode of our brand new Hardlines Podcast Series, What’s in Store, which goes live in the second week of April! Hardlines Subscribers got a preview in Monday’s edition. Sign up today to get Hardlines every week!)
