The 28th Hardlines Conference ended Wednesday afternoon with a panel discussion among some of the country’s top buyers. It was moderated by Sherri Amos (far left), director of dealer support at Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
She was joined (pictured from left to right) by Rabia Dhanani, merchandise manager for millwork at Home Hardware; Shawn Ettinger, national hardware procurement manager at TIMBER MART; Kelvin Johnston, senior buyer, commodity lumber and panels, Castle Building Centres; Natacha Laurin, RONA’s category director for home décor; and Alex Burcham, senior category manager for plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling, Orgil.
The wide-ranging conversation touched on themes from the future of AI to the importance of private labels, as well as changing consumer behaviour and how to leverage loyalty programs.
