KING CITY, Ont. ― Dealers and vendors from across Canada converged on the Kingbridge Conference Centre & Hotel in King City last week for the 24th Annual Hardlines Conference. Under the theme, “It’s all about the experience”.
The conference continued the second day with Joe Franquinha from Crest Hardware, who spoke about how his business re-evaluated its practices to contend with online giants. Paula Courtney of WisePlum and Canadian Tire’s Shawn Stewart shared the stage for a frank exchange about consumer habits. Capping off the event were Fred Pennell of Princess Auto, who shared some of the secrets of his company’s success in expanding and updating, and True Value CEO John Hartmann (shown here) on the banner’s new equity structure and how it allows retailers to invest in their businesses.
