NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. ― Powerful speakers brought key ideas to the delegates on day one of the 22nd annual Hardlines Conference, which kicked off in Niagara Falls, Ont., yesterday.
Robert Howard of retail consultancy Kurt Salmon started the day with insights into the two worlds of bricks and mortar and online selling. He said it’s not enough to have one or the other; they must be utilized together to connect with consumers. Economist Peter Norman, of the Altus Group, talked about the housing and renovation markets in Canada. Based on healthy job growth and rising GDP, his outlook was largely positive for the entire country.
Retailers Doug Anderson of Peavey Industries and Daniel Lampron of Patrick Morin talked about finding niches in their respective markets. Both individuals stressed the importance of making―and maintaining―a strong connection with their respective customers. A strong corporate culture that values its employees figured in both their talks.
Other speakers on day one were John Herbert of the European DIY retailers’ association, EDRA, Emil Cermak from Fedex Express Canada, and Denis Melanson, president of the Building Material Council of Canada and head of the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association.
