A new Princess Auto store is set to open in the city of Burlington this summer. The new location aims to better serve customers who live in the growing market in Southern Ontario. This will be the retail chain’s 21st location in Ontario.

New survey data by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) indicates a third (32 percent) of Canadian small business owners have already shifted to suppliers/markets within Canada, and 27 percent plan to increase their investment in Canada, according to a release. The data also showed that a third (33 percent) intend to reduce efforts in the U.S. over the next six months. Small businesses are also promoting Canadian-made products, delaying/cancelling expansion plans, and exploring international alternatives.

Hudson’s Bay Co. is seeking approval of a new agreement with lenders that would give it until April 7 to save the six locations it hopes to preserve —an extension of just three days. Under the terms of the agreement, if the retailer hasn’t found a likely buyer by that date, liquidation of those stores would begin the next day. A lawyer for HBC told the Ontario Superior Court of Justice the agreement was not “a very satisfying outcome” but was the best the company could negotiate.

The announcement of expanded duties for senior team members at BMR Group reflects “a full transformation” for the company, says Charles Grégoire-Béliveau, newly named as SVP of commercial strategy and partner relations. He recognizes the consolidation going on in the industry and the need to support dealers as they seek to grow their own businesses.

Antonio Di Pasquale, who has been promoted to chief executive officer, operations at BMR, will oversee all the teams at BMR’s head office.

(Our exclusive interview with Charles Grégoire-Béliveau will be featured in the next two issues of our sister publication, Hardlines Weekly Report, which goes out Monday to our Premium Subscribers!)

Canadian Tire Corp. and Royal Bank of Canada have announced a long-term strategic loyalty partnership between RBC’s Avion Rewards and Canadian Tire’s Triangle Rewards. This collaboration will link millions of eligible RBC credit and debit cardholders to Triangle Rewards at Canadian Tire, SportChek, Mark’s and other CTC retail banners. Users will also receive exclusive offers and promotions through RBC and Avion. These new offerings are expected to launch in 2026.

Throwback Thursday is a regular weekly feature in which we dip into the archives of the Hardlines Weekly Report.

How much Home Depot has grown in Canada since the first year of the new millennium cannot be overstated. Twenty-five years ago, on March 27, 2000, we reported that Home Depot was about to open its 57th store, in Belleville, Ont. Later that same year, eastward along Highway 401, Home Depot would enter Quebec for the first time, opening up in Laval, just north of Montreal. We reported that Home Depot’s Jack Hayes, VP of marketing and distribution, said he thought that Home Depot could eventually reach “up to 110 stores” in this country. Today it has 182.

BMR Group has made changes to the structure of its executive team, in order to continue the deployment of its strategic planning, drive its transformation and support its growth, the company announced in a release.

Antonio Di Pasquale, currently chief operating officer, has been promoted to the position of chief executive officer, operations of BMR Group. Charles Grégoire-Béliveau, currently vice-president of merchandising, has been promoted to senior vice-president of commercial strategy and partner relations.

“I am very pleased that Antonio and Charles have agreed to take on additional responsibilities within the company,” said Alexandre Lefebvre, CEO of BMR Group. “Their experience and leadership are major assets in meeting our future challenges, and I am confident that the changes to our structure will further strengthen our organization and help ensure our growth for decades to come.”

TIMBER MART has announced the appointment of Joel Kakoske as regional director of member services for the Prairies, effective immediately. Kakoske began his career in the building material industry in 2011 as a business development manager and quickly advanced to sales management, marketing and eventually, recruitment. In his new role, based out of the group’s Winnipeg DC, he will report directly to Phil Temple, TIMBER MART’s director of member services.

Tando Composites has named Joseph Picarella as regional sales manager – Canada. Picarella has more than 20 years of experience in sales and market development. Before joining Tando, he served as national sales director at Fiberwood and was a regional sales manager for Westlake Royal Building Products.

BeautiTone, the proprietary paint brand of Home Hardware, has announced its 2025 Exterior Colour of the Year: ‘Briarwood’ (WST26-9).

BeautiTone’s 2025 Exterior Colour of the Year is designed to enhance the beauty of wooden surfaces, bringing out their natural character while setting the stage for a warm and inviting space—perfect for both relaxation and entertaining, the company stated in a release.

“This year, Canadians are going back to their roots of natural, enhanced browns in their backyards,” said Kristen Gear, lead design and colour specialist, BeautiTone Paint and Home Products. “As outdoor spaces continue to evolve into essential parts of the home, ‘Briarwood’ offers the perfect balance of style and durability, bringing a fresh and on-trend update to any exterior.”