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

Ten years ago, we reported that Quebec chain Canac had announced that its newest store, in Rimouski, would open by fall 2014. “The store will have 60,000 square feet in size, with 25,000 square feet of retail space,” we reported. “It is being built at a cost of $5 million and will employ 80 people.”

The Hardlines Retail Report estimated Canac’s retail sales at $307.5 million in 2013. Last year’s version of the report estimated Canac’s sales at $1.4 billion. A few weeks ago, Canac opened its 33rd store in Sorel-Tracy, Que., east of Montreal.

Federated Co-operatives Ltd. is continuing its Co-op Community Spaces Program again this year. The program raises money to help protect, beautify, and improve local spaces in communities served by Co-op stores.

This year’s projects range from two new greenhouses in Salt Spring Island, B.C., to an accessible playground in Rosetown, Sask., and a greenhouse for a community farm in Red Deer, Alta. (shown here). Since 2015, Co-ops have given $13.5 million to 189 capital projects across western Canada.

The Canadian Home Products Trade Association has announced the renaming of its scholarship program in memory of former president Vaughn Crofford (pictured), who died last year at the age of 73. The program helps offset the cost of post-secondary education for children of employees of CHPTA member companies. Successful candidates receive $1,000 for their first year of study leading to a degree or diploma from an accredited community college or university.

At Lowe’s Cos., Jennifer Wilson has been promoted to senior vice-president and chief marketing officer. She joined Lowe’s in 2006 and most recently served as SVP, enterprise brand and marketing. She will continue to report to Bill Boltz, executive vice-president of merchandising, and remain focused on delivering integrated marketing and merchandising strategies.

A devastating fire completely destroyed Watson’s Home Hardware in Goderich, Ont., on May 25. The fire, described as a complete loss of the store, caused $4 million of damage—including $2.5 million of stock. The Goderich fire department has determined that the store was electrical in nature. (Picture: Watson’s Home Hardware Facebook page.)

Dollarama reported a Q1 sales increase of 8.6 percent to $1.41 billion, from $1.29 billion a year ago. Sales were in line with analyst estimates. The Montreal-based budget retailer posted earnings of $0.77 per share, up from $0.63 in the comparable period of last year. Analyst had forecast earnings of $0.76 per share. Comp sales for the quarter increased by 5.6 percent.

Hardlines is receiving entries for the 2024 Outstanding Retailer Awards for just two more days. All Canadian hardware and home improvement retailers and managers who have operated under their current ownership for at least two years are eligible.

Dealers may submit their entries directly to Hardlines. Alternatively, their chain or buying group head offices may select their best dealer(s) and prepare their entries for them in collaboration with the dealer. Head offices may enter more than one store per category. In addition, suppliers may identify specific outstanding retailers for entry.

ORA submissions are due June 14.

(To fill out the ORA application, please visit www.oras.ca; or contact our Editor-in-Chief, Steve Payne, for further information. Le formulaire est également disponible en français.)

After 15 years with the business, including nine in the position of vice-president of merchandising, Pamela O’Rourke has left The Home Depot Canada. Jim Recore has been brought up from the U.S. to lead the merchandising team in Canada as VP, merchandising.

(We’ll have more details on this move in next Monday’s edition of our sister publication, Hardlines Weekly Report. Don’t miss the full story! Click here for more info on this in-depth publication and all the cool stuff that comes with it!)

BMR Group has appointed Marlène Hins as vice-president, marketing and communications. With nearly 25 years of experience in marketing, including 12 years in home improvement retail, she joins BMR after more than four years at Lassonde, a food and beverage company. Hins reports to BMR’s COO Antonio Di Pasquale.

Castle Building Centres Group held its annual vendor appreciation golf tournament this past week in Georgetown, Ont., attracting over 150 participants. As usual, the event raised funds for the SickKids Foundation, this time reaching a record donation of close to $70,000.

“Castle extends their sincerest gratitude to their Vendor Partners and all who attended for participating in another hugely successful fundraising event,” Castle said in a release.