Registration is now open for the National Hardware Show, taking place from March 26 to 28, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is touted as “the most comprehensive event, education and networking platform serving the hardware and home improvement industry.” Early-bird pricing is available: click here to register.

The Building Supply Industry Association (BSIA) of B.C. is offering opportunities for mentees to get paired with experienced/distinguished industry professionals who will provide guidance, support, and advice.

The deadline to apply to be a mentee is next Friday, Jan. 19. Click here to apply today.

If you have any questions please reach out to Thomas Foreman, BSIA president, by email: thomas@bsiabc.ca, or call 604-328-3460.

Products from Regal ideas Inc. of Delta, B.C., were used in an unprecedented nine awards at the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) event held in early January in Clearwater Beach, Fla. The Regal ideas products were used in three contractor awards winning first prizes: in the Limitless Creations $35k-70k category, in the Railing (Glass Balusters) category, and in the Illumination category.

“Seeing our products being used and showcased by so many builders across the country is a humbling and honourable feeling and serves as a powerful testament to Regal ideas’ commitment to excellence in design, innovation, and safety within the outdoor living industry,” EVP Andrew Pantelides said in a release.

Lowe’s has introduced a loyalty program for DIY customers. The program is designed to help them save on items they need for their homes and earn rewards toward future purchases. Called MyLowe’s Rewards, it offers savings as well as exclusive perks for members such as free shipping on standard deliveries. Customers who used a MyLowe’s Rewards credit card will save five percent on eligible purchases.

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

In our Hardlines Weekly Report of Jan. 13, 2014, we reported on the “federal ban on incandescent light bulbs that went into effect on New Year’s Day.”

Well, we got it mostly right. Ottawa had not, technically, “banned incandescent light bulbs,” but they were prohibited for importation into Canada and manufacture in this country from Jan. 1, 2014. Retailers could still sell them—and most retailers had already stocked up. It would take many years for incandescent bulbs to disappear from the supply chain. They are still available from some online suppliers. Certain formats of incandescent bulbs are still legal.

It took an extra nine years for the United States to finally clamp down on the less efficient bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy passed a regulation prohibiting the sale of incandescent bulbs in August 2023.

The latest edition of Hardlines Dealer News went out this week. In this issue, we look at BMR’s national expansion plans and how RONA is making over its independent affiliate stores. This month only, we sent it out to all our contacts: if you haven’t subscribed yet, click here to keep receiving it every month (for free!).

Sexton Group has added Maison Nordique as its newest member. The family-run business in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Que., has been manufacturing prefabricated homes in the region for over 50 years. The company specializes in building homes that are designed for the surrounding communities in the northwestern region of the province.

“We have seen first-hand that Maison Nordique has a well-rounded understanding of the requirements for these homes and has had great success because of the knowledge they possess on the communities they work in,” Eric Palmer, Sexton’s president, said in a release.

“This alliance consolidates Maison Nordique as a major player in the north-west of the province of Quebec and sets the table for our future growth,” said Maurice Poirier, Maison Nordique’s general manager and treasurer.

West Fraser Timber will close its sawmill in Maxville, Fla., and indefinitely curtail operations at its sawmill in Huttig, Ark., by the end of this month. The decision is the result of high fibre costs and soft lumber markets, says the company. The closure of Maxville Sawmill will impact approximately 80 employees, while the indefinite curtailment of Huttig will impact 140 employees.

In aggregate, this will reduce West Fraser’s U.S. lumber capacity by approximately 270 million board feet. West Fraser expects to mitigate the impact on affected employees by providing work opportunities at other company operations.

Canadian Tire has a long-standing policy of leaving pet dog policies to its individual stores. However, it’s well known that the vast majority of Canadian Tire stores welcome pet dogs. And the chain’s Petco store-within-a-store was one of the best performing departments in Canadian Tire since the pandemic.

However, dogs can create messes that some customers find offensive. As a result, the Grande Prairie, Alta., Canadian Tire has introduced a No Dogs Allowed (except for service animals) policy in its store effective Jan. 1, 2024. The store’s Facebook page features a poster that explains the new policy (pictured).

The total monthly value of building permits in Canada fell by 3.9 percent from October to $10.9 billion in November, according to new StatCan data. Although eight provinces posted monthly gains in residential construction intentions, the total value of residential permits declined 2.8 percent overall to $7 billion in November. Declines in the multi-unit sector in British Columbia and Quebec more than offset the residential gains in the rest of the country in November.