The latest edition of Hardlines HR Advisor hits inboxes tomorrow. In this issue, we look at sensory-friendly store hours, the use of body camera technology to protect retail managers, and how to avoid a summer slump. HR Advisor is monthly and it’s free: click here to sign up today!

RONA inc. will mark its 85th anniversary next month, and it’s using the occasion to consolidate its brand identity with the elimination of the Réno-Dépôt banner. On Oct. 10, it will convert the 16 remaining Réno-Dépôt stores to the RONA+ banner.

In addition, RONA L’Entrepôt in Quebec City and RONA Home & Garden Winnipeg will also move to RONA+. Grand opening celebrations will be held in some of these stores on Oct. 10, just four days after the anniversary of RONA’s founding in 1939.

TIMBER MART has announced Cathy Tétreault as its 2024 Local Leader of the Year. She will receive an $18,000 grant for her local community to help educate and advocate for youth. Tétreault was nominated by her local TIMBER MART store, Matériaux Audet in Quebec City, for her work as director of Maison des jeunes de Duberger. She is also the founder of Centre Cyber-aide, which specializes in preventing cyber addiction and cyberbullying.

Home Hardware Stores Ltd. is hosting its annual Homecoming event for dealers and vendors today and tomorrow at the Enercare Centre in downtown Toronto. The event has brought dealers together from across the country to learn about the latest products and services, and has also served as an opportunity to highlight Home Hardware’s 60th anniversary.

This year’s event is showcasing three categories: seasonal, small appliances and housewares, and the company’s own BeautiTone Paint line.

Montreal’s RONA Quincaillerie Rachel is now RONA Séguin & Legault following its acquisition by new owner Jacques Ifrah. The store was founded in 1971 and the change came into effect in June of this year. In the coming months, Ifrah plans to undertake renovation and modernization projects to maximize the 2,000-square-foot sales area and add a small-truck delivery service to his offerings.

Sarah McGoldrick

Giant Tiger Stores Ltd. has announced the grand opening of a new location in Camrose, Alta., on Sept. 21. The new 15,600-square-foot-store will welcome its first 100 customers with gift cards. The celebration will include a balloon artist, a face painter, and a visit from mascot Friendly the Giant Tiger.

An accountant, mechanic, and lawyer have been running Thorndale Hardware, an Ace dealer in the southwestern Ontario community of the same name, for eight month. Its late owner David Woods, bought the store in January to inspire entrepreneurship in his daughters. When he died suddenly in February, the four Woods sisters along with one’s significant other took over the shop.

Rebecca Dumais

Doman Building Materials announced it has made a donation to the Red Cross Alberta Wildfire Appeal. The contribution supports relief efforts for communities impacted by the wildfires in Alberta. The program provides critical support, including emergency shelter, food, water, and medical assistance.

Home Hardware Stores Ltd. is hosting its dealer market, Homecoming, starting today. Dealers from across the country are descending on Toronto’s Enercare Centre, narrowly avoiding a looming Air Canada strike. Hardlines will be there investigating new product trends and the latest retail innovations from Canada’s largest dealer-owned home improvement retailer.

Empire Co., the parent of grocers Sobeys and Safeway, posted Q1 net earnings of $207.8 million, $0.86 per share, down from $261 million ($1.03) a year earlier. On an adjusted basis, earnings rose to $218.7 million, or $0.90 per share, from $196.2 million ($0.78 cents). Total revenues rose by 0.8 percent to $8.14 billion, with comp sales up by 1.0 percent.