Whirlpool brand and Magnusmode are partnering with Toronto’s Geneva Centre for Autism to support the centre’s adult day programs. Whirlpool has donated appliances valued at over $10,000 that the centre’s clients can use as part of their personalized programming alongside Magnusmode’s Homecare Card Decks. These how-to guides are designed simplify everyday home tasks in the home.

Together with the appliances, they help users with tasks like loading the dishwasher, proper food storage and organization in the refrigerator, using a washer, and understanding laundry symbols.

The 27th Hardlines Conference had the highest attendance in the event’s history. We welcomed more than 200 delegates to the fabulous Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Whistler, B.C., including 85 first-time attendees from the west coast.

This year’s conference was the first outside of Ontario in what will be a multi-year cross-country tour. Mark your calendar for next year, when we move to the province of Quebec, Oct. 21-23!

Investment in building construction rose by 1.1 percent to $17.9 billion in August, StatCan reports. The residential sector was up 1.6 percent to $11.9 billion, while the non-residential sector edged up 0.1 percent to $5.9 billion.

Following five months of consecutive declines, investment in residential building construction rose 1.6 percent to $11.9 billion in August. Quebec’s 7.6 percent spike led the growth in both single-family and multi-unit investment. Single-family home investment rose 2.4 percent to $5.9 billion, with six provinces posting gains.

Retail sales dipped slightly by 0.1 percent to $66.1 billion in August, according to new StatCan data. Sales were down in six of nine subsectors and were led by decreases at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were down 0.3 percent. Sales in LBM and garden categories were unchanged.

The second day of the 27th Hardlines Conference took place yesterday in Whistler, B.C. In the morning, Sylvain and Marilyne Laferriere of ACE Victory Building Centre in Mackenzie, B.C., shared the secrets of their success. Meanwhile, Home Depot veteran Jim Inglis outlined his 10 principles of “high-productivity” retailing, while customer engagement expert Romain Mercier discussed his insights into the omnichannel experience.

In the afternoon, Taiga’s Zaida Fazlic talked about breaking down the stereotypes that can impede learning between team members from different generations. Jean-Sébastien Lamoureux spoke to the changes to retail that retailers will need to face, drawing on learnings gleaned by RONA but relevant to the whole industry.

Next year, the Hardlines Conference is headed to Quebec for its 28th instalment, in partnership with the Quebec industry association, AQMAT.

RONA inc. has announced the conversion of nine more Lowe’s stores to the RONA+ banner in Ontario. They are:

• Brampton South
• Brampton North
• Mississauga Central
• Scarborough North/Markam
• Scarborough West
• Toronto York
• Etobicoke South
• Milton
• Burlington North

The stores will remain open during the conversion. Jean-Sébastien Lamoureux, SVP for RONA affiliates, wholesale, and public affairs, told the Hardlines Conference yesterday that by year’s end, more than half of Lowe’s Canada stores will have converted to the RONA+ banner.

The Building Supply Industry Association of British Columbia held its industry awards this week in Whistler, B.C. The event, which was overseen by association president Thomas Foreman, was held in partnership with the 27th Annual Hardlines Conference.

The BSIA event included the presentation of the association’s 2023 Industry Merit Awards, the first it has conferred in five years, to three individuals who have made significant contributions over decades to building up the province’s industry.

The honourees were: Bruce Allen, a RONA dealer-owner who is president of three RONA-bannered stores in North Vancouver, Powell River, and Salmon Arm; Brad McCluskie, business development manager of Coast Distributors, a prominent west coast distributor; and Ray Cyr (shown here), president of Fraser Valley Building Supplies, a chain of six RONA stores.

The latest issue of Hardlines HR Advisor hit inboxes this week. In this issue, we explore such topics as cultivating inclusive HR leadership, managing the hiring process, and mentoring younger employees. If you’re not already receiving HR Advisor, click here to sign up for free!

Suppliers and retailers from across Canada gathered last night to honour the retail home improvement industry’s best hardware and building supply retailers. The occasion was the 31st Annual Outstanding Retailer Awards, presented during a Gala Dinner during the annual Hardlines Conference. The event was held at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort in Whistler, B.C.

Retailers were honoured in eight categories covering the range of retail hardware and home improvement formats. This year’s winners (with award sponsors) were:

• Best Hardware Store – Hydway Hardware, Fort Vermilion, Alta. Ray Toews and Robyn Currie, Owners. (National Hardware Show).
• Best Building Supply or Home Centre under 15,000 square feet – Nova Scotia Building Supplies (Castle), Blockhouse, N.S. Andrew Mills, Owner; Curtis Saulnier, General Manager. (Jeld-Wen).
• Best Building Supply or Home Centre over 15,000 square feet – Centre de rénovation Marieville (Home Hardware), Marieville, Que. Louis Turcotte, Eric Berthiaume, Simon Louvet, and Daniel Gervais, Owners. Eric Berthiaume, Store Manager. (BP).
• Best Contractor Specialist – The Cedar Shop (Sexton Group), Calgary, Alta. Tyler Palko and Brad Palko, Owners; Mitch Wile, President. (Trex).
• Best Large Surface Retailer – RONA+ Whitby, Whitby, Ont. Paul Santos, Store Manager. (JRTech Solutions).
• Retail Spirit Award – Hodgins Building Centre (Castle), Wingham, Ont. Brock Hodgins and Jordan Hodgins, Owners; Nik Glazounov, Manager. (Johns Manville).
• Best Young Retailer – Barry Eidt, Arthur Ace Hardware, Arthur, Ont. Doug Eidt and Barry Eidt, Owners; Brent Bowen, Store Manager. (Acceo Solutions).
• Marc Robichaud Community Leader – Nowco Home Hardware, Lacombe, Alta. Tyler and Deanna Nowochin, Owners; Tami Schneider, Manager. (BMF).

The 27th Hardlines Conference got underway yesterday with a full complement of speakers at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, B.C. Jim Inglis, consultant and former Home Depot executive, got the ball rolling with his insights and experience, which include the banner’s Canadian launch. Geneviève Gagnon, who runs three companies including Évolution Distribution, spoke of her experience growing up in her family store and how she brings an unapologetically feminine touch to the customer experience.

In the afternoon, Hardlines president Michael McLarney gave a state-of-the-industry update that included a discussion of how climate change is impacting home improvement. Dan Tratensek provided a perspective from the North American Hardware and Paint Association. Cody Smith capped off the afternoon with an update on exciting new developments at Federated Co-op.

The afternoon closed with a reception hosted by Home Hardware Stores Ltd., leading into the 31st Outstanding Retailer Awards gala dinner.