The Retail Council of Canada presented its Excellence in Retailing Awards earlier this week at a gala dinner during its annual conference. Among the winners was a retailer from this industry. RONA inc. was awarded the “E-Commerce Experience” for its leadership in digital retail, and in particular for the launch of an AI-powered search tool on rona.ca.

As part of its digital transformation strategy, RONA launched a brand-new online search tool last fall that was integrated to its transactional website for an enhanced customer experience. A result of countless efforts and major investments, the new search engine relies on a powerful algorithm to provide each customer with personalized search results.

(Shown l-r: Mélanie Lussier, head of communications, public affairs and sustainable development; Elizabeth Thompson, advisor, corporate communications; Marie-Hélène Cusson, senior director, digital merchandising and analytics; Marie-Ève Dubé, manager, digital category experience; and Craig Arseneau, manager, digital product management, RONA inc.)

At the closing of day one of the Retail Council of Canada’s annual convention this week, the industry gave a standing ovation to Diane Brisebois, who has helmed the association for the past 30 years. Testimonials shared by video for Brisebois recalled her traits of determination, passion, and leadership.

“Diane’s unwavering commitment and tireless leadership have elevated the retail sector to new heights,” said Santo Ligotti, VP marketing and membership at RCC. “Her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of retail leaders across the country.”

A new department store concept called Ruby Liu will be launching in Canada this year in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Hudson’s Bay Company has entered into a definitive agreement to assign up to 28 of its store leases in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario to Weihong (Ruby) Liu.

The leases will be transferred to Ruby Liu Commercial Investment Corp for a department store concept designed to appeal to a multicultural Canadian audience. Former Hudson’s Bay employees will be prioritized for employment opportunities at the new store. 

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

In our last issue before we took a short break for the summer, 25 years ago, we reported in our May 29, 2000, issue on Revy Home Centres’ big box expansion in Toronto. “Revy has its hands full here in Toronto,” Michael McLarney quoted Carl Grittner, then-president of Revy, as saying. “We want to put stores around our competition [in the GTA], wherever they have a profitable store.” Revy would be sold to RONA just short of a year later, on July 13, 2001.

Ian White, the new CEO of Home Hardware Stores Ltd., was on stage yesterday at the Retail Council of Canada’s annual conference in Toronto. He shared how impressed he was when he joined the company by the authenticity of its dealers and the respect held for the Home brand.

While he used the conference platform to share the Home Hardware story, he also made a case for all retail—and retailers—in the country to unite to better serve Canadians.

Princess Auto’s new Burlington, Ont., store opened on June 3. Located at 1200 Brant Street, the store offers tools, equipment, and surplus goods. The 31,959-square-foot location aims to serve the growing Southern Ontario market and is the 21st Princess Auto location in Ontario. A lineup of tradespeople, farmers, and those who love tools and equipment were waiting for the 7 a.m. opening.

RONA inc. has announced it is now taking back used air conditioners at 14 of its corporate stores in Quebec until the end of September.

The move begins the second phase of the pilot project it launched in four stores last year. Organized in collaboration with its partner, GoRecycle, RONA’s program ensures that cooling appliances are properly recycled.

The program, which is the only one of its kind in Quebec, has also received the “Coup de cœur” award from GoRecycle (pictured left to right: Florence Poissant-Baril, assistant category manager, merchandising, RONA inc.; Jules Foisy Lapointe, executive director, GoRecycle; Denis Ouellet, category director, merchandising, RONA inc.; and Laurence Bourque, category manager, merchandising, RONA inc.).

Castle Building Centres Group held its first Buying Expo of the summer season last week at the JW Marriott Lake Rosseau Resort, northwest of Bracebridge, Ont. More than 250 Castle member and vendor participants came together for the three-day event. It included a regional member meeting, vendor product showcase, and two days of buying opportunities.

Canadian Tire Corp. (CTC) has completed the previously announced sale of Helly Hansen to Kontoor Brands this week.

In February, Hardlines reported, the company announced it had reached the deal, valued at nearly $1.3 billion. Kontoor, based in North Carolina, is the parent of the Lee, Wrangler, and Rock & Republic denim brands.

Watson Building Supplies and Blair Building Materials marked the opening of their new Owen Sound, Ont., store and showroom on May 22.

In April, Hardlines reported that the two companies had partnered to open a 40,000-square-foot drive-through warehouse, contractor shop, large showroom, and a two-acre yard to support exterior products.

The new facility will offer interior and exterior building materials and create opportunities for collaboration, economic growth, and customer engagement, the companies said in a joint statement.