TORONTO — Lowe’s latest expansion plans for Canada (as revealed in last week’s edition of HARDLINES—Editor), reflect a resurgence in big box development in this country.
Lowe’s only opened two stores last year, while RONA closed more than that, and Home Depot held fast. But in recent weeks, all that has changed. Lowe’s next store will be in Lethbridge, Alta., early in 2015, followed by Saskatoon and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., in the summer. Just two weeks ago, Home Depot Canada opened its first store since 2011 with a site in Brampton, northwest of Toronto. In addition, RONA has announced it will roll out openings of at least three Réno-Dépôt stores in 2015…
