|
IN THIS ISSUE:
- With the appointment of Julie Pouliot, Home Hardware has a new board chair
- RONA completes banner conversions of more stores, all in Quebec
- Fresh off the launch of its new strategy, Canadian Tire reports encouraging Q1
- Bids for Hudson’s Bay trigger new retail, historic, and even ethical questions
PLUS: Orgill is now supplier to South America’s Sodimac, All Weather recognized—again, AD Canada gets new Ontario member, Parkland sale under scrutiny, management changes at Vista Railings, RONA CEO joins Reitmans board, non-residential building intentions plummet, Retail Council’s convention adds Home Hardware CEO to lineup, and more!
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
With the appointment of Julie Pouliot, Home Hardware has a new board chair
After more than a decade, Home Hardware Stores Ltd. has a new chair of the board. Last week, the company announced that Julie Pouliot has been appointed to the position.
Pouliot is a seasoned industry expert with over 22 years in the home improvement retailing sector. She owns and operates Grant Home Hardware Building Centres, with three locations in Northern Ontario, between Sudbury and Timmins. They’re in Temagami, Temiskaming Shores (formerly New Liskeard), and Kirkland Lake.
(Shown l-r: Julie Pouliot; Ian White, president and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Ltd.; and Christine Hand, outgoing chair.)
In a release, Pouliot shared her enthusiasm for taking on the new role. “I am honoured that the board has put their trust in me to lead the company at such a pivotal moment in Home’s history.”
Even though she’s freshly in the chair’s job, Pouliot has been on the board for 10 years. During that time, she’s served in different positions, including chair of both the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Human Resources and Compensation Committee.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Julie’s experience and commitment as chair of our board,” said Ian White, Home Hardware’s president and CEO. “Her in-depth knowledge of our dealer network—the foundation of our business—and strong operational background position her well to provide leadership in shaping Home Hardware’s next chapter of strategic growth and development.”
Pouliot succeeds Christine Hand, owner of Handyman Home Hardware in Conception Bay South, N.L., who is retiring after 22 years on the board, including 13 of them as chair. Earlier this year, in partnership with her son, Thomas Hand, she acquired a second store, a long-standing building materials location also in Conception Bay South.
Along with her roles with Home Hardware, Hand has made her mark in other ways. In both 2015 and 2017, she was recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network. (But we’re most proud of the fact that she presented at the Hardlines Conference not once, but twice, in 2006 and 2019! —Your unabashed Editor.)
|
 |
RONA completes banner conversions of more stores, all in Quebec
RONA inc. finalized last week the conversion of 15 more stores to its RONA+ banner. The company, which made the RONA name its sole corporate banner in October 2024, continues its brand repositioning project. It is relying on the history of the RONA name, which goes back over 85 years, and its deep roots in Canada’s communities—especially in Quebec where the company got its start.
The planned conversions of these stores to RONA+ was first announced in December 2024.
RONA said that RONA+ offers an improved home improvement experience to pros and DIYers alike. A release said that RONA+ offers “great prices, a wide selection of skillfully designed products, flexible payment options, and much more.” The stores with the updated banner got some additional tweaks. They include dedicated spaces for brands such as DeWalt, improvements in the kitchen and seasonal departments, and a complete makeover of the pro department—including some bold exterior signage.
“Canadians truly connect with our brand, and RONA’s enhanced store concept has won over our customers. Indeed, stores that have been converted across Québec and Canada are flourishing,” said J.P. Towner, RONA’s president and CEO. “The enthusiasm for our brand in recent months is a testament to our efforts, and this makes me very proud.”
The newly converted stores are located at:
• RONA+ Carrefour Laval – 3065, boul. Le Carrefour, Laval
• RONA+ Saint-Laurent – 3600, boul. de la Côte Vertu, Saint-Laurent
• RONA+ Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville – 1221, boul. des Promenades, Saint-Bruno
• RONA+ Trois-Rivières – 4025, boul. des Récollets, Trois-Rivières
• RONA+ Chicoutimi – 465, boul. du Royaume Ouest, Chicoutimi
• RONA+ Gatineau – 777, boul. de la Cité, Gatineau
• RONA+ Mascouche – 175, montée Masson, Mascouche
• RONA+ Galeries d’Anjou – 7273, boul. des Galeries d’Anjou, Anjou
• RONA+ Gatineau (Le Plateau) – 165, boul. du Plateau, Gatineau
• RONA+ Joliette – 2000, boul. Firestone Est, Notre-Dame-des-Prairies
• RONA+ Saint-Eustache – 440, rue Dubois, Saint-Eustache
• RONA+ Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu – 170, rue Moreau, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
• RONA+ Granby – 200, rue Saint-Jude Nord, Granby
• RONA+ Rimouski – 385, boul. Arthur-Buies Est, Rimouski
• RONA+ Brossard (Dix30) – 9800, boul. Leduc, Brossard
(Shown from l-r: J.P. Towner, President and CEO, RONA inc.; Andréanne Larouche, MP for Shefford; Robert Vincent, city councillor, City of Granby; Alexandre Pronovost, actor, “Mike chez RONA”; Éric Lamarche, store manager, RONA+ Granby; Stéphane Giard, Granby city councillor; Sylvain Proulx, SVP, store operations at RONA inc.; and Marc-André Morency, constituency office manager and MP for Granby)
|
 |
Fresh off the launch of its new strategy, Canadian Tire reports encouraging Q1
Canadian Tire Corp. reported generally positive first-quarter results last week, with revenues of $3.46 billion, a 3.7 percent increase from the comparable period of 2024. Within Canadian Tire Retail, the division that includes the Canadian Tire stores, retail sales were up 4.9 percent and comp sales rose 4.7 percent.
Net income for the quarter was $47.0 million, for continuing operations, down from $79.1 million in the same period of 2024. This was the first quarterly report in which Helly Hansen was treated as a discontinued business segment. (CTC announced in February the sale of the brand to Kontoor Brands; that transaction is expected to close during the current quarter.)
Q1 also saw the launch of Canadian Tire’s True North business strategy, building on its previous Better Connected plan. “Over the past many years, the progress we made with Better Connected became a springboard for True North,” CEO Greg Hicks told analysts.
Hicks broke down True North into “four strategic cornerstones: delivering great modern retail experiences, expanding the sales impact of our coveted loyalty program, anchoring on customer data and insights that grow our business, and by becoming a tech-driven, agile and efficient company.”
He added that the strategy will “see us show up better for customers online as we hone omnichannel shopping experiences with digital and web investments,” while noting that growth in e-commerce “outpaced bricks and mortar” during the quarter. Nevertheless, TJ Flood, CTC’s executive vice-president and COO, said that there was alignment between online and in-person sales in terms of which categories were showing growth.
The introduction of same-day delivery, begun in Q4 of last year, was a major milestone for the company. “We have faster and easier fulfilment and our express same-day delivery is now available to nearly 90 percent of Canadians,” said Hicks. At the same time, he acknowledged that “we need to be more purposeful with regards to e-commerce” going forward.
|
 |
Bids for Hudson’s Bay trigger new retail, historic, and ethical questions
Hudson’s Bay Co. has received an extension under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act to July 31. It was originally set for May 15. The move comes as the company continues to seek new ownership after filing for bankruptcy in March.
By April an Ontario court had approved Hudson’s Bay’s request to initiate a Sale and Investment Solicitation Process (SISP) and a lease monetization process. The SISP will explore strategic investments, partnerships, or sales to support the best possible outcome, the company stated, while the lease monetization process may unlock value from the company’s lease portfolio.
In recent weeks, 17 bidders have stepped up to purchase the company or its intellectual property, while 12 are seeking the company’s 39 leases across Canada.
Last week, Canadian Tire Corp. announced that it would purchase HBC’s intellectual property, including its logo, brands, coat of arms, and iconic four-stripe design made famous by its point blankets. “Some things are just meant to stay Canadian,” Hicks said in the release announcing the transaction, which remains subject to court approval.
New filings show that the remaining Hudson’s Bay department stores and three Saks Fifth Avenue locations will remain operational until June 1, 2025, and all property must be vacated by June 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, Canadians have scooped up HBC merchandise, with many notable items such as point blankets making their way to eBay and other online auction sites. “We are extremely fortunate to have such an engaged community behind us,” said Liz Rodbell, president and CEO of Hudson’s Bay. “Our associates have been met with extraordinary kindness from our customers, each of whom reflects the cherished relationships we have built together over generations.”
The company now has just six stores that remain open. Three of them are in the Toronto area: its heritage flagship store in downtown Toronto, plus Yorkdale Shopping Centre, and Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill. The other three are in the Montreal area, including its heritage property in downtown Montreal, CF Carrefour Laval mall, and CF Fairview Pointe-Claire mall.
HBC has been liquidating its assets to pay off more than $1 billion to vendors, suppliers, and landlords. This rush to shore up the company’s finances has left many indigenous groups concerned and raises the question of what should happen to its extensive historic and indigenous collections when HBC is gone.
Earlier this year, an Ontario judge gave the company permission to auction off its collection of more than 4,400 artifacts and art pieces along with the 355-year-old royal charter granted by King Charles II of England and Scotland in 1670. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has requested a stop to any sale without proper consultation with First Nations.
“They have dehumanized us by monetizing and commodifying our culture and who we are. And that perpetuates, and it continues on into today,” Derek Nepinak, chief of Minegoziibe Anishinabe in Northern Manitoba, told APTN News. HBC has stated that it is working with advisors and the court-appointed monitor to ensure stakeholder interests and concerns are properly considered.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Advisory Committee for Memory of the World has specifically requested the historic charter be transferred to a public archival institution to ensure its long-term preservation and access.
|
 |
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Joe Jacklin has joined Maple Ridge, B.C.-based Vista Railing Systems Inc. as sales development manager for the Outdure product line. Vista announced recently that it had picked up exclusive distribution rights for the deck framing line across Canada. Vista has also announced three promotions: James Scott becomes national sales manager; Dwayne Walser is promoted to sales manager, Ontario; and Carol Mussi becomes marketing manager.
A backlash by shareholders of Reitmans has resulted in a shakeup at the specialty apparel retailer. That includes a new addition to its board of directors, longtime technology executive Martin Thibodeau. Thibodeau has over three decades of senior retail leadership experience in IT and is currently SVP and chief information officer at RONA inc. He’s also a board member at Centraide (United Way). Reitmans operates 390 stores across the country under a variety of banners.
|
|
 |
DID YOU KNOW…?
…that Hardlines is calling for entries for the 33rd Outstanding Retailer Awards? Entries are due June 13, 2025. The ORAs are the only national awards program in Canada recognizing hardware, LBM, and paint retailers across all banners. Winners get to attend the Hardlines Conference and Awards Gala as our guests and be featured in Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly magazine. Click here for more info and to download the nomination package (disponible en français également)! The ORAs will be presented Oct. 21 during the 2025 Hardlines Conference in Banff, Alta.
|
 |
RETAILER NEWS
AD Building Supplies – Canada has announced that Epcor Building Supply of Burlington, Ont., has joined the buying group. The company sells construction and restoration products specializing in building envelopes. Epcor carries a comprehensive selection of materials for restoration, waterproofing, and maintenance.
The federal government will review, under the Investment Canada Act, the purchase of Calgary-based Parkland Corp. for US$9.1 billion by U.S. gasoline giant Sunoco. Under the act, Ottawa can disallow a foreign takeover if it finds there is likely to be damage to the national interest. Parkland has 4,000 retail locations in 26 countries, and operates gas stations under the Chevron, Esso, and Fas Gas Plus brands. It also holds the rights to the On The Run gas station convenience brand. Ian White moved from Parkland last November, where he was president of Parkland Canada, to become president and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
Ace Hardware Corp. reported first-quarter revenues of US$2.2 billion, a 4.2 percent increase over the same quarter in 2024. However, net income was down by almost a third to $30.3 million. Consolidated revenues for the quarter reached $2.2 billion, while total wholesale revenues were $2.1 billion, an increase of $75.1 million, or 3.8 percent.
|
 |
SUPPLIER NEWS
Orgill has partnered with Sodimac, Latin America’s largest home improvement retailer, as its exclusive U.S.-based distribution partner for hardlines products. Founded in 1952 and based in Chile, Sodimac has over 260 stores throughout South and Central America with estimated sales of $6.4 billion. It’s part of parent company Falabella, whose total sales exceed $17 billion.
All Weather at Home has been recognized again this year as a Platinum Club member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. The award marks All Weather’s 17th consecutive year on the list and 11 straight years at the Platinum level. The Canada’s Best Managed Companies program highlights privately-owned Canadian businesses annually that exemplify resilience, innovation, and leadership.
A group of shareholders including the leaders of Technoform Industries has acquired the assets of Luxo Marbre. Technoform’s president Richard Davidson and VP Annie Caron say they want to “live up to the brand’s potential” under the new name of Créations Luxo. The new owners have also announced a partnership with Davidson Sales & Marketing, which will represent Luxo to Canadian retailers.
The Retail Council of Canada is hosting its 2025 Store Conference on June 3 and 4 at the Toronto Congress Centre. This two-day retail event gathers more than 2,000 participants and speakers this year including Ian White, president and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Ltd. (Visit the RCC Store 2025 website for more information on the agenda.)
|
 |
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
In March, the total value of building permits decreased by $549.4 million, or 4.1 percent, to $12.9 billion. The decrease was led by the non-residential sector, down by 14.5 percent, or $716.3 million, but buoyed by the residential sector, which was up by 2.0 percent, or $166.9 million. (StatCan)
|
 |
 |
NOTED
The latest edition of Hardlines Dealer News has landed in subscribers’ inboxes. In this issue, we get to know Home Hardware’s new president and CEO, explore the pitfalls of the Buy Canadian push, and unpack Lowe’s latest expansion. Hardlines Dealer News is monthly and it’s free: click here to subscribe now!
|
 |
 |
OVERHEARD…
“Consumers are very torn, where the consumer mindset is, and how it’s going to play out in different industries, is something we really need to watch.”—Tracy Platt, associate vice-president for product development at Canadian Tire, talking about the Buy Canadian movement at a CHPTA symposium in Toronto two weeks ago.
|
|
|

|
Looking to post a classified ad? Email Jillian for a free quote. |
Privacy Policy | HARDLINES.ca

The Hardlines Weekly Report is part of the Hardlines Premium Membership
Hardlines Weekly Report is published weekly (except monthly in December and August) by
HARDLINES Inc.
© 2025 by HARDLINES Inc.
HARDLINES™ the electronic newsletter www.HARDLINES.ca
Phone: 905-864-5157
Steve Payne — Editor-in-Chief— steve@hardlines.ca
Geoff McLarney — Features Editor — geoff@hardlines.ca
Rebecca Dumais — Editor — rebecca@hardlines.ca
Sarah McGoldrick — Digital Editor — sarah@hardlines.ca
David Chestnut — Vice-President & Publisher — david@hardlines.ca
Shannon MacLeod — Account Manager — shannon@hardlines.ca
Michelle Porter — Sr. Marketing & Events Manager — michelle@hardlines.ca
Jillian MacLeod — Client Services Manager — jillian@hardlines.ca
Accounting — accounting@hardlines.ca
Michael McLarney — Founder & President — mike@hardlines.ca
The HARDLINES “Fair Play” Policy. Forwarding or reproduction of Hardlines content is a violation of your terms of service as a valued subscriber. Please respect our copyright! However, we DO want to reach as many people as possible at your firm or banner, so please DO enquire about our really low “extra subscriber(s)” rates. Contact jillian@hardlines.ca to get your colleagues added!
1-3 Subscribers: $545
4 -6 Subscribers: $725
7-10 Subscribers: $875
11-20 Subscribers $1,220
21-30 Subscribers $1,565
We have packages for up to 100 subscribers!
For more information call 905-864-5157 or click here
You can pay online by VISA/MC/AMEX
at our secure website, by EFT, or send us money. Please make cheque payable to HARDLINES.
|
|
|
|