HARDLINES
Canada’s electronic information service for the home improvement industry
April 16, 2001
Volume vii, #15
Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher
Phone: 416.489.3396
Fax: 416.489.6154
email: mike@hardlines.ca <mailto:mike@hardlines.ca>
http://hardlines.ca <https://hardlines.ca/>
* * * * * *
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Canadian Tire and RONA will be keynotes at Fall conference
* Castle eyes West for dealer growth
* Howden launches update to Do-it program
* Color Your World re-launches 38 stores
* * * * * *
We are ecstatic to announce that our new website has registered 81,748 hits in one month. That’s right, 81,748 hits! That is over 2,600 hits every day, from all over North America.
Join us at hardlines.ca. News updated every day.
______________________________________________
CANADIAN TIRE AND RONA WILL HEADLINE HARDLINES CONFERENCE
Two of Canada’s largest home improvement retailers will be showcased at this year’s Hardlines Marketing Conference. Mark Foote, president of Canadian Tire Retail, joins Henri Drouin, chairman, and Rick Blickstead, president, Rona Retail in this one-day event, which will feature speakers from Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
The illustrious roster of presenters will also feature Paul Ingevaldson, who heads up international development for Ace Hardware, and David Ford of the Certified Forest Products Council. Peter Turkstra from Turkstra Lumber, and Gilles Caille, representing the federation of European hardware manufacturers, round out the day.
Breakout sessions will cover how to build contractor sales, instore merchandising and how to hire smart and build staff retention.
New this year is a presentation from the vendor side: Tom Hearn, vice-chairman of American Tool Cos., will talk about the challenges facing vendors in a globalized retail market.
Now in its sixth year, the Hardlines Conference is a forum for leading retailers to share their ideas, challenges and direction with Canada’s leading executives in home improvement retailing and manufacturing. This year’s conference will be held September 13, 2001 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel near the Toronto Airport.
______________________________________________
COLOR YOUR WORLD LAUNCHES AGGRESSIVE PRO STRATEGY
In response to the big boxes’ approach to home decorating, Color Your World is re-launching 38 locations across the country as one-stop décor destinations. The retailer’s revamping includes increased product lines and increased focus on customer service for both DIYers and professional decorators.
Stores have been refurbished to include all aspects of home decorating: paint and paint effects, floor coverings, custom-made drapery, upholstery and blinds. Customer service has been expanded to include all aspects of home décor, which means Color Your World’s consultants will even make house calls.
The retailer is also targetting the professional decorator and contractor market by providing services aimed at helping to manage time and cut contractors’ costs. Color Your World will feature monthly commercial specials and in-store areas for professionals to conduct business.
______________________________________________
CASTLE TARGETS WEST FOR GROWTH
Castle Building Centres Group announced at its annual meeting last week the signing of 15 new members during the past fiscal year. But, says Ron Marchetti, national business development manager, that number represents "just a drop in the ocean compared to what I see in the future."
Castle recently signed Alan Schoemperlen, formerly of Winnipeg-based TruServ Canada, to head up dealer relations and new business development in Western Canada. Schoemperlen’s role, says Marchetti, will be to capitalize on the potential for new dealers he says awaits the group in that region.
Castle is already strong in Ontario, and in Atlantic Canada, where it is that region’s largest buying group with 87 dealers. But Marchetti expects Castle’s presence in the West to rival or exceed that in the Atlantic within two or three years.
______________________________________________
HOWDEN UPDATES DO-IT CENTER PROGRAM AT LATEST MARKET
The Howden division of Sodisco-Howden Group has upgraded its signage program for the distributor’s Do-it center program in Canada. The new look, introduced at its spring market in Toronto on March 31, features the addition of royal blue to its signage, to soften the warm red of the Do-it center logo.
The blue will appear as a frame around the exterior entrance of the stores themselves, appearing below the Do-it center name and adding focus to the entrance. It is also dominant instore, on department signs and on signage above the drive aisle that make quality statements such as "When quality counts" and "With expert advice." In addition, price item signs will incorporate the new blue colour.
According to Dave Todd, retail design manager for Howden in London, ON, the redesign provides "a nice clean look."
Howden re-launched its Pro logo at the beginning of 2000 for its 750 dealers using that banner. The Do-it center program, originated by Do-it Best Corp. in the U.S. and developed by Toronto’s Watt Group, is used by 56 building centre dealers across the country.
______________________________________________
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
Home Hardware’s spring market will be held next week, April 22-24, at its head office and distribution centre in St. Jacob’s, ON. The dealer show is expected to draw 13,000 delegates and 850 vendors. The market kicks off with Home Hardware’s pre-market conference, a day of seminars and staff development for dealers.
Premdor Inc. is continuing discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding approval for the acquisition of Masonite Co. from International Paper Co. The pre-merger waiting period has been extended under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act; however, the deal is expected to close by the end of the second quarter, 2001.
Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. has released fourth quarter results for 2000, including sales of $331.6 million, a 5.5% decrease over 1999. The company also posted net earnings of $15.8 million, compared with $24.3 for the corresponding period in 1999. Ainsworth’s CEO, Brian Ainsworth, cited the deterioration in North American pricing for commodity products, owing to a slowing U.S. economy, as a factor affecting the third and fourth quarters.
Home Depot in the U.S. has taken a new angle on its marketing campaign, saying it has lower prices than Lowe’s Cos., its main competitor. U.S. analysts are taking this as a sign of tougher times in the horizon, as retailers scramble to attract the attention of savings-conscious consumers. Lowe's of Wilkesboro, N.C., has countered with its own print and radio ads that, like Home Depot's, promise to beat any competitor's price by 10%.
______________________________________________
NOTED ...
The 47th Annual Atlantic Building Materials Show & Convention survived nature’s challenges — a major snow storm on the first day of the show, and a power outage on day two — and achieved record volumes of written business. Announcements of a new show date for next year were not well received, however. As a result, next year’s show opens on Friday, March 22nd.
______________________________________________
PEOPLE IN THE MOVE
CLARIFICATION: We gave you the wrong title for Rob Collins at Ace Hardware Canada. He is managing director, taking over from ex-president Wolf Gruber, who retired at the end of March. (905-475-1188)
Royal International has announced the appointment of Louise Turgeon as national sales manager, effective May 1, 2001. Turgeon was formerly Royal’s sales manager for eastern Canada. (514-735-4566)
_____________________________________________
CANADIAN STOCK WATCH
COMPANY 52-WEEK HIGH 52-WEEK LOW CLOSE (THUR.)
Canadian Tire 24.90 15.05 24.00
Canfor 19.80 7.65 9.75
Goodfellow 12.55 8.50 8.70
Home Depot 70.00 34.68 43.78
Hudsons Bay 19.10 12.40 16.91
Lowe’s 67.25 34.25 57.35
Sears Canada 41.00 19.60 19.45
Taiga Forest 14.20 6.80 7.00
West Fraser 38.00 21.00 34.75
______________________________________________
"There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?" — Woody Allen
_______________________________________________
MARKET INDICATORS
In all urban areas across Canada, housing starts in March reached 153,800 units, down 1.5% from February. Québec’s residential construction sustained a decrease for the first time since the beginning of the year. Starts in March went down 18% compared to February. This drop was attributable to single starts, which were down by 14%. Multiple housing starts decreased by 15%. British Columbia’s urban housing starts for the same month were up 13%, totalling 795. Single detached starts were up 3% with 414 starts, while multiple family starts were up 27%, with 381 starts. Lower interest rates are expected to benefit builders and offset the effects of any potential economic slow-down.
The New Housing Price Index rose 0.3% from January to February. This index of contractors' selling prices was 2.4% higher in February than it was in February 2000.
Monthly increases occurred in 12 of the 21 urban centres surveyed. The largest increase was registered in the Montréal census metropolitan area, where the index was up 0.9% from January. Higher prices for building materials, labour and land were among the reasons for the increase. On a year-over-year basis, Ottawa-Hull once again posted the largest increase (+14.2%) for new homes across the country, followed by Montréal, Halifax and Kitchener-Waterloo. The combined centres of Saint John-Moncton-Fredericton posted the largest annual decrease (-1.7%).
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
* * * * *HARDLINES MARKETPLACE* * * *
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Noral Instore
BOOST your retail profile with instore sales support
for your products and merchandising
http://www.noralmarketing.com <http://www.noralmarketing.com/> or call 519-439-6800 ext. 201
* * * * * *
BLACK EAGLE CONSULTING 2000 INC. and President Richard Simms with 30 years experience in the Hardlines Industry for all your strategic planning needs —business plan analysis, facilitator services, and organizational structure review.
Visit http://www.blackeagle.ca or call 905-693-0092
______________________________________________
* * * * * *
BUYER — BUILDING SUPPLIES:
UFA, formed in 1909, is a farm supply and petroleum marketing co-operative owned by over 100,000 members.
Reporting to the Senior Buyer, the successful candidate will be required to negotiate the purchase of products, contracts and distribution of merchandise, and to source new products and technologies, determining preferred suppliers in the building supplies area. You will work closely with other buyers and the marketing group.
Applicants must have a sound knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, warehousing and distribution management functions, and proficiency with Microsoft Office products. Minimum P.M.A.C. Level 3 or equivalent experience is required. Product knowledge in building supplies is essential. An agricultural background is an asset.
Interested applicants are invited to forward their résumé in confidence by April 18, 2001, quoting competition number HR01-46. Mail to: Human Resources, United Farmers of Alberta, 1016-68th Avenue SW; Calgary, AB; T2V 4J2; fax: 403-258-7630; email: resumes@ufa.com. We thank all applicants for their interest in UFA. Only applicants being considered will be contacted.
* * * * * *
DIRECTOR, MEMBER OPERATIONS, and REGIONAL DISTRICT MANAGERS:
Our client, TruServ Canada Cooperative Inc., a major retail/distribution franchise dealer organization with a broad merchandise assortment and stores throughout Canada expressed by two major banners –True Value Hardware Stores and V&S Department stores – wishes to add several key executives to the operational/member division of the company.
The right candidates for these different opportunities will be highly motivated, intelligent, articulate, goal-oriented individuals who bring exceptional interpersonal skills to these leadership and teamwork opportunities.
To be a candidate you must have: solid operations understanding and experience; a successful track record in recruiting and developing new retail dealers/members; the ability to work within a team framework; strong leadership using both mentoring and coaching skills; a proven ability to achieve results; a clear understanding of financial budgeting, analysis, and actions required.
This unique opportunity to expand our team for the present and the future requires us to find management executives who can blend into an existing group while at the same time bring their own positive personality and characteristics.
The primary location for these positions will be the company head office in Winnipeg, but there will also be a number of opportunities throughout Canada.
Send résumé to Robert Scurfield, Robert R. Scurfield & Associates, 238 Oxford St., Winnipeg, MB, R3M 3J6; phone: 204-981-5605; fax: 204-489-6204; or email: rscurf@mb.sympatico.ca
* * * * * *
TERRITORY SALES REPRESENTATIVE:
A progressive sales agency, representing brand leaders in the hardware industry, requires an experienced and enthusiastic sales representative to maintain and grow existing accounts and establish new accounts in Ontario. Responsibilities include calling on industrial and contractor supply accounts, and end-user calls.
The ideal candidate will have: a minimum of 3 years field sales experience; the self-motivation necessary to achieve goals with an aggressive approach to promoting product lines; and a working knowledge of computers. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including car allowance and expenses.
Please forward your résumé to Sales Tools, 4325 Steeles Ave. W. Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M3N 1V7; or email salestools@sprint.ca. We thank all applicants in advance and advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
* * * * * *
B.C. SALES AGENT — PAINT SUNDRIES:
Deft Inc., a leading manufacturer of interior wood stains and finishes, is seeking a manufacturer’s SALES AGENT for the territory of British Columbia.
The ideal candidate is currently servicing the B.C. market with other non-conflicting paint sundry lines. Send résumé via email to deftsales@home.com; or fax 905-951-0977.
______________________________________________
THE HARDLINES MARKETPLACE: just $16 per line.
A classified ad with Hardlines is the most direct way to industry eyes.
Over 3,000 executives in the industry come in contact with our email and fax publications … and have you seen our Marketplace in our new website? https://hardlines.ca <https://hardlines.ca/>
Publish your ad where it matters. Get industry exposure today.
Contact Eugenia Canas at 416-489-3396 or email: buzz@hardlines.ca
______________________________________________
TELL A FRIEND ABOUT HARDLINES!
AND WE’LL GIVE YOU A SWISS ARMY KNIFE TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION!
We’d like to think you are telling your friends about us because of the cutting edge news we deliver every Monday morning. Or maybe it’s our up-to-date news, trends and statistics affecting the world of home improvement.
But if it’s the Swiss Army Knife we’re sending you for referring a new subscriber to us, that’s okay too.
So get a friend/colleague/customer to subscribe for one year and we’ll give them four free weeks and send you a Swiss Army Knife! But you have to act now – Swiss Army only lets us give away their knives until JUNE 30, 2001. See the attached order form. Can’t open it? Download Adobe Reader for free at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
______________________________________________
"HARDLINES INDUSTRY REPORT: Home Improvement Retailing in Canada" is a comprehensive overview of the size of the market, how many stores are out there, who the key players are, their market position, the size and growth of the big boxes, the trends in housing and renovations, market trends — and much, much more! 120-plus pages filled with charts, graphs and photos. Regular price: $945, only $750 for subscribers! Contact Nancy Wright at nancy@hardlines.ca; phone: 416-489-3396 for more information.
* * * * * *
ARE YOU UP ON OUR DAILY NEWS?
Our website has daily updates on retail and industry news that matter to you.
Keep informed. Visit http://hardlines.ca <https://hardlines.ca/> every day.
______________________________________________
HARDLINES™ the electronic newsletter hardlines.ca <https://hardlines.ca/>
Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154
Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher: mike@hardlines.ca
Eugenia Canas, Assistant Editor: buzz@hardlines.ca
Beverly Allen, Marketing Manager: bev@hardlines.ca <mailto:hardlines@on.aibn.com>
Nancy Wright, Circulation Manager: nancy@hardlines.ca
Hardlines is published weekly (except monthly in December and August)
by McLARNEYCOM
542 Mount Pleasant Rd., Suite 302, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4S 2M7
© 2001 by Michael McLarney.
______________________________________________
THE HARDLINES "FAIR PLAY" POLICY:
Reproduction in whole or in part is very uncool and strictly forbidden and really and truly against the law. So please, play fair! Call for information on multiple subscriptions or a site license for your company. We do want as many people as possible to read Hardlines each week — but let us handle your internal routing from this end!
______________________________________________
Subscription: $199+$13.93 GST = $212.93 (or $29.85 HST = $228.85) per year (GST #13987 0398 RT). You can pay online by VISA at our secure website or send us money. Please make cheque payable to McLarneyCom.
HARDLINES
Canada’s electronic information service for the home improvement industry
April 16, 2001
Volume vii, #15
Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher
Phone: 416.489.3396
Fax: 416.489.6154
email: mike@hardlines.ca <mailto:mike@hardlines.ca>
http://hardlines.ca <https://hardlines.ca/>
* * * * * *
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Canadian Tire and RONA will be keynotes at Fall conference
* Castle eyes West for dealer growth
* Howden launches update to Do-it program
* Color Your World re-launches 38 stores
* * * * * *
We are ecstatic to announce that our new website has registered 81,748 hits in one month. That’s right, 81,748 hits! That is over 2,600 hits every day, from all over North America.
Join us at hardlines.ca. News updated every day.
______________________________________________
CANADIAN TIRE AND RONA WILL HEADLINE HARDLINES CONFERENCE
Two of Canada’s largest home improvement retailers will be showcased at this year’s Hardlines Marketing Conference. Mark Foote, president of Canadian Tire Retail, joins Henri Drouin, chairman, and Rick Blickstead, president, Rona Retail in this one-day event, which will feature speakers from Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
The illustrious roster of presenters will also feature Paul Ingevaldson, who heads up international development for Ace Hardware, and David Ford of the Certified Forest Products Council. Peter Turkstra from Turkstra Lumber, and Gilles Caille, representing the federation of European hardware manufacturers, round out the day.
Breakout sessions will cover how to build contractor sales, instore merchandising and how to hire smart and build staff retention.
New this year is a presentation from the vendor side: Tom Hearn, vice-chairman of American Tool Cos., will talk about the challenges facing vendors in a globalized retail market.
Now in its sixth year, the Hardlines Conference is a forum for leading retailers to share their ideas, challenges and direction with Canada’s leading executives in home improvement retailing and manufacturing. This year’s conference will be held September 13, 2001 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel near the Toronto Airport.
______________________________________________
COLOR YOUR WORLD LAUNCHES AGGRESSIVE PRO STRATEGY
In response to the big boxes’ approach to home decorating, Color Your World is re-launching 38 locations across the country as one-stop décor destinations. The retailer’s revamping includes increased product lines and increased focus on customer service for both DIYers and professional decorators.
Stores have been refurbished to include all aspects of home decorating: paint and paint effects, floor coverings, custom-made drapery, upholstery and blinds. Customer service has been expanded to include all aspects of home décor, which means Color Your World’s consultants will even make house calls.
The retailer is also targetting the professional decorator and contractor market by providing services aimed at helping to manage time and cut contractors’ costs. Color Your World will feature monthly commercial specials and in-store areas for professionals to conduct business.
______________________________________________
CASTLE TARGETS WEST FOR GROWTH
Castle Building Centres Group announced at its annual meeting last week the signing of 15 new members during the past fiscal year. But, says Ron Marchetti, national business development manager, that number represents "just a drop in the ocean compared to what I see in the future."
Castle recently signed Alan Schoemperlen, formerly of Winnipeg-based TruServ Canada, to head up dealer relations and new business development in Western Canada. Schoemperlen’s role, says Marchetti, will be to capitalize on the potential for new dealers he says awaits the group in that region.
Castle is already strong in Ontario, and in Atlantic Canada, where it is that region’s largest buying group with 87 dealers. But Marchetti expects Castle’s presence in the West to rival or exceed that in the Atlantic within two or three years.
______________________________________________
HOWDEN UPDATES DO-IT CENTER PROGRAM AT LATEST MARKET
The Howden division of Sodisco-Howden Group has upgraded its signage program for the distributor’s Do-it center program in Canada. The new look, introduced at its spring market in Toronto on March 31, features the addition of royal blue to its signage, to soften the warm red of the Do-it center logo.
The blue will appear as a frame around the exterior entrance of the stores themselves, appearing below the Do-it center name and adding focus to the entrance. It is also dominant instore, on department signs and on signage above the drive aisle that make quality statements such as "When quality counts" and "With expert advice." In addition, price item signs will incorporate the new blue colour.
According to Dave Todd, retail design manager for Howden in London, ON, the redesign provides "a nice clean look."
Howden re-launched its Pro logo at the beginning of 2000 for its 750 dealers using that banner. The Do-it center program, originated by Do-it Best Corp. in the U.S. and developed by Toronto’s Watt Group, is used by 56 building centre dealers across the country.
______________________________________________
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
Home Hardware’s spring market will be held next week, April 22-24, at its head office and distribution centre in St. Jacob’s, ON. The dealer show is expected to draw 13,000 delegates and 850 vendors. The market kicks off with Home Hardware’s pre-market conference, a day of seminars and staff development for dealers.
Premdor Inc. is continuing discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding approval for the acquisition of Masonite Co. from International Paper Co. The pre-merger waiting period has been extended under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act; however, the deal is expected to close by the end of the second quarter, 2001.
Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. has released fourth quarter results for 2000, including sales of $331.6 million, a 5.5% decrease over 1999. The company also posted net earnings of $15.8 million, compared with $24.3 for the corresponding period in 1999. Ainsworth’s CEO, Brian Ainsworth, cited the deterioration in North American pricing for commodity products, owing to a slowing U.S. economy, as a factor affecting the third and fourth quarters.
Home Depot in the U.S. has taken a new angle on its marketing campaign, saying it has lower prices than Lowe’s Cos., its main competitor. U.S. analysts are taking this as a sign of tougher times in the horizon, as retailers scramble to attract the attention of savings-conscious consumers. Lowe's of Wilkesboro, N.C., has countered with its own print and radio ads that, like Home Depot's, promise to beat any competitor's price by 10%.
______________________________________________
NOTED ...
The 47th Annual Atlantic Building Materials Show & Convention survived nature’s challenges — a major snow storm on the first day of the show, and a power outage on day two — and achieved record volumes of written business. Announcements of a new show date for next year were not well received, however. As a result, next year’s show opens on Friday, March 22nd.
______________________________________________
PEOPLE IN THE MOVE
CLARIFICATION: We gave you the wrong title for Rob Collins at Ace Hardware Canada. He is managing director, taking over from ex-president Wolf Gruber, who retired at the end of March. (905-475-1188)
Royal International has announced the appointment of Louise Turgeon as national sales manager, effective May 1, 2001. Turgeon was formerly Royal’s sales manager for eastern Canada. (514-735-4566)
_____________________________________________
CANADIAN STOCK WATCH
COMPANY 52-WEEK HIGH 52-WEEK LOW CLOSE (THUR.)
Canadian Tire 24.90 15.05 24.00
Canfor 19.80 7.65 9.75
Goodfellow 12.55 8.50 8.70
Home Depot 70.00 34.68 43.78
Hudsons Bay 19.10 12.40 16.91
Lowe’s 67.25 34.25 57.35
Sears Canada 41.00 19.60 19.45
Taiga Forest 14.20 6.80 7.00
West Fraser 38.00 21.00 34.75
______________________________________________
"There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?" — Woody Allen
_______________________________________________
MARKET INDICATORS
In all urban areas across Canada, housing starts in March reached 153,800 units, down 1.5% from February. Québec’s residential construction sustained a decrease for the first time since the beginning of the year. Starts in March went down 18% compared to February. This drop was attributable to single starts, which were down by 14%. Multiple housing starts decreased by 15%. British Columbia’s urban housing starts for the same month were up 13%, totalling 795. Single detached starts were up 3% with 414 starts, while multiple family starts were up 27%, with 381 starts. Lower interest rates are expected to benefit builders and offset the effects of any potential economic slow-down.
The New Housing Price Index rose 0.3% from January to February. This index of contractors' selling prices was 2.4% higher in February than it was in February 2000.
Monthly increases occurred in 12 of the 21 urban centres surveyed. The largest increase was registered in the Montréal census metropolitan area, where the index was up 0.9% from January. Higher prices for building materials, labour and land were among the reasons for the increase. On a year-over-year basis, Ottawa-Hull once again posted the largest increase (+14.2%) for new homes across the country, followed by Montréal, Halifax and Kitchener-Waterloo. The combined centres of Saint John-Moncton-Fredericton posted the largest annual decrease (-1.7%).
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
* * * * *HARDLINES MARKETPLACE* * * *
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Noral Instore
BOOST your retail profile with instore sales support
for your products and merchandising
http://www.noralmarketing.com <http://www.noralmarketing.com/> or call 519-439-6800 ext. 201
* * * * * *
BLACK EAGLE CONSULTING 2000 INC. and President Richard Simms with 30 years experience in the Hardlines Industry for all your strategic planning needs —business plan analysis, facilitator services, and organizational structure review.
Visit http://www.blackeagle.ca or call 905-693-0092
______________________________________________
* * * * * *
BUYER — BUILDING SUPPLIES:
UFA, formed in 1909, is a farm supply and petroleum marketing co-operative owned by over 100,000 members.
Reporting to the Senior Buyer, the successful candidate will be required to negotiate the purchase of products, contracts and distribution of merchandise, and to source new products and technologies, determining preferred suppliers in the building supplies area. You will work closely with other buyers and the marketing group.
Applicants must have a sound knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, warehousing and distribution management functions, and proficiency with Microsoft Office products. Minimum P.M.A.C. Level 3 or equivalent experience is required. Product knowledge in building supplies is essential. An agricultural background is an asset.
Interested applicants are invited to forward their résumé in confidence by April 18, 2001, quoting competition number HR01-46. Mail to: Human Resources, United Farmers of Alberta, 1016-68th Avenue SW; Calgary, AB; T2V 4J2; fax: 403-258-7630; email: resumes@ufa.com. We thank all applicants for their interest in UFA. Only applicants being considered will be contacted.
* * * * * *
DIRECTOR, MEMBER OPERATIONS, and REGIONAL DISTRICT MANAGERS:
Our client, TruServ Canada Cooperative Inc., a major retail/distribution franchise dealer organization with a broad merchandise assortment and stores throughout Canada expressed by two major banners –True Value Hardware Stores and V&S Department stores – wishes to add several key executives to the operational/member division of the company.
The right candidates for these different opportunities will be highly motivated, intelligent, articulate, goal-oriented individuals who bring exceptional interpersonal skills to these leadership and teamwork opportunities.
To be a candidate you must have: solid operations understanding and experience; a successful track record in recruiting and developing new retail dealers/members; the ability to work within a team framework; strong leadership using both mentoring and coaching skills; a proven ability to achieve results; a clear understanding of financial budgeting, analysis, and actions required.
This unique opportunity to expand our team for the present and the future requires us to find management executives who can blend into an existing group while at the same time bring their own positive personality and characteristics.
The primary location for these positions will be the company head office in Winnipeg, but there will also be a number of opportunities throughout Canada.
Send résumé to Robert Scurfield, Robert R. Scurfield & Associates, 238 Oxford St., Winnipeg, MB, R3M 3J6; phone: 204-981-5605; fax: 204-489-6204; or email: rscurf@mb.sympatico.ca
* * * * * *
TERRITORY SALES REPRESENTATIVE:
A progressive sales agency, representing brand leaders in the hardware industry, requires an experienced and enthusiastic sales representative to maintain and grow existing accounts and establish new accounts in Ontario. Responsibilities include calling on industrial and contractor supply accounts, and end-user calls.
The ideal candidate will have: a minimum of 3 years field sales experience; the self-motivation necessary to achieve goals with an aggressive approach to promoting product lines; and a working knowledge of computers. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including car allowance and expenses.
Please forward your résumé to Sales Tools, 4325 Steeles Ave. W. Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M3N 1V7; or email salestools@sprint.ca. We thank all applicants in advance and advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
* * * * * *
B.C. SALES AGENT — PAINT SUNDRIES:
Deft Inc., a leading manufacturer of interior wood stains and finishes, is seeking a manufacturer’s SALES AGENT for the territory of British Columbia.
The ideal candidate is currently servicing the B.C. market with other non-conflicting paint sundry lines. Send résumé via email to deftsales@home.com; or fax 905-951-0977.
______________________________________________
THE HARDLINES MARKETPLACE: just $16 per line.
A classified ad with Hardlines is the most direct way to industry eyes.
Over 3,000 executives in the industry come in contact with our email and fax publications … and have you seen our Marketplace in our new website? https://hardlines.ca <https://hardlines.ca/>
Publish your ad where it matters. Get industry exposure today.
Contact Eugenia Canas at 416-489-3396 or email: buzz@hardlines.ca
______________________________________________
TELL A FRIEND ABOUT HARDLINES!
AND WE’LL GIVE YOU A SWISS ARMY KNIFE TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION!
We’d like to think you are telling your friends about us because of the cutting edge news we deliver every Monday morning. Or maybe it’s our up-to-date news, trends and statistics affecting the world of home improvement.
But if it’s the Swiss Army Knife we’re sending you for referring a new subscriber to us, that’s okay too.
So get a friend/colleague/customer to subscribe for one year and we’ll give them four free weeks and send you a Swiss Army Knife! But you have to act now – Swiss Army only lets us give away their knives until JUNE 30, 2001. See the attached order form. Can’t open it? Download Adobe Reader for free at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
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"HARDLINES INDUSTRY REPORT: Home Improvement Retailing in Canada" is a comprehensive overview of the size of the market, how many stores are out there, who the key players are, their market position, the size and growth of the big boxes, the trends in housing and renovations, market trends — and much, much more! 120-plus pages filled with charts, graphs and photos. Regular price: $945, only $750 for subscribers! Contact Nancy Wright at nancy@hardlines.ca; phone: 416-489-3396 for more information.
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HARDLINES™ the electronic newsletter hardlines.ca <https://hardlines.ca/>
Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154
Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher: mike@hardlines.ca
Eugenia Canas, Assistant Editor: buzz@hardlines.ca
Beverly Allen, Marketing Manager: bev@hardlines.ca <mailto:hardlines@on.aibn.com>
Nancy Wright, Circulation Manager: nancy@hardlines.ca
Hardlines is published weekly (except monthly in December and August)
by McLARNEYCOM
542 Mount Pleasant Rd., Suite 302, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4S 2M7
© 2001 by Michael McLarney.
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