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August 29, 2011, Volume xvii, #32
“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” —Jack Layton (Canadian politician, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition, 1950-2011)
Summer Publishing Schedule
We are only supposed to publish once in August, but there’s just so much going on in this industry that we are sending you this Special BONUS Issue. We'll return to our regular weekly schedule on Sept. 5. In the meantime, we’re busy preparing the Annual Retail Report, shipping Who's Who orders, and getting ready for the Hardlines Conference that takes place Oct. 27 & 28! —Michael Mclarney, Editor
Home Depot merchant update
We’ve confirmed a number of changes at Home Depot Canada as that company continues to expand its merchandising department. Steve Trescher is now director of merchandising for building materials. Aaron Jarosz, most recently sales director of Supplierpipeline, is now the merchant for lighting. Other changes, which I will get out soon in full, include a new lineup for the plumbing merchandisers and a new appointment to the global sourcing team. Full details in our next mind-bending issue on Sept. 5! —Michael
Lowe’s, Home Depot report second-quarter results
ATLANTA & MOORESVILLE, NC — Seasonal sales and storm-related repairs helped boost results for Home Depot in its second quarter. Sales for the second quarter totalled $20.2 billion, up 4.2% from 2010. Same-store sales for the second quarter were positive 4.3%, although for its U.S. stores they were up by slightly less at 3.5%.
Net earnings climbed to $1.4 billion from $1.2 billion in the same period in 2010. Diluted earnings per share increased 19.4% from the prior year.
While Home Depot’s biggest rival, Lowe’s, reported essentially flat net earnings of $830 million for the second quarter, sales increased 1.3% to $14.5 billion, up from $14.4 billion in the second quarter of 2010. Year-to-date net earnings fell 2.2% from the same period a year ago to $1.29 billion, while diluted earnings per share increased 6.5% to $0.98.
Lowe’s sales for the six-month period were essentially flat at $26.7 billion. Same-store sales for the second quarter decreased 0.3% and fell 1.7% for the year to date.
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RONA renames Pierceys stores
HALIFAX — Unlike some of its previous acquisitions, RONA has wasted little time rebranding its Pierceys stores in this market. Canada’s largest home improvement retailer renovated and officially re-named three stores in Halifax this past month, reflecting a $4 million investment in locations in Tantallon, Elmsdale, and Cole Harbour. Besides the RONA name out front, the stores now carry a full line of RONA private-label and proprietary brands, including RONA Eco, Haussmann, Uberhaus, and Facto. Each new store has increased its product offering by 70% to more than 30,000 SKUs.
“The Pierceys chain of stores had a great reputation and enjoyed a strong customer base. We are very excited to build and expand on this as the stores transition to the RONA brand,” said Gordon Kennedy, RONA’s vp retail - Atlantic Canada.
RONA is committed to establishing its name as the key branding initiative for most of its stores across the country. With the exception of its Réno-Dépôt big boxes in Quebec and the Totem building centre chain in Alberta, even RONA’s “Home and Garden” stores are being rebranded solely as “RONA.”
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Classifieds
Adopt a unique, Canadian-made product into your family of durable household goods. Established manufacturer has new, practical item for large market sector and seeks distribution. Act now. Together, our future is brilliant.
Account Manager
As an international manufacturer and distributor of bath/shower organizational products to retailers around the world, and pioneers of the original award-winning shower organizer The Dispenser, Better Living Products is looking for key people to join our exciting team.
We have an opportunity for an energetic and self motivated individual to join our sales team as an Account Manager. This position will be directly responsible for growing our business within our secondary channels and markets.
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years account management experience and possess strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Experience in consumer packaged goods for the retail industry is preferred, but not necessary for the right candidate. This is an intermediate position and the successful candidate will be working out of our world-wide headquarters in Woodbridge, Ontario.
Please submit a resume by email stating qualifications and income expectations to Dean Albonese, Director of Sales dean@dispenser.com
Western Region Sales Representative
Our Client is a well established national firm selling to the home improvement industry. A sales team member is required in Calgary to continue to build the territory at retail locations including Home Depot, Rona, Lowe’s, Home Hardware, etc. and drive product sales.
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Build and maintain a qualified customer base and open new accounts
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Train customers, participate in events and demonstrations
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Meet/exceed sales targets
Requirements:
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Minimum 1-2 years proven DIY sales and/or home improvement retail experience
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Valid drivers licence and reliable vehicle
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Computer literate in Microsoft applications
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Self-starter, organized and performance driven
In return, you'll be joining a well respected company who values their employees and promotes from within wherever possible. Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, blackberry, IPAD, excellent benefits offered.
Please submit your resume accomplishments by clicking here. All inquiries treated in strict confidence. You may also contact Wolf Gugler for a confidential information exchange at 888-848-3006. Please visit our web site at www.wolfgugler.com for other new challenging career opportunities.
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