December 16, 2002

FIRST. FAST. FLATTERED! EVERY DAY for the past two years, Hardlines has been bringing you industry news from around the world. But when you're first and you're fast, you're bound to create imitators. While we're flattered that our concept is being so widely copied, we want to assure you that we're committed to remaining the first place you turn to for the latest - and fastest - industry news.

Now we deliver even faster! Click here to check out today's news hardlines.ca and sign on for our HARDLINES DAILY NEWS LINE. You'll be notified of the latest breaking news, direct from the Hardlines Newsroom. There's no charge and you can cancel anytime, without any hassles!

"Happiness is a mystery like religion, and should never be rationalized." - G. K. Chesterton

Holiday schedule:

Please note that the next issue of Hardlines will come out January 6, 2003. But don't worry - the World Headquarters remains open until December 23, so feel free to call us anytime. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season. See you on January 6, 2003. Until then, keep warm! - Nancy, Beverly and Michael

Hardlines Breakfast update:

We're getting ready for our Annual Hardlines Breakfast bash, which kicks off CHS. In 2003, we're going to do it in conjunction with Hardware Merchandising, to present the first ever Industry Awards Breakfast on February 2, 2003. Don't miss this amazing event. We'll honour the outstanding retailers and newsmakers from 2002 - and brighten up your morning in the bargain!

Hardlines Conference update:

Mark your calendars now for the Hardlines Conference Series, September 3-4, 2003. September 3 features our International Business Seminar and Retail Strategies Symposium. September 4 is our BIG BIG Hardlines Marketing Conference. Don't miss these incredible industry events!

Conference alert:

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association will host its 13th annual Executive Conference for the Home Improvement Industry January 19-21, 2003 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ. This conference is marketed to executives in the hardware/home improvement industry and features a great lineup of industry speakers to inform the attendees of how to meet the challenges that are facing them in the industry today. Full conference details at www.ahma.org/ech. Also note: the AHMA's Hardlines Technology Forum is scheduled for April 27-30, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona.

Thanks for your support! Michael McLarney Editor & Publisher, Hardlines

****HARDLINES MARKETPLACE**** Check out Hardlines Classifieds on the web: https://hardlines.ca/html/classifieds_new.asp

HELP WANTED TERRITORY SALES MANAGER Our continued growth in Canada has opened up an opportunity for an energetic and self-motivated individual to join our team. We are looking for a territory manager for Ontario and Quebec who will provide direction for our regional sales staff and help grow our business in lumber yard markets. Qualifications: Minimum 5 years account management experience, highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, good analytical skills and experience with mass merchandise retailers. Must be bilingual and willing to travel. This is a management position and this person will report to the Canadian Sales Manager. Please submit a resumé by email or fax stating qualifications and income expectations to Mitten Vinyl Inc., c/o Human Resources to Freddie@mittenvinyl.com or fax 519-442-3214. *********************************************************************************** PRODUCT MANAGER The INNOVAK GROUP, a Canadian manufacturer and importer of hand tools and related products, is seeking to expand its marketing and sales team. The successful candidate will have the responsibility of managing the key product lines of the company, with specific emphasis on new product development, introducing new products as well as merchandising the product line. Working out of Montréal, the candidate must have 3 to 5 years of marketing background with specific experience in the retail hardware industry. Strong merchandising, analytical and computer skills are a definite asset. Please reply in confidence by fax to 514-695-4997 [attention Director of Marketing] or via e mail to: jbazar@innovak.com . *********************************************************************************** TRADE MARKETING MANAGER Our Toronto-based Client is seeking a Trade Marketing Manager to join their company, a consumer durables firm consistently #1 in their category and continuing to grow and dominate with high market share. As a key member of the senior management team, take true ownership of this function that reports directly to the Vice President, Sales & Marketing. The successful candidate will have an immediate impact on the organization through their outstanding marketing, analysis and people management abilities. Regular involvement in product line extensions/reviews, packaging, pricing/margin management, seasonal promotions, POP development, and assisting the Field Sales Management team in applying fact-based selling. REQUIREMENTS:* 7-10 Years experience in trade marketing/sales of consumer durables. * Enjoys working in a streamlined organization that has enjoyed spectacular growth and is poised to continue growing through market share and competitor acquisition. * Hands-on management by example; knows how to motivate direct reports and other work colleagues.* Business degree/diploma, bilingual advantageous. Looking to help a company continue its marketing sophistication level? Please contact Wolf Gugler in complete confidence, quoting file # C-26. Wolf Gugler & Associates Limited, 1370 Don Mills Road, Suite 300, North York, Ontario M3B 3N7. Phone: 416-386-1719. Email:resumes@wolfgugler.com Web site: www.wolfgugler.com More classifieds on our Website - click here ********************************************************************************** SELL YOUR COMPANY - OR BUY ONE - WITH HARDLINES CLASSIFIEDS! DO YOUR EXECUTIVE SEARCH, FIND NEW LINES OR GET NEW REPS IN THE HARDLINES MARKETPLACE. ONLY $18 PER LINE FOR THREE WEEKS! TO PLACE YOUR AD, CALL US AT 416-489-3396 OR EMAIL: bev@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 © 2002 by Michael McLarney. HARDLINES™ the electronic newsletter hardlines.ca Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154 Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher: mike@hardlines.ca Beverly Allen, Marketing Manager: bev@hardlines.ca Nancy Wright, Circulation Manager: nancy@hardlines.ca ______________________________________________ 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 per year (GST #13987 0398 RT). Secondary subscriptions at the same office are only $28 + $1.96 GST = $29.98. Ask about our reduced rate for branch offices. You can pay online by VISA at our secure website or send us money. Please make cheque payable to McLarneyCom.