Phone: 416-489-3396
Michael McLarney, Editor & President
mike@hardlines.ca
Beverly Allen, Publisher
bev@hardlines.ca
Brady Peever, Client Services Manager
brady@hardlines.ca
John Caulfield, Contributing Editor
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December 7, 2009, Volume xv, #46 |
In This Issue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
“I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it ceased to be one.” —Mark Twain (American author and essayist, 1835–1910) |
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Our Holiday publishing Schedule: Hardlines will publish once more next week, Dec. 14. There will be no issues on Dec. 21 or 28. Then the next issue is Jan. 5, 2010. However, the World Headquarters remains open until Dec. 21. —Michael |
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RONA announces dealer friendly programs at show | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MONTREAL — At its dealer show held here last week, RONA CEO Robert Dutton unveiled a program to invest in the development and succession plans for young dealers. The plan calls for a $100 million investment over 10 years.The show also played host to a range of new product programs. An automotive department focusing on accessories and small maintenance projects is one of the departments, which came about as a result of the needs of RONA’s growing ranks of independent, or “affiliate,” dealers. Those dealers also welcomed the introduction of a range of kitchenwares and small appliances and a workwear department. “These categories won’t appear in our big boxes,” said Normand Dumont, evp merchandising for RONA.
A line of indoor furniture was also new at this year’s show.
RONA is also expanding its private-label offerings, introducing a new UberHaus private brand for a range of products. The line, says Dumont, will complement the existing RONA brand, and be applied to a wider range of RONA’s proprietary products being sourced directly from China.
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Canadian Tire money gets a special limited-time promotion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TORONTO — Canadian Tire is reaffirming its commitment to its Canadian Tire money with a limited edition coin. Available this past weekend, Dec. 5-6 only, the coin represents a dollar in value and will be given to customers who spend $25 or more.According to Canadian Tire Retail president Mike Arnett, the coin in no way represents a replacement of the existing Canadian Tire money. Instead, the company was trying to reinforce its commitment to the loyalty program. Founded in 1958 as a way to boost gasoline sales for Canadian Tire, Arnett claims it’s the oldest loyalty program in the country. He did say, however, that the program is going to get re-launched in spring 2010, but that the final look of the program has not been defined. “It’s still in the research and development stage,” he says. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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DID YOU KNOW…? |
…that the market share and sales and market share of every retail banner in the country is now available from Hardlines? The Hardlines Market Share Report is now available. Click here for more info and to get your copy now! —Michael |
Home Depot sees industry turnaround in sight |
CALGARY — The Video Challenge, a promotion launched by the LBM buying group TIM-BR MART in September, invited minor league hockey teams to video their team spirit, showing why they should win a trip to the 2010 World Juniors. The Pas Huskies of Manitoba have won TIM-BR MART's World Junior Hockey Video Challenge and will go to the games in Saskatoon Dec. 27-29.TORONTO — Home Depot Canada admits that the first half of the 2009 calendar year was tough for the giant home improvement retailer. But, says Gino Digioacchino, vice-president merchandising, “During the latest quarter, things are getting better, and we’re starting to see it turn around.” VANCOUVER — The Futura Corporation has increased its ownership of Tree Island Wire Income Fund, in connection with the private placement completed by Tree Island a day earlier. Already the majority unitholder in Tree Island, Futura has been critical in the past of that company’s management. With Futura’s latest investment, it has acquired $3,750,000 principal amount of 10% second lien convertible debentures. A lot of that improvement is coming from the company’s core categories, as customers begin undertaking some of the larger projects that had fallen off so dramatically during the height of the economic slowdown earlier in the year. And he is optimistic about what lies ahead for the industry, and for Home Depot. “From the outside, those are great signs,” says Digioacchino. “From the inside, I have to say I’ve never felt better about the business.” |
NEWS IN BRIEF |
ST. JACOBS, Ont. — As national sponsors of SickKids Foundation, Home Hardware dealers are once again this year stocking a special charity calendar in support of SickKids Foundation. Established a decade ago, the campaign has raised more than $1 million for SickKids Foundation during that time. So far this year, $128,000 has been raised from sales of the 2010 calendar and a cheque was recently presented as a charitable donation to Ted Garrard, president and CEO of SickKids Foundation.
MONTREAL — Richelieu Hardware Ltd. has closed two new acquisitions in North America and signed an agreement to complete another acquisition that should close in January 2010. Richelieu has acquired Calgary-based Paint Direct, a distributor of finishing products, stains, lacquers and various other products. In the United States, Richelieu has acquired Woodland Specialties in Syracuse, N.Y., which distributes hardware products, high-pressure laminates, and other products for kitchen cabinet makers.
TORONTO — Certainteed launched a “Be Certain” brand building initiative throughout Canada at the recent Construct Canada trade show. There, the giant distributor was showcasing a range of products which aimed to reflect the new slogan. “Be Certain is an easy and recognizable way to raise awareness of our brand name with the trades and consumers throughout the provinces,” says Eric Nilsson, vice-president of corporate marketing for CertainTeed Corp. The campaign will be rolled out in further promotions, as well.
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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE |
At its 2010 Spring Show last week, RONA paid tribute to four of the company’s exceptional “builders”, individuals who were instrumental in the growth of RONA: Pierre Piotte, son of RONA co-founder Napoleon Piotte; André H. Gagnon, 36-year board member, board chairman for five years and still a dealer-owner; Henri Drouin, chairman of the RONA board of directors for 21 years; and André Dion, president and CEO of RONA for many years before Robert Dutton’s appointment to the position.At Roxul Inc., the Milton, Ont.-based insulation manufacturer, Sylvie Pinsonneault has been promoted to the position of Quebec regional manager. she will lead the sales and merchandising activities in Quebec for Roxul. |
OVERHEARD... |
“For one of our large competitors, their staff are ‘associates.’ For us, they are much more. They are family.” — Alain Brochet of Rimouski Home Hardware, Rimouski, Que. He made the comment during his acceptance of the Outstanding Retailer of the Year Award at the recent Awards Gala held at the Hardlines Conference last month. |
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