Beverly Allen, Publisher Vicky Sanderson, Editor John Caulfield, Contributing Editor Phone: 416-489-3396 Email: bev@HARDLINES.ca
February 4, 2008, Vol. xiv, #5
 
In This Issue

“If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.”  — Mario Andretti

Home Hardware predicts growth in 2008
ST. JACOBS, ON — Home Hardware Stores Ltd. saw growth in 2007 from both existing dealers and the 21 stores that joined its network during the year. The company posted retail sales of $4.8 billion in 2007—up from $4.6 billion in 2006—and is on track to continue its growth in 2008. “We’ve seen some solid growth over the past two years and that’s because Home dealers are making the most of the innovative programs available to help them to strengthen their businesses,” Paul Straus, vice-president and CEO, Home Hardware Stores, said in a prepared statement. Initiatives include the Build a Better Home Store program, a partnership with Aeroplan and a new cross-docking facility in Jiaxing, China, which allows the company to better direct containers to its three Canadian distribution centres.

Top
Lowe's opens second round of Canadian stores
TORONTO — The location of Lowe’s first Toronto store—a northwest corner of the city that’s a destination for designers— is ideally suited to the retailer’s broad offering of design and décor-focused categories, says Alan Huggins, vice-president of store operations for Lowe’s Canada. “I think we’ll be able to deliver a compelling offering to the neighbourhood,” Huggins said during a pre-opening store tour given to Hardlines. One of three new 117,000-sq.-ft. stores that opened last week, the Castlefield Ave. location will be managed by Colin Mackenzie, whose background includes stints with a Revelstoke store in Calgary, and with the Beaver Lumber chain. Two other locations, in East Gwillimbury and North Brampton, ON, also opened last week, and another store, in Maple, ON, is slated to open its doors to the public on Feb. 8. Consumer response to Lowe’s first Canadian stores has been “outstanding”, says Huggins, who notes that categories such as fashion plumbing, lighting, as well as energy-efficient appliances, are doing even better than expected. The company has already added to its number of store employees. “We had to go back to the well and add staff at all the stores,” says Huggins, in part to maintain the high customer service levels with which the company hopes to distinguish itself in the Canadian market. Lowe’s already has three Canadian stores — in South Brampton, Brantford and Hamilton, ON. It plans to open up to 100 stores in Canada over a ten-year period, and is currently looking at 15 additional sites on top of the four latest openings. Meanwhile, a report last week in the Kingston-Whig Standard claims that Lowe’s has applied to the municipality for a zoning amendment to a build a 174,000-sq.-ft. store in Kingston, ON, one of several cities cited as possible Lowe’s locations in the 4Q 2007 edition of Hardlines Quarterly Report.

Top
Latest appointments strengthen BMR's executive team
LONGUEUIL , QC — Hot on the heels of changes in its buying affiliations, Groupe BMR, the privately-owned buying group and wholesaler, has, under its CEO Yves Gagnon, promoted some key members of its team.Jean St-Maurice has been appointed senior vice-president. With BMR since 1996, St-Maurice served as director of finance, executive assistant to the president and, most recently, as vice-president, finance. His former role has been assumed by Martin Juneau. Previously, Juneau served as BMR’s director of finance.Reflecting BMR’s growing presence in hardware distribution, and its increased reliance on proprietary products, Christian Nadeau has been promoted to the position of vice-president, hardware. Considered one of the top buyers in the country, Nadeau joined BMR as director of hardware in 2001. There, he developed the import market which today plays an important part in BMR’s purchasing strategy. BMR most recently led a defection from the hardware buying group Mutual Hardware, which resulted in the demise of Mutual. BMR and several other former Mutual members went on to join the OCTO Purchasing group. BMR comprises some 160 building centres in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Nunavut and on the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Sales by all members are in excess of $1 billion annually. BMR comprises some 160 building centres in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Nunavut and on the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Sales by all members are in excess of $1 billion annually.
Jean St-Maurice
Martin Juneau
Christian Nadeau

Top

Home Depot to lay off 50 workers
ATLANTA — Home Depot is laying off 500 of the 5,000 employees who work at its headquarters here. Ron DeFeo, the retailer’s corporate spokesman, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the cutbacks are in response to the ongoing downturn in the housing market in the United States, which Home Depot believes will continue through 2008. The newspaper reports that this is the first time that Home Depot— Atlanta’s fifth-largest employer—has cut personnel at its headquarters since it let go 300 employees in the summer of 2006. The affected employees in the recent layoff will be paid through Apr. 4. The company does not plan to reduce its workforce employed in it 2,200 stores. In fact, Home Depot recently announced that it would spend more money in 2008 on bolstering in-store customer service through a program it calls “Aprons on the Floor.”

Top

Black & Decker reports modest sales gain in 2007
TOWSON, MD — Black & Decker saw its revenue increase by 1.8% to $6.56 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007. Its profit for the year would have been off were it not for one-time tax and accounting gains in the fourth quarter. For the year, B&D reported earnings of $518.1 million, a 6.6% increase over 2006. However, those gains included a $153.4 million tax settlement, $31.7 million in pretax charges relating to environmental remediation, and a $19.7 million pretax restructuring charge. Without those factors, B&D’s earnings for the year would have been down 20.6% to $398.1 million. The one bright spot was B&D’s fastening and assembly systems product group, whose sales rose by 6% in the fourth quarter and 4% for the year, mostly on the strength of business in Asia and Europe.

Top

Classifieds

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR/BUSINESS PARTNER

Our client, Exchange-A-Blade, a Canadian Company with over 30 years of proven success in supplying power tool accessories to the retail lumber, home center and hardware industry. Their main method of marketing has been through independent distributors selling directly to retailers within a protected territory. The Company takes great pride in the success of their Distributors which is evidenced by the longevity of many of their relationships. There are currently openings to take over established territories in Ontario and Saskatchewan. If you are a high-energy achiever, people oriented with exceptional communication skills and ready for the challenge of running your own business then we would like to hear from you. Ideal candidates will a minimum of 5 years sales experience within the hardware industry a sound track record of growing business, possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with some overnight travel. An investment will be required. Interested candidates should forward their resume to: David Hughes at davidh@icaconsult.com We thank all applicants for their interest but will only reply to those of interest.

Richard Simms, President of Black Eagle Consulting is pleased to announce the introduction of EXECUTIVE SEARCH SERVICES Richard’s years of consulting experience in the home improvement industry have provided a wealth of industry contacts and the expertise to match the right person to the right corporation and position. For more information: 905-842-3010 rsimms@blackeagle.ca www.blackeagle.ca

National Key Account Manager

Task Tools & Abrasives is a family owned company that has been in the hardware industry in North America since 1968. Due to strong growth, they are looking for a National Key Account Manager that can contribute to the strategic direction and goals of the company as well as continue to drive results among their key customer base. You must have a proven, stable, track record of establishing trust and long- term relationships with Key Account customers as well as buyers and/or other senior executives. In addition you will have a minimum of 3-5 years Key Account Management experience in retail (big-box and chain accounts). A post-secondary education as well as conversational French would be an asset. Interested candidates can forward their resumes in confidence to SteveSampson@nrpsearch.com.  

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT – OAKVILLE FACILITY, CDN H/O (100mm) of US PARENT

Candidates who previously responded are encouraged to respond again as we recently experienced some email issues.

Summary:

A great home improvement supplier company! This financial position is the right hand to the Controller and leads and supports divisions within this company in managing monthly Forecasting, Reporting and Budgeting aspects. The individual selected for this position must possess excellent analytical and communications skills, have a strong background in financial modeling, working knowledge of all P&L and Balance Sheet aspects, understanding of key financial statistics, and works well in teams. Major Tasks and Level Accountability:
  • Drive monthly closing and reporting activities
  • Support Annual Budgeting process
  • Provide monthly & quarterly forecasting
  • Support Annual Strategic review process
  • Drive effective decision making through financial analysis
  • Create ad-hoc reporting or analysis to support any necessary financial requirements.Knowledge and Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication (oral and written) and analytical skills required
  • Advanced MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, & MS Word skills required
  • SAP Enterprise & Hyperion Financial Management knowledge
  • Working knowledge of cost accounting principles & internal controls
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks is necessary
  • Organize and run effective meetings with business units and peers
  • Possess leadership qualities in Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Vision, Boundary-less, Stretch, and Speed.Education and Experience:
  • Professional Accounting Designation required
  • 4+ years of Industry experience (manufacturing or distribution is ideal)
 Travel:
  • North America travel - <5%
 Position Reports to: Controller-Canada Please contact: Wolf Gugler quoting SA-HL. Candidates who previously responded are encouraged to respond again as we recently experienced some email issues. You can also call Wolf direct at (888) 848-3006 for a confidential exchange of information. Wolf Gugler & Associates, Limited, www.wolfgugler.com
Marketplace 
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 $2.75 per word for three weeks in the classifieds. To place your ad, call Brady Peever at 416-489-3396 or email: brady@HARDLINES.ca
To ensure you receive your HARDLINES newsletter each week, please add admin@HARDLINES.ca to your address book.

Did your email system make this newsletter unreadable? You can read it online instead . Publishing Details:

HARDLINES is published weekly (except monthly in December and August) by HARDLINES Inc. 360 Dupont Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 1V9

© 2008 by HARDLINES Inc. HARDLINES™ the electronic newsletter www.HARDLINES.ca ; Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154

Beverly Allen, Publisher - bev@HARDLINES.ca Vicky Sanderson - Editor - vicky@HARDLINES.ca Michael McLarney - President - mike@HARDLINES.ca Brady Peever - Circulation Manager - brady@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:

$285 (Canadian subscribers add $14.25 GST = $299.25 per year/ GST #13987 0398 RT).

Secondary subscriptions at the same office are only $46 (Canadian subscribers add $2.30 GST = $48.30).

Ask about our reduced rate for branch offices.

You can pay online by VISA/MC/AMEX at our secure website or send us money. Please make cheque payable to HARDLINES.

************************************ Mark your calendar now—October 23 & 24 for the amazing Annual Hardlines Conference. And watch for more details in next week’s action-packed issue! ************************************
 
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
MISSISSAUGA, ON — Wal-Mart Canada has launched a communication and advertising campaign to promote its environmental goals, which include producing zero waste, being entirely powered by renewable energy, and increasing its selection of environmentally-friendly products. The campaign includes a 30-second television spot and online ads that support a website for consumers at www.forthegreenergood.ca. BURNABY, BC — A $2.1 million charge related to the discontinuation of an enterprise resource planning project by Taiga contributed to a $1.9 million loss for the company in 3Q 2007. That compares with a gain of $2.1 million for the same period in 2006, which included Canada/US softwood refunds. Revenue for the same period was $235 million, compared to $232 million a year earlier, despite benchmark average prices for lumber being 12.5% lower than the third quarter of the prior year. TORONTO — More than three quarters (87%) of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada experienced retail crime over the past year, according to a survey conducted by the Retail Council of Canada and the Royal Bank of Canada. The retailers surveyed estimate that employee or customer theft and break-ins cost an average of $1,005 per month. NEW YORK — More than half of all Internet users bought products online in the last month, according to a Nielsen survey. Last year, 85% of the online population across the globe used the Internet to make a purchase, an increase of 40% over the last two years. Among Internet users, the highest percentage of online shopping is found in South Korea, where 99% of those with Internet access have used it to make purchases. ATLANTA — Newell Rubbermaid Inc. reported a 3.1% rise in profit on essentially flat sales in 4Q 2007. The company earned $105.4 million, compared to a profit of $102.2 million for the same period a year earlier. CEO Mark Ketchum described the progress made by the company as “good”, adding that it has worked hard at “executing numerous restructuring projects, making the necessary investments to become a more consumer-centric and global branded marketing organization, and embracing cultural change, all while delivering on our full year financial commitments.” TYNESIDE , UK — Ikea’s first generation of pre-fabricated housing, called BoKlok concept homes, went on show here last week when a two-bedroom apartment, one of 93 planned, was opened for viewing by the media. Prices start at £99,950 for a one-bedroom flat, and rise to £124,950 for a two-bedroom apartment, while houses start at £132,500. The British firm Live Smart@Home has the exclusive rights to build the homes in the U.K.
People on the move
Dino Policelli has been named national account manager for the Robert Bosch Tool Corp. with responsibility for Sears, Canadian Tire, and Wal-Mart. At Fiskars Brands, Jeff Bates has been added to the national accounts team...Deb Sreiberg has joined the product management team...Carolin Pabon is the new customer service manager. Sears Holdings will install W. Bruce Johnson, its executive vice-president of supply chain and operations, as its new CEO after the company accepted the resignation of its current chief, Aylwin Lewis. Kingfisher plc has appointed Ian Cheshire as its new CEO. He succeeds Gerry Murphy, who held the post for five years. John Menzer, vice-chairman of Wal-Mart, will retire on March 1.
Economic Indicators
In January, the proportion of manufacturers planning to decrease production over the next three months stood at 33%, a nine-point jump from October. Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador posted negative forecasts, while opinions were positive in the five remaining provinces. (StatsCan)Economic activity increased 0.1% in November, when output of the service industries increased 0.2%, while the production of goods declined 0.2%. Retail trade, which came in with a 0.4% gain, posted one of the strongest advances. Small increases were also registered in construction and utilities. Forestry, manufacturing, mining and wholesale trade declined. (StatsCan)
Correction
In the Jan. 28 edition of Hardlines, an item about the Western Show incorrectly identified the company sponsoring an appearance by Mike Holmes. Holmes appeared courtesy of SuperSeal.
Beverly Allen, Publisher Vicky Sanderson, Editor John Caulfield, Contributing Editor Phone: 416-489-3396 Email: bev@HARDLINES.ca
February 4, 2008, Vol. xiv, #5
 
In This Issue

“If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.”  — Mario Andretti

Home Hardware predicts growth in 2008
ST. JACOBS, ON — Home Hardware Stores Ltd. saw growth in 2007 from both existing dealers and the 21 stores that joined its network during the year. The company posted retail sales of $4.8 billion in 2007—up from $4.6 billion in 2006—and is on track to continue its growth in 2008. “We’ve seen some solid growth over the past two years and that’s because Home dealers are making the most of the innovative programs available to help them to strengthen their businesses,” Paul Straus, vice-president and CEO, Home Hardware Stores, said in a prepared statement. Initiatives include the Build a Better Home Store program, a partnership with Aeroplan and a new cross-docking facility in Jiaxing, China, which allows the company to better direct containers to its three Canadian distribution centres.

Top
Lowe's opens second round of Canadian stores
TORONTO — The location of Lowe’s first Toronto store—a northwest corner of the city that’s a destination for designers— is ideally suited to the retailer’s broad offering of design and décor-focused categories, says Alan Huggins, vice-president of store operations for Lowe’s Canada. “I think we’ll be able to deliver a compelling offering to the neighbourhood,” Huggins said during a pre-opening store tour given to Hardlines. One of three new 117,000-sq.-ft. stores that opened last week, the Castlefield Ave. location will be managed by Colin Mackenzie, whose background includes stints with a Revelstoke store in Calgary, and with the Beaver Lumber chain. Two other locations, in East Gwillimbury and North Brampton, ON, also opened last week, and another store, in Maple, ON, is slated to open its doors to the public on Feb. 8. Consumer response to Lowe’s first Canadian stores has been “outstanding”, says Huggins, who notes that categories such as fashion plumbing, lighting, as well as energy-efficient appliances, are doing even better than expected. The company has already added to its number of store employees. “We had to go back to the well and add staff at all the stores,” says Huggins, in part to maintain the high customer service levels with which the company hopes to distinguish itself in the Canadian market. Lowe’s already has three Canadian stores — in South Brampton, Brantford and Hamilton, ON. It plans to open up to 100 stores in Canada over a ten-year period, and is currently looking at 15 additional sites on top of the four latest openings. Meanwhile, a report last week in the Kingston-Whig Standard claims that Lowe’s has applied to the municipality for a zoning amendment to a build a 174,000-sq.-ft. store in Kingston, ON, one of several cities cited as possible Lowe’s locations in the 4Q 2007 edition of Hardlines Quarterly Report.

Top
Latest appointments strengthen BMR's executive team
LONGUEUIL , QC — Hot on the heels of changes in its buying affiliations, Groupe BMR, the privately-owned buying group and wholesaler, has, under its CEO Yves Gagnon, promoted some key members of its team.Jean St-Maurice has been appointed senior vice-president. With BMR since 1996, St-Maurice served as director of finance, executive assistant to the president and, most recently, as vice-president, finance. His former role has been assumed by Martin Juneau. Previously, Juneau served as BMR’s director of finance.Reflecting BMR’s growing presence in hardware distribution, and its increased reliance on proprietary products, Christian Nadeau has been promoted to the position of vice-president, hardware. Considered one of the top buyers in the country, Nadeau joined BMR as director of hardware in 2001. There, he developed the import market which today plays an important part in BMR’s purchasing strategy. BMR most recently led a defection from the hardware buying group Mutual Hardware, which resulted in the demise of Mutual. BMR and several other former Mutual members went on to join the OCTO Purchasing group. BMR comprises some 160 building centres in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Nunavut and on the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Sales by all members are in excess of $1 billion annually. BMR comprises some 160 building centres in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Nunavut and on the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Sales by all members are in excess of $1 billion annually.
Jean St-Maurice
Martin Juneau
Christian Nadeau

Top

Home Depot to lay off 50 workers
ATLANTA — Home Depot is laying off 500 of the 5,000 employees who work at its headquarters here. Ron DeFeo, the retailer’s corporate spokesman, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the cutbacks are in response to the ongoing downturn in the housing market in the United States, which Home Depot believes will continue through 2008. The newspaper reports that this is the first time that Home Depot— Atlanta’s fifth-largest employer—has cut personnel at its headquarters since it let go 300 employees in the summer of 2006. The affected employees in the recent layoff will be paid through Apr. 4. The company does not plan to reduce its workforce employed in it 2,200 stores. In fact, Home Depot recently announced that it would spend more money in 2008 on bolstering in-store customer service through a program it calls “Aprons on the Floor.”

Top

Black & Decker reports modest sales gain in 2007
TOWSON, MD — Black & Decker saw its revenue increase by 1.8% to $6.56 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007. Its profit for the year would have been off were it not for one-time tax and accounting gains in the fourth quarter. For the year, B&D reported earnings of $518.1 million, a 6.6% increase over 2006. However, those gains included a $153.4 million tax settlement, $31.7 million in pretax charges relating to environmental remediation, and a $19.7 million pretax restructuring charge. Without those factors, B&D’s earnings for the year would have been down 20.6% to $398.1 million. The one bright spot was B&D’s fastening and assembly systems product group, whose sales rose by 6% in the fourth quarter and 4% for the year, mostly on the strength of business in Asia and Europe.

Top

Classifieds

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR/BUSINESS PARTNER

Our client, Exchange-A-Blade, a Canadian Company with over 30 years of proven success in supplying power tool accessories to the retail lumber, home center and hardware industry. Their main method of marketing has been through independent distributors selling directly to retailers within a protected territory. The Company takes great pride in the success of their Distributors which is evidenced by the longevity of many of their relationships. There are currently openings to take over established territories in Ontario and Saskatchewan. If you are a high-energy achiever, people oriented with exceptional communication skills and ready for the challenge of running your own business then we would like to hear from you. Ideal candidates will a minimum of 5 years sales experience within the hardware industry a sound track record of growing business, possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with some overnight travel. An investment will be required. Interested candidates should forward their resume to: David Hughes at davidh@icaconsult.com We thank all applicants for their interest but will only reply to those of interest.

Richard Simms, President of Black Eagle Consulting is pleased to announce the introduction of EXECUTIVE SEARCH SERVICES Richard’s years of consulting experience in the home improvement industry have provided a wealth of industry contacts and the expertise to match the right person to the right corporation and position. For more information: 905-842-3010 rsimms@blackeagle.ca www.blackeagle.ca

National Key Account Manager

Task Tools & Abrasives is a family owned company that has been in the hardware industry in North America since 1968. Due to strong growth, they are looking for a National Key Account Manager that can contribute to the strategic direction and goals of the company as well as continue to drive results among their key customer base. You must have a proven, stable, track record of establishing trust and long- term relationships with Key Account customers as well as buyers and/or other senior executives. In addition you will have a minimum of 3-5 years Key Account Management experience in retail (big-box and chain accounts). A post-secondary education as well as conversational French would be an asset. Interested candidates can forward their resumes in confidence to SteveSampson@nrpsearch.com.  

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT – OAKVILLE FACILITY, CDN H/O (100mm) of US PARENT

Candidates who previously responded are encouraged to respond again as we recently experienced some email issues.

Summary:

A great home improvement supplier company! This financial position is the right hand to the Controller and leads and supports divisions within this company in managing monthly Forecasting, Reporting and Budgeting aspects. The individual selected for this position must possess excellent analytical and communications skills, have a strong background in financial modeling, working knowledge of all P&L and Balance Sheet aspects, understanding of key financial statistics, and works well in teams. Major Tasks and Level Accountability:
  • Drive monthly closing and reporting activities
  • Support Annual Budgeting process
  • Provide monthly & quarterly forecasting
  • Support Annual Strategic review process
  • Drive effective decision making through financial analysis
  • Create ad-hoc reporting or analysis to support any necessary financial requirements.Knowledge and Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication (oral and written) and analytical skills required
  • Advanced MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, & MS Word skills required
  • SAP Enterprise & Hyperion Financial Management knowledge
  • Working knowledge of cost accounting principles & internal controls
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks is necessary
  • Organize and run effective meetings with business units and peers
  • Possess leadership qualities in Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Vision, Boundary-less, Stretch, and Speed.Education and Experience:
  • Professional Accounting Designation required
  • 4+ years of Industry experience (manufacturing or distribution is ideal)
 Travel:
  • North America travel - <5%
 Position Reports to: Controller-Canada Please contact: Wolf Gugler quoting SA-HL. Candidates who previously responded are encouraged to respond again as we recently experienced some email issues. You can also call Wolf direct at (888) 848-3006 for a confidential exchange of information. Wolf Gugler & Associates, Limited, www.wolfgugler.com
Marketplace 
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 $2.75 per word for three weeks in the classifieds. To place your ad, call Brady Peever at 416-489-3396 or email: brady@HARDLINES.ca
To ensure you receive your HARDLINES newsletter each week, please add admin@HARDLINES.ca to your address book.

Did your email system make this newsletter unreadable? You can read it online instead . Publishing Details:

HARDLINES is published weekly (except monthly in December and August) by HARDLINES Inc. 360 Dupont Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 1V9

© 2008 by HARDLINES Inc. HARDLINES™ the electronic newsletter www.HARDLINES.ca ; Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154

Beverly Allen, Publisher - bev@HARDLINES.ca Vicky Sanderson - Editor - vicky@HARDLINES.ca Michael McLarney - President - mike@HARDLINES.ca Brady Peever - Circulation Manager - brady@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:

$285 (Canadian subscribers add $14.25 GST = $299.25 per year/ GST #13987 0398 RT).

Secondary subscriptions at the same office are only $46 (Canadian subscribers add $2.30 GST = $48.30).

Ask about our reduced rate for branch offices.

You can pay online by VISA/MC/AMEX at our secure website or send us money. Please make cheque payable to HARDLINES.

************************************ Mark your calendar now—October 23 & 24 for the amazing Annual Hardlines Conference. And watch for more details in next week’s action-packed issue! ************************************
 
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
MISSISSAUGA, ON — Wal-Mart Canada has launched a communication and advertising campaign to promote its environmental goals, which include producing zero waste, being entirely powered by renewable energy, and increasing its selection of environmentally-friendly products. The campaign includes a 30-second television spot and online ads that support a website for consumers at www.forthegreenergood.ca. BURNABY, BC — A $2.1 million charge related to the discontinuation of an enterprise resource planning project by Taiga contributed to a $1.9 million loss for the company in 3Q 2007. That compares with a gain of $2.1 million for the same period in 2006, which included Canada/US softwood refunds. Revenue for the same period was $235 million, compared to $232 million a year earlier, despite benchmark average prices for lumber being 12.5% lower than the third quarter of the prior year. TORONTO — More than three quarters (87%) of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada experienced retail crime over the past year, according to a survey conducted by the Retail Council of Canada and the Royal Bank of Canada. The retailers surveyed estimate that employee or customer theft and break-ins cost an average of $1,005 per month. NEW YORK — More than half of all Internet users bought products online in the last month, according to a Nielsen survey. Last year, 85% of the online population across the globe used the Internet to make a purchase, an increase of 40% over the last two years. Among Internet users, the highest percentage of online shopping is found in South Korea, where 99% of those with Internet access have used it to make purchases. ATLANTA — Newell Rubbermaid Inc. reported a 3.1% rise in profit on essentially flat sales in 4Q 2007. The company earned $105.4 million, compared to a profit of $102.2 million for the same period a year earlier. CEO Mark Ketchum described the progress made by the company as “good”, adding that it has worked hard at “executing numerous restructuring projects, making the necessary investments to become a more consumer-centric and global branded marketing organization, and embracing cultural change, all while delivering on our full year financial commitments.” TYNESIDE , UK — Ikea’s first generation of pre-fabricated housing, called BoKlok concept homes, went on show here last week when a two-bedroom apartment, one of 93 planned, was opened for viewing by the media. Prices start at £99,950 for a one-bedroom flat, and rise to £124,950 for a two-bedroom apartment, while houses start at £132,500. The British firm Live Smart@Home has the exclusive rights to build the homes in the U.K.
People on the move
Dino Policelli has been named national account manager for the Robert Bosch Tool Corp. with responsibility for Sears, Canadian Tire, and Wal-Mart. At Fiskars Brands, Jeff Bates has been added to the national accounts team...Deb Sreiberg has joined the product management team...Carolin Pabon is the new customer service manager. Sears Holdings will install W. Bruce Johnson, its executive vice-president of supply chain and operations, as its new CEO after the company accepted the resignation of its current chief, Aylwin Lewis. Kingfisher plc has appointed Ian Cheshire as its new CEO. He succeeds Gerry Murphy, who held the post for five years. John Menzer, vice-chairman of Wal-Mart, will retire on March 1.
Economic Indicators
In January, the proportion of manufacturers planning to decrease production over the next three months stood at 33%, a nine-point jump from October. Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador posted negative forecasts, while opinions were positive in the five remaining provinces. (StatsCan)Economic activity increased 0.1% in November, when output of the service industries increased 0.2%, while the production of goods declined 0.2%. Retail trade, which came in with a 0.4% gain, posted one of the strongest advances. Small increases were also registered in construction and utilities. Forestry, manufacturing, mining and wholesale trade declined. (StatsCan)
Correction
In the Jan. 28 edition of Hardlines, an item about the Western Show incorrectly identified the company sponsoring an appearance by Mike Holmes. Holmes appeared courtesy of SuperSeal.