Beverly Allen, Publisher Vicky Sanderson, Editor John Caulfield, Contributing Editor Phone: 416-489-3396 Email: bev@HARDLINES.ca
January 28, 2008, Vol. xiv, #4
 
In This Issue

"It's okay to let yourself go, just as long as you let yourself back." — Mick Jagger
Lowe’s opens four more stores
TORONTO — Lowe’s Canada will open locations in northwest Toronto and in East Gwillimbury and North Brampton, ON on Feb. 1 and will open another location in Maple, ON on Feb. 8. Each of the 117,000-sq.-ft. stores will have grand openings for consumer and contractor clients on the same day. This is in contrast to Lowe’s openings in the U.S., which typically unfold over a week, with a soft opening on one day followed by a day focused on contractor events and then a grand opening with a board-cutting ceremony on the Thursday of that week. A flyer from the northwest Toronto location invites contractor customers to meet with in-store commercial sales specialists, who will offer store tours, and a free lunch. Pent-up consumer demand is behind the opening strategy for Canadian stores, says Maureen Rich, public relations manager for Lowe’s Cos. “Everyone in Canada is so excited abut the openings, as soon as the stores are open people want in,” she says. “So the story happens the day the doors open.” The flurry of openings will mean a busy day for Don Stallings, president of Lowe’s Canada and Alan Huggins, vice-president of store operations, who are scheduled to attend board-cutting ceremonies at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It will also put more pressure on sales staff at the new stores, who face the challenge of living up to the much-vaunted service being touted in Lowe’s media campaign. Lowe’s already has three Canadian stores — in South Brampton, Brantford and Hamilton, ON. The company has stated publicly that it would like to open up to 100 stores here over a ten-year period. In December, it said it was looking at 15 additional Canadian sites on top of those opening this week and next, but would not comment on the locations of those stores.

Top
Mood buoyant at Western buying show
SASKATOON — Any hint of a slowdown in the economy has not touched the market here, as dealers from throughout Western Canada congregated at Prairieland Park for the Western Show, Jan. 17-19.The show, hosted by the Western Retail Lumber Association, is the largest of the regional shows, this one drawing close to 3,000 delegates to see 250-plus exhibitors in 600 booths. The show was “very positive,” says Gary Hamilton, executive director of the WRLA. And despite soft commodity markets, the event was a strong selling show, as well, he adds. A number of major buying groups, including TIM-BR MARTS, Sexton and Castle, held dealer meetings in conjunction with the show, while major suppliers organized sales meetings around the event. Other highlights included a strong contingent from RONA, including president and CEO Robert Dutton, who was present on the second day of the show; and renovation guru and TV personality Mike Holmes, who was there courtesy of Supervent. “[Mike Holmes] found it very interesting to see the scope of new products being featured,” says Hamilton.

Top
Showcase offers new opportunities for vendors

WORLD HEADQUARTERS — Increased consumer demand for new and innovative products is currently fuelling growth in home enhancement sales. That trend is behind a new web-based product showcase created by HARDLINES Inc. that allows vendors to position their new products with the industry’s top retailers and buyers.

“Product innovation is the lifeblood of this industry,” says Beverly Allen, publisher of HARDLINES. “Because HARDLINES Weekly News is the sector’s primary information tool, we want to connect those with new products with Canadian retailers and vendors.” To get your product or service listed with this new, interactive program, contact Barb Hills at the New World Headquarters at 416-489-3396.

Top
Sears Holdings to restructure its operations
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL — Sears Holdings, the broad-based retailer with about 4,800 stores in North America, is reorganizing its operations into five separate business units, with an eye toward simplifying their respective managements. The units will consist of the businesses themselves, and operational and administrative support that will include marketing, customer strategy, and finance. A branding business unit is now responsible for expanding the value of the various brands in Sears’ portfolio, which include Lands' End, Craftsman and Kenmore. A fourth unit will focus on real estate and a fifth on Sears’ online sales. Sears did not say how these units might interact, as each will have its own leader and advisory staff. But the Wall Street Journal suggests that Sears’ chairman, Edward Lampert, is attempting to move his company closer to the business model of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s conglomerate of various businesses that include insurance companies, utilities, and several home-improvement related operations such as Benjamin Moore Paint, Shaw Industries, Johns Manville and MiTek. HedgeFund.net speculates that Lampert’s real intention might be to restructure Sears Holding in a way that, if he wanted to, he could break up. However, it’s just as likely that Lampert is looking for a way to shore up Sears’ sagging profitability, as its margins through Feb. 2 will have dropped for the third consecutive quarter.

Top

B&Q launches environmental action plan
LONDON — B&Q, the UK’s largest home improvement retailer will work over the next three years with One Planet Living, a global environmental program developed by environmental consultants BioRegional and the World Wildlife Federation. The company will develop sustainability action plans for both its own operations and for consumers who want to reduce the environmental footprint of their homes. Consumer opinion supports the move; in a recent B&Q survey two thirds of respondents said a company’s green credentials are important deciding factors when they’re considering buying a product. As part of the plan, B&Q will make changes to its product mix, phasing out, for example, the sale of patio heaters and stocking more sustainable outdoor heating solutions such as chimineas and fire pits.

Top

Classifieds

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

SENIOR SALES MANAGER

Maxtech Consumer Products Limited, based in Waterloo, ON is an innovative company that supplies Hand Tools & Power Tool accessories in North America & Europe. Maxtech is a major supplier to many major Home Improvement Retailers and Big Box stores in USA & Canada. The company is looking for a highly motivated result-driven Senior Sales Manager based in the Waterloo office to complement the present Sales Team. The candidate will be responsible for devising sales strategies primarily for the US market & some Canadian accounts, increasing the customer base in both the markets, and increasing the product base to existing customers in order to ensure that budgeted sales numbers are met or exceeded. This opportunity affords the candidate to set their own total compensation based on a lucrative commission structure.

Experience in the industry & willing to travel is essential. Prior experience in US market is desirable. Salary & perks based on experience, qualifications & previous achievements. If you are a self-starter, a goal setter & an achiever that is able to recognize market & customer needs, please contact Arvinder Hanspal at arvinderh@maxtech-mfg.com.

castle 

Castle Building Centres Group Limited

Business Development Manager – British Columbia Region

Castle Building Centres Group is an industry leader among Buying Groups in the Lumber and Building Materials segment in Canada. You are a highly motivated individual with strong relationship and communication skills that can manage and develop our future growth in British Columbia. This position requires an individual who is familiar with the British Columbia Lumber and Building Supply industry, willing to travel extensively and accustomed to working remote from head office. Reporting to the Western Canadian Business Development Manager, you welcome the opportunity to work with a dynamic group of independent LBM dealers while planning and executing our future growth initiatives. Providing continual communication to our British Columbia members while understanding their needs is fundamental to your success. Sound computer and presentation skills; combined with good administrative qualities are imperative. Castle Building Centres Group offers a comprehensive compensation package including full benefits. All submissions will be treated with complete confidentiality. Please forward your resume in confidence to:

Yvonne Patton

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 6375 Dixie Road, Suite 400 Mississauga, Ontario L5T-2S1 E-mail: ypatton@castle.ca

 
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.

************************************ Your opinion matters! If you haven’t already done so, click below and take our Hardlines 2008 Conference planning survey. Watch for October 2008 dates and location.   ************************************

To take the survey click here.

 
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
TORONTO — Canadian Tire is one of several Canadian companies that have joined a national effort to address a looming shortage of IT professionals. The impact of such a shortage was highlighted in a recent Conference Board of Canada study that details the economic cost of not filling the estimated 90,000 IT positions expected to open over the next five years. “The repercussions to the Canadian economy will be severe if those positions go unfilled,” Dr. Michael Bloom, vice-president, organizational effectiveness and learning for the Conference Board of Canada, said in a prepared statement. "Based on an average annual contribution of $120,000 per IT worker, the economic impact will be more than $10 billion." AMHERST, NS — Atlantic All-Weather Windows, one of the largest window and door manufacturers in Eastern Canada, is expanding, according to the Daily News. A new location here will create up to 200 jobs, and allow the company to extend its market share in the province. The company is also growing in Quebec, Ontario, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Iceland and Spain, and is developing key markets for its hurricane-rated products. Based in Port Elgin, NB, it has a sister company, S & D Smith Central Supplies — a five-store building-supply chain. OAKVILLE, ON — Multi-service consulting company Black Eagle Consulting has added an executive search feature to its offerings, after having completed over 60 career transition assignments over the last several years. Contact Richard Simms, president at 905-842-3010 or rsimms@blackeagle.ca. VANCOUVER — Canfor Corp. is closing two mills in Fort Nelson, BC, putting 435 people out of work. The PolarBoard site, which has an annual production of 640-million-sq.-ft. of oriented strand board mill, is expected to close this summer, while Tackama, which has an annual capacity 270-million-sq.-ft. of plywood, will probably shut down in April. Canfor has been slashing production in recent months as a downturn in the U.S. housing market dried up demand for wood. A 15% export tax and the strong Canadian dollar have added to the company’s problems. CLIFTON, NJ — Linens 'n Things reported 2007 4Q sales of $962.9 million, up 0.6% over the same quarter in 2006. The increase resulted mostly from the opening of four news stores. Same-store sales dropped 1%. MOSCOW — Attracted by the potential of an economy that is expanding for a 10th consecutive year, Wal-Mart may move into Russia within the next two years, according to the St. Petersburg Times. The report cites analysis done by UBS that suggests that the company could use a joint venture or acquisition to enter the market. Possible partners are the X5 Retail Group or Dixy Group. MOSCOW — Ikea plans to invest $500 million in two stores in shopping malls in Kazakhstan, according to Kazinform, which says the retailer will spend $250 million on a shopping centre in Almaty, the nation’s commercial centre, and the same amount on a centre in Astana.
People on the move
Leanne Vatcher has joined Roxul as Western Regional Manager-Retail. Vatcher comes from Steelhorse Freight. Prior to Steelhorse, she was with BPB Westroc. (403- 601-569-1121) Lowe’s Cos has hired Cedric T. Coco as vice-president learning and organizational effectiveness. Prior to joining Lowe’s, Coco was general manager of engineering excellence at Microsoft Corp. Richard Darveau has been appointed president and general manager of the Building Materials Retailers Association of Quebec (ADMACQ), and publisher of its magazine, Quart de Rond. Darveau has held positions as executive vice-president and board member of the Laval Chamber of Industry and Commerce and manager of store relations and development for IKEA France. He replaces Donald O’Hara, who left to become Pesident & CEO of Promotional Product Professionals of Canada Association. The National Hardware Show has realigned its management… Dennis MacDonald, senior vice-president, will oversee strategic brand development for the National Hardware Show… Dean Russo joins the team as senior vice-president, business and financial operations…Sonya Ruff-Jarvis, formerly marketing director, will become executive director, event strategy. Visit their website at www.nationalhardwareshow.com.
Economic Indicators
Strong gasoline station sales and a recovery in general merchandise store sales helped push up retail sales by 0.7% in November to an estimated $34.8 billion. (StatsCan) November sales of furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores rose 1.4%, while building and outdoor home supplies stores saw sales decline 2.4% drop. (StatsCan)
In Memoriam
Our condolences to industry veteran and Hardlines supporter Steve Duplantis, whose son Steve, passed away last week. Steve, the younger, was a renowned golf caddy on the PGA Tour.
Beverly Allen, Publisher Vicky Sanderson, Editor John Caulfield, Contributing Editor Phone: 416-489-3396 Email: bev@HARDLINES.ca
January 28, 2008, Vol. xiv, #4
 
In This Issue

"It's okay to let yourself go, just as long as you let yourself back." — Mick Jagger
Lowe’s opens four more stores
TORONTO — Lowe’s Canada will open locations in northwest Toronto and in East Gwillimbury and North Brampton, ON on Feb. 1 and will open another location in Maple, ON on Feb. 8. Each of the 117,000-sq.-ft. stores will have grand openings for consumer and contractor clients on the same day. This is in contrast to Lowe’s openings in the U.S., which typically unfold over a week, with a soft opening on one day followed by a day focused on contractor events and then a grand opening with a board-cutting ceremony on the Thursday of that week. A flyer from the northwest Toronto location invites contractor customers to meet with in-store commercial sales specialists, who will offer store tours, and a free lunch. Pent-up consumer demand is behind the opening strategy for Canadian stores, says Maureen Rich, public relations manager for Lowe’s Cos. “Everyone in Canada is so excited abut the openings, as soon as the stores are open people want in,” she says. “So the story happens the day the doors open.” The flurry of openings will mean a busy day for Don Stallings, president of Lowe’s Canada and Alan Huggins, vice-president of store operations, who are scheduled to attend board-cutting ceremonies at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It will also put more pressure on sales staff at the new stores, who face the challenge of living up to the much-vaunted service being touted in Lowe’s media campaign. Lowe’s already has three Canadian stores — in South Brampton, Brantford and Hamilton, ON. The company has stated publicly that it would like to open up to 100 stores here over a ten-year period. In December, it said it was looking at 15 additional Canadian sites on top of those opening this week and next, but would not comment on the locations of those stores.

Top
Mood buoyant at Western buying show
SASKATOON — Any hint of a slowdown in the economy has not touched the market here, as dealers from throughout Western Canada congregated at Prairieland Park for the Western Show, Jan. 17-19.The show, hosted by the Western Retail Lumber Association, is the largest of the regional shows, this one drawing close to 3,000 delegates to see 250-plus exhibitors in 600 booths. The show was “very positive,” says Gary Hamilton, executive director of the WRLA. And despite soft commodity markets, the event was a strong selling show, as well, he adds. A number of major buying groups, including TIM-BR MARTS, Sexton and Castle, held dealer meetings in conjunction with the show, while major suppliers organized sales meetings around the event. Other highlights included a strong contingent from RONA, including president and CEO Robert Dutton, who was present on the second day of the show; and renovation guru and TV personality Mike Holmes, who was there courtesy of Supervent. “[Mike Holmes] found it very interesting to see the scope of new products being featured,” says Hamilton.

Top
Showcase offers new opportunities for vendors

WORLD HEADQUARTERS — Increased consumer demand for new and innovative products is currently fuelling growth in home enhancement sales. That trend is behind a new web-based product showcase created by HARDLINES Inc. that allows vendors to position their new products with the industry’s top retailers and buyers.

“Product innovation is the lifeblood of this industry,” says Beverly Allen, publisher of HARDLINES. “Because HARDLINES Weekly News is the sector’s primary information tool, we want to connect those with new products with Canadian retailers and vendors.” To get your product or service listed with this new, interactive program, contact Barb Hills at the New World Headquarters at 416-489-3396.

Top
Sears Holdings to restructure its operations
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL — Sears Holdings, the broad-based retailer with about 4,800 stores in North America, is reorganizing its operations into five separate business units, with an eye toward simplifying their respective managements. The units will consist of the businesses themselves, and operational and administrative support that will include marketing, customer strategy, and finance. A branding business unit is now responsible for expanding the value of the various brands in Sears’ portfolio, which include Lands' End, Craftsman and Kenmore. A fourth unit will focus on real estate and a fifth on Sears’ online sales. Sears did not say how these units might interact, as each will have its own leader and advisory staff. But the Wall Street Journal suggests that Sears’ chairman, Edward Lampert, is attempting to move his company closer to the business model of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s conglomerate of various businesses that include insurance companies, utilities, and several home-improvement related operations such as Benjamin Moore Paint, Shaw Industries, Johns Manville and MiTek. HedgeFund.net speculates that Lampert’s real intention might be to restructure Sears Holding in a way that, if he wanted to, he could break up. However, it’s just as likely that Lampert is looking for a way to shore up Sears’ sagging profitability, as its margins through Feb. 2 will have dropped for the third consecutive quarter.

Top

B&Q launches environmental action plan
LONDON — B&Q, the UK’s largest home improvement retailer will work over the next three years with One Planet Living, a global environmental program developed by environmental consultants BioRegional and the World Wildlife Federation. The company will develop sustainability action plans for both its own operations and for consumers who want to reduce the environmental footprint of their homes. Consumer opinion supports the move; in a recent B&Q survey two thirds of respondents said a company’s green credentials are important deciding factors when they’re considering buying a product. As part of the plan, B&Q will make changes to its product mix, phasing out, for example, the sale of patio heaters and stocking more sustainable outdoor heating solutions such as chimineas and fire pits.

Top

Classifieds

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

SENIOR SALES MANAGER

Maxtech Consumer Products Limited, based in Waterloo, ON is an innovative company that supplies Hand Tools & Power Tool accessories in North America & Europe. Maxtech is a major supplier to many major Home Improvement Retailers and Big Box stores in USA & Canada. The company is looking for a highly motivated result-driven Senior Sales Manager based in the Waterloo office to complement the present Sales Team. The candidate will be responsible for devising sales strategies primarily for the US market & some Canadian accounts, increasing the customer base in both the markets, and increasing the product base to existing customers in order to ensure that budgeted sales numbers are met or exceeded. This opportunity affords the candidate to set their own total compensation based on a lucrative commission structure.

Experience in the industry & willing to travel is essential. Prior experience in US market is desirable. Salary & perks based on experience, qualifications & previous achievements. If you are a self-starter, a goal setter & an achiever that is able to recognize market & customer needs, please contact Arvinder Hanspal at arvinderh@maxtech-mfg.com.

castle 

Castle Building Centres Group Limited

Business Development Manager – British Columbia Region

Castle Building Centres Group is an industry leader among Buying Groups in the Lumber and Building Materials segment in Canada. You are a highly motivated individual with strong relationship and communication skills that can manage and develop our future growth in British Columbia. This position requires an individual who is familiar with the British Columbia Lumber and Building Supply industry, willing to travel extensively and accustomed to working remote from head office. Reporting to the Western Canadian Business Development Manager, you welcome the opportunity to work with a dynamic group of independent LBM dealers while planning and executing our future growth initiatives. Providing continual communication to our British Columbia members while understanding their needs is fundamental to your success. Sound computer and presentation skills; combined with good administrative qualities are imperative. Castle Building Centres Group offers a comprehensive compensation package including full benefits. All submissions will be treated with complete confidentiality. Please forward your resume in confidence to:

Yvonne Patton

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 6375 Dixie Road, Suite 400 Mississauga, Ontario L5T-2S1 E-mail: ypatton@castle.ca

 
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.

************************************ Your opinion matters! If you haven’t already done so, click below and take our Hardlines 2008 Conference planning survey. Watch for October 2008 dates and location.   ************************************

To take the survey click here.

 
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
TORONTO — Canadian Tire is one of several Canadian companies that have joined a national effort to address a looming shortage of IT professionals. The impact of such a shortage was highlighted in a recent Conference Board of Canada study that details the economic cost of not filling the estimated 90,000 IT positions expected to open over the next five years. “The repercussions to the Canadian economy will be severe if those positions go unfilled,” Dr. Michael Bloom, vice-president, organizational effectiveness and learning for the Conference Board of Canada, said in a prepared statement. "Based on an average annual contribution of $120,000 per IT worker, the economic impact will be more than $10 billion." AMHERST, NS — Atlantic All-Weather Windows, one of the largest window and door manufacturers in Eastern Canada, is expanding, according to the Daily News. A new location here will create up to 200 jobs, and allow the company to extend its market share in the province. The company is also growing in Quebec, Ontario, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Iceland and Spain, and is developing key markets for its hurricane-rated products. Based in Port Elgin, NB, it has a sister company, S & D Smith Central Supplies — a five-store building-supply chain. OAKVILLE, ON — Multi-service consulting company Black Eagle Consulting has added an executive search feature to its offerings, after having completed over 60 career transition assignments over the last several years. Contact Richard Simms, president at 905-842-3010 or rsimms@blackeagle.ca. VANCOUVER — Canfor Corp. is closing two mills in Fort Nelson, BC, putting 435 people out of work. The PolarBoard site, which has an annual production of 640-million-sq.-ft. of oriented strand board mill, is expected to close this summer, while Tackama, which has an annual capacity 270-million-sq.-ft. of plywood, will probably shut down in April. Canfor has been slashing production in recent months as a downturn in the U.S. housing market dried up demand for wood. A 15% export tax and the strong Canadian dollar have added to the company’s problems. CLIFTON, NJ — Linens 'n Things reported 2007 4Q sales of $962.9 million, up 0.6% over the same quarter in 2006. The increase resulted mostly from the opening of four news stores. Same-store sales dropped 1%. MOSCOW — Attracted by the potential of an economy that is expanding for a 10th consecutive year, Wal-Mart may move into Russia within the next two years, according to the St. Petersburg Times. The report cites analysis done by UBS that suggests that the company could use a joint venture or acquisition to enter the market. Possible partners are the X5 Retail Group or Dixy Group. MOSCOW — Ikea plans to invest $500 million in two stores in shopping malls in Kazakhstan, according to Kazinform, which says the retailer will spend $250 million on a shopping centre in Almaty, the nation’s commercial centre, and the same amount on a centre in Astana.
People on the move
Leanne Vatcher has joined Roxul as Western Regional Manager-Retail. Vatcher comes from Steelhorse Freight. Prior to Steelhorse, she was with BPB Westroc. (403- 601-569-1121) Lowe’s Cos has hired Cedric T. Coco as vice-president learning and organizational effectiveness. Prior to joining Lowe’s, Coco was general manager of engineering excellence at Microsoft Corp. Richard Darveau has been appointed president and general manager of the Building Materials Retailers Association of Quebec (ADMACQ), and publisher of its magazine, Quart de Rond. Darveau has held positions as executive vice-president and board member of the Laval Chamber of Industry and Commerce and manager of store relations and development for IKEA France. He replaces Donald O’Hara, who left to become Pesident & CEO of Promotional Product Professionals of Canada Association. The National Hardware Show has realigned its management… Dennis MacDonald, senior vice-president, will oversee strategic brand development for the National Hardware Show… Dean Russo joins the team as senior vice-president, business and financial operations…Sonya Ruff-Jarvis, formerly marketing director, will become executive director, event strategy. Visit their website at www.nationalhardwareshow.com.
Economic Indicators
Strong gasoline station sales and a recovery in general merchandise store sales helped push up retail sales by 0.7% in November to an estimated $34.8 billion. (StatsCan) November sales of furniture, home furnishings and electronics stores rose 1.4%, while building and outdoor home supplies stores saw sales decline 2.4% drop. (StatsCan)
In Memoriam
Our condolences to industry veteran and Hardlines supporter Steve Duplantis, whose son Steve, passed away last week. Steve, the younger, was a renowned golf caddy on the PGA Tour.