|
January 27, 2014 Volume
xx, #4
“It’s far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.” —Judith S. Martin (aka “Miss Manners,” American advice columnist and author, 1938- )
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Réno-Dépôt launches new concept store in Saint-Hubert
BOUCHERVILLE, Que. — RONA inc. has unveiled the new positioning of its Réno-Dépôt banner with a new store concept at its Saint-Hubert location. This major repositioning has been central to RONA’s overall recovery strategy, as outlined by president and CEO Robert Sawyer.
The new—and much-anticipated—concept being rolled out at the Saint-Hubert store has been seen as a return to the banner’s value-driven, contractor-oriented big box roots. That means an emphasis on national brands that appeal to the renovation needs of both contractors and serious DIYers. RONA has also made drastic changes to Réno-Dépôt’s procurement policy, eliminating 25% of its SKUs, offset by greater depth of merchandise to reduce out-of-stocks.
The Réno-Dépôt stores on the Island of Montreal will be converted by the end of February. All 16 Réno-Dépôt stores are to be converted before year’s end.
RONA says the in-store shopping experience at the new-look Réno-Dépôt has been given a complete overhaul to make it easier for customers to find products, with more user-friendly signage, more staff on the floor—and faster service.
“The Réno-Dépôt repositioning marks a pivotal point in the RONA relaunch,” said Sawyer. “We have revised our entire marketing strategy to better meet the needs of our customers, which includes professionals and contractors, as well as expert and novice home renovators. We are confident that the concept we have developed will keep our existing customers, draw in those who have gone elsewhere, and attract new ones.”
Mario St-Louis, is vice president–operations for Réno-Dépôt. He oversees the Réno-Dépôt division, with the support of Luc Nantel, who heads up a dedicated buying team for the chain as Réno Dépôt’s vice president–merchandising, and David Giguère, executive director–marketing. The focus on Réno-Dépôt as a discreet business unit reflects a larger move by RONA’s executive team to identify the different businesses within the company and decentralize their operation. Those other businesses include its big boxes, the commercial and pro outlets, and its function as a wholesaler to independent dealers.
“We have spared no effort in redesigning the Réno-Dépôt branding and marketing strategy,” said St-Louis.
“Everything has been thought through and upgraded. We want to create a real difference in the retail industry and offer the customer a memorable experience that is primarily based on outstanding customer service. The way products are now arranged in the store, with easier access, will allow our employees to spend more time advising customers.”
back to top 
______________________________________________________________________
Solid turnout at Prairie Showcase reflects Western optimism
SASKATOON — The latest edition of the Prairie Showcase, the buying show held by the Western Retail Lumber Association, drew a healthy turnout from dealers in the West, including some big outlets in British Columbia. While attendance was considered lighter than last year by many, the number of outlets represented did not appear to suffer—nor did their willingness to place orders, according to many vendors—reflecting the positive mood among those dealers.
back to top
______________________________________________________________________
Sexton shuffle moves Buckle into president’s role
REGINA — Steve Buckle has been promoted to the role of president of the Sexton Group Ltd. He replaces Brian Kusisto, who will assume the role of CEO; Ken Sexton will become the chairman.
Buckle joined the Sexton Group in 2006 as vice president and in 2008 became VP and general manager. Before joining Sexton, he spent more than 20 years in the lumber and building materials industry, starting as a sales representative and moving his way up through sales and general management. That included working as GM of CanWel in Quebec, then from 2001-2005 as Eastern Canadian Division general manager for Weyerhaeuser Residential Wood Products.
Asked if the new executive lineup will presage further changes in the group, Buckle told HARDLINES, “It’s business as usual. We’re happy with the direction we’re headed in now and we’re just going to do more of that.” That includes continued growth and the addition of members in areas of the country where the group has been under-represented.
In a letter to the member dealers, Kusisto touted Buckle’s contribution to Sexton, noting that “he has strengthened our commitment to deliver value to all of our members and for us to always seek ways to assist our members to achieve greater business success and to execute with great precision on those strategies.”
back to top
______________________________________________________________________
Federated Co-operatives enjoys strong year
SASKATOON — Record bumper crops in Western Canada helped to drive results up a healthy 7.4% for Federated Co-operatives Limited. And performance by FCL’s home and building supplies department was in line with those results, says the new director of that business.
“We achieved our top-line goals for the year,” says Tony Steier. He took over at the end of 2013, replacing Rod Baergen, who retired after heading the division for a decade.
“It was a very big growth year for us, on behalf of our co-ops and independents across all sectors—hardware, building materials, and seasonal categories,” Steier continues.
FCL’s hardware and home improvement sales are in the area of half a billion dollars per year, making it one of the top 10 retail groups in this industry. Efforts in the past year and a half to update its hardware and building supply-focused Coop stores have also had a positive effect on results. “A number of stores have been completed and our sales teams are working on renovating a number of the stores, both interior and exterior, for 2014.”
The net result has been, says Steier, steady growth that has persisted for a number of years. He notes that “both top- and bottom-line goals were achieved.”
back to top
______________________________________________________________________
Paint companies launch colours in time for spring
BURFORD, Ont. & SHAWINIGAN, Que. — The company claims it took two years to develop its new colour palette, but Home Hardware’s paint division, Beauti-Tone, unveiled the “Colour Comes Home” paint system at the Interior Design Show in Toronto last week. The new system consists of 1,288 haute hues, 42 essential whites, and eight-all new colour palettes.
Although it launched officially last week, the line won’t be available in Home Hardware stores until the end of March. Beauti-Tone is not alone in pushing the style envelope in coatings. Quebec-based Laurentide Paint has a new palette of its own for 2014. It consists of 20 shades grouped into four decorating “spheres”— Clarity, Elemental, Embrace and Discovery. The company says the new program is inspired by the latest in emerging trends and fashions, and features “mixes of vibrant colours and neutrals to provide for the creation of harmonious living environments.”
This new palette will be presented starting in late February through Laurentide’s network of 300 dealers in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
back to top
______________________________________________________________________
Classifieds
RENIN CANADA CORP
National Account Manager
Renin is an International market leader in Wall Mirror, with its Canadian head office based in Brampton, Ontario. We are currently seeking an experienced National Account Manager to join our team .
SCOPE
- Managing portfolio of North American retail accounts
- Promotional planning and sku/category management.
- Development and preparation of customer presentations and meeting materials.
- Coordinate and attend customer/ industry trade shows and events, as required.
- Create and maintain competitive market price shops on a regular basis.
CORE SKILLS
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills – ability to work independently and within a team.
- Participate effectively with cross functional departments internally and externally.
- Experience in product forecasting and sales data analysis required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of national/regional account sales experience in the retail home improvement/plumbing.
- Post-secondary education.
- Knowledge of big box DIY and Mass home products channel is essential.
- Ability to travel within Canada required and USA.
- Advanced Microsoft Office Applications including: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Interested applicants should email resumes to hr@renincorp.com .
back to top
______________________________________________________________________
TERRITORY MANAGER
(ONTARIO - EASTERN, CENTRAL, GTA)
ISOLOFOAM Group is a well establish company, manufacturer and distributor of innovative rigid foam insulation panels (EPS) for all types of buildings.
We are currently seeking a talented, energetic individual with strong drive to success and determination to join our growing team.
This position requires an individual who is familiar with the Lumber and Building Supply industry, as well as building techniques and specifications.
Reporting to the District Manager, this position will develop and expand relationships with LBM dealers, retailers, contractors and architects. Manage and direct the sales process for these customers to achieve and surpasse sales and corporate goals. Enhance market positioning. Support the organization in competition and market requirements analysis. Competitive compensation package offered.
Please forward your resume in confidence to rh@isolofoam.com
back to top
______________________________________________________________________
National Account Manager
Blanco is an International market leader in the Kitchen sink and faucet industry, with its Canadian head office based in Brampton, Ontario. We are currently seeking an experienced National Account Manager to join our expanding Canadian Sales team and drive our continued growth in this channel. This position will manage the Canadian retail portfolio, and will report to the Director, National Sales.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Managing portfolio of retail accounts, as assigned.
- Promotional planning and sku/category management.
- Development and preparation of customer presentations and meeting materials.
- Coordinate and attend customer/ industry trade shows and events, as required.
- Organize and monitor product training programs.
- Create and maintain competitive market price shops on a regular basis.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills - ability to work independently and within a team.
- Participate effectively with cross functional departments internally and externally.
- Experience in product forecasting and sales data analysis required.
- Ability to develop and effectively deliver PowerPoint sales presentations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of national/regional account sales experience in the retail home improvement/plumbing.
- Post-secondary education.
- Knowledge of online retailer category management an asset.
- Ability to travel within Canada required.
- Bilingual (English/French) not required, but considered an asset.
- Advanced Microsoft Office Applications including: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Interested applicants should email resumes to wmcpherson@blancocanada.com . We thank all those who apply, however please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
back to top
______________________________________________________________________
back to top
|
