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| ILDC CONTINUES SEARCH FOR NEW MEMBERS |
 Ajax, ON — Since losing its largest member to Rona last year, the Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative continues to search quietly for new dealers to add to its elite ranks.
The buying group traditionally operates with a maximum of about 24 members, and the roster currently stands at 22. "We might have room for one or two more," says ILDC general manager Andrew Battagliotti. And given the gap in Western representation left by Revy's departure, the search continues in the West, a search that includes talking to members of other groups.
"With Revy no longer in the picture, we needed Western involvement and that hasn't changed," he says, even after the addition of three new dealers: Totem in Calgary, McMunn & Yates in Brandon, MB and J&H Builders Warehouse in Saskatoon, SK.
Given the strength of residential construction across the country, Battagliotti says his members report consistently healthy sales for the first half of this year. "Construction has been going forward full blast and our guys are really busy."
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| TRUSERV IMPLEMENTS REPOSITIONING PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS |
 Winnipeg — Talks with dealers to establish benchmarks for selling to the changing Canadian consumer have been completed by TruServ Canada Co-operative Inc. The 17 workshops, involving 95 dealers, marked the end of phase one of TruServ's X-Sell Program. Now its time for action planning, says Ray Falkenberg, vice-president business development and marketing.
The program includes three key initiatives for the dealers. The first is a repositioning program, to help them increase flagging sales with a "back-to-basics" approach to store operations. The repositioning is built on the tenet that True Value stores are "your convenient total hardware store." The program gives dealers tools to strengthen or re-establish their position as local, community involved merchants that offer know-how to guide customers through convenience "fix-up" purchases.
A financing package has been developed to help dealers underwrite the costs of revamping the store. Falkenberg notes that a number of the co-op's key members have bought into the program already.
The purpose, of course, is to reposition the store and boost its revenue. When that happens, dealers involved in the program participate in a rebate program that awards incremental sale increases. "It becomes a pretty lucrative package for them," says Falkenberg.
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| NORTH WEST CO. AND GIANT TIGER FORM
WESTERN ALLIANCE |
| Winnipeg, MB — Under a "master franchising agreement" with Ottawa-based Giant Tiger Stores Ltd., North West Co. will roll out a series of Giant Tiger junior discount emporiums through Western Canada. The deal follows a year-long test of two stores; their success has convinced management to continue the plan. North West foresees a positive customer response to Giant Tiger's discount fashions, food, home decor and seasonal products.
The first of the new stores will open in Thompson, in a 27,000-sq.ft. former Safeway location, and will be the first Giant Tiger in Manitoba.
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| PEOPLE ON THE MOVE |
| Steve Hall has left Home Depot Canada, where he was divisional merchandise manager, to join Zellers as vice-president, home and leisure. He reports to Bruce Dinan, senior vice-president, merchandising. (905-792-4400) Adolph Wolfe, manager of the Home Hardware Building Centre in Tillsonburg, ON, passed away July 7 following a brief illness. A former chair of the board with the Lumber and Building Materials Association, he leaves his wife Marge and two children.
The following changes have been made at CanWel Distribution's Brampton customer service centre: Ron Gordon has been appointed dealer account manager for Eastern Ontario. Prior to joining CanWel, he spent four years with Faber Castell as a territory manager … Tim Victor has been named key accounts manager, Ontario region. He will be responsible for growing flooring products with key flooring and underlay accounts in the Greater Toronto Area … Kelly MacLean is now inside sales representative focusing on flooring sales and promotion. MacLean was formerly an assistant manager with Central Fairbank Lumber … Jeff Boutilier is now inside sales representative focusing on dealer accounts. He was formerly with Jas Canada. (905-457-8500)
At Pyrene Corp., Carol Heller has been appointed vice-president residential products, Kidde Safety Canada, effective immediately. Her experience in the consumer packaged goods industry includes stints with Dimplex North America and Danby. (905-940-8080)
David Day has left his post as manager of public relations and communications at Home Depot's Canadian division after four years there. He is joining Temple Scott, a public affairs company based in Toronto and Ottawa, as vice-president.
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| NOTED |
| The Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association has issued an information circular on Nova Scotia's new paint recycling program. Effective June 1, leftover paint can be taken to "Enviro-Depots" throughout the province at no charge to consumers. Dealers, however, must now ensure that paint brands sold in their stores are properly registered under the program.
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| COMPANY |
52-WEEK HIGH |
52-WEEK LOW |
CLOSE (FRI.) |
| Canadian Tire |
33.15 |
18.50 |
32.51 |
| Canfor |
11.70 |
8.08 |
11.05 |
| Emco |
12.77 |
3.71 |
11.75 |
| Goodfellow |
13.99 |
8.00 |
13.99 |
| Home Depot |
52.60 |
28.40 |
29.09 |
| Hudson's Bay |
20.10 |
12.50 |
13.46 |
| Lowe's Cos. |
49.99 |
24.99 |
40.18 |
| Sears Canada |
25.10 |
12.50 |
22.50 |
| Sodisco-Howden |
2.20 |
0.75 |
1.45 |
| Taiga Forest |
12.75 |
7.49 |
13.20 |
| West Fraser |
44.42 |
26.13 |
40.41 |
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| COMPANIES IN THE NEWS |
| AWARD and Castle Building Centres have scheduled their board of directors' meetings around the Summer Convention of the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association, which will be held in St. John's August 15-17, 2002. Some 200 delegates are expected to attend.
London Drugs is making its first foray into Saskatchewan with two planned openings in Saskatoon. The first, a 35,000-sq.ft. store, will open on Eighth Street East on August 13. The second is scheduled for completion in the Winter of 2002, and will be located in the Lawson Heights Mall on Primrose Drive. London Drugs' existing 55 stores are all in British Columbia and Alberta.
Home Depot's Canadian division has confirmed some new locations: Thunder Bay and North Bay, ON and Lethbridge, AB are all scheduled to open sometime in 2003, while Prince George, BC is "a possibility," says Home Depot Canada prez Annette Verschuren. In addition, rumours are heating up about Moncton, NB again, with a possible late Fall 2002 opening. I'll let you know when I hear more.
Independent bank Rothschild & Cie has ruled that British retailer Kingfisher's £3.2 billion takeover bid for French DIY chain Castorama is fair. The ruling gives the go-ahead for Kingfisher's proposal to pay 67 euros a share for the 45% of the French group it does not already own. Castorama, owner of B&Q in Britain and Brico Depot in France, is the largest DIY retailer in Europe, with 549 stores. Kingfisher took a 55% stake in 1998 through a merger of Castorama with Kingfisher's B&Q.
Canfor Corp. has filed a statement of claim as part of its claim against the U.S. government under Chapter 11 of NAFTA. Canfor alleges that U.S. treatment of Canadian softwood lumber suppliers during the dispute was "arbitrary, unreasonable and discriminatory," and claims Canfor was particularly subject to such treatment.
Claiming it's cheaper to rent than buy, Home Depot has announced the installation of its 500th tool rental centre. There are now tool rental centres in nearly 40% of Home Depot's 1,400 stores, which the retailer hopes will help the chain deepen its relationship with contractors.
The U.S. feds have slapped a lawsuit on three companies involved in the sale of a weed trimmer head, the Weed Wizard, one of which was responsible for the death of a three-year-old girl. Meanwhile, the product has been outright banned elsewhere. The companies named are Gardener Inc., U.S. Home And Garden Inc. and Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp.
A survey of 14 Home Depot stores in Michigan found that up to 55% of items lacked individual price tags, violating the state's pricing laws. Now the company must pay US$500,000 in fines. It must pay half now, but the rest will be waived in 2004 if state inspectors find that Home Depot has complied with the law. |
| MARKET INDICATORS |
| Housing starts in Canada slipped 0.6% seasonally adjusted in June to 202,100 units from 203,300 units in May, according to CMHC. Urban singles fell 4.4% to 102,500 units seasonally adjusted, from 107,200 in May, while urban multiple starts rose 5.0%. Estimated rural starts remained at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 25,900 units.
Housing costs in Canada continued to rise in May, says Stats Canada. The index of contractors' selling prices increased 4.2% from May 2001. The largest monthly advance was in Victoria (+3.4%), due to material costs, high demand and low inventory. Kitchener-Waterloo followed with an increase of 2.2% for May, due to material costs and a skilled labour shortage. |
| OVERHEARD |
| "Saskatchewan is an important part of Western Canada, and we have been looking forward to joining the Saskatoon community for a long time." - Wynne Powell, president and COO of London Drugs, in a prepared release, on the first of two openings in Saskatoon. |
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****HARDLINES MARKETPLACE****
Check out Hardlines Classifieds on the web:
https://hardlines.ca/html/classifieds_new.asp
HELP WANTED
FIELD SALES MANAGER - EASTERN CANADA
Porter-Cable Delta, a recognized leader of quality woodworking, portable electric, equipment and air tools products, currently requires an enthusiastic professional as Field Sales Manager - Eastern Canada.
A resourceful individual able to organize and communicate successfully, you will direct the industrial sales operations for Eastern Canada. A high achiever, you have a minimum of 5 years sales experience in the hardware, automotive and/or HVAC industry. Your minimum of 3 years supervisory experience, bilingual spoken and written skills (English/French) and exceptional computer literacy will allow you to direct the Eastern Canada sales force and key accounts to meet strategic objectives. You are located within commuting distance to Guelph, Ontario for weekly meetings (approximately 2days per week); you have a willingness to travel, a valid driver's license and a post secondary degree/diploma preferably in Business.
If you are looking for a progressive organization and a competitive compensation package, please contact Wolf Gugler in complete confidence, quoting file number C-11. 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
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WRLA
Simpson McGrath Inc. has been commissioned by the Western Retail Lumber Association (WRLA) to assist in the appointment of a new Executive Director as the incumbent moves to retirement in early 2003. The effective date of the appointment will be December 1, 2002.
The WRLA is a Not-for-Profit Association whose mission is to serve the needs and promote the common interests of the Canadian Lumber Building Materials and Hard Goods Industry on the Prairies (See www.wrla.org for additional detail). Founded in 1890, and now with 472 Retail Members and 264 Associate Members, WRLA is poised for a new era of growth. It is expected that the Annual Prairie Showcase, Trade Show and WRLA Convention will continue to be dynamic cornerstones of the Association’s future along with its scholarship and educational initiatives.
The Executive Director is the Chief Operating Officer of the Association and is expected to provide leadership and direction while nurturing and serving Association interests. Major responsibilities include the following:
· Direction and management of all WRLA major functions including internal affairs, the Annual Prairie Showcase and Trade Show, special events, services to members and the uniquely important educational and training programs
· Management of external communications and support of WRLA Board functions.
The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate a combination of the following qualities and characteristics:
· Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a dynamic organization
· Personal and professional integrity of the highest order
· A sense of urgency and orientation to the task at hand, and a proven team player.
Resumes should be forwarded to Simpson McGrath Inc, 1780 Wellington Avenue, Suite 99, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3H 1B3 Telephone direct line (204) 940 - 3420 confidential facsimile (204) 940-3429; E-Mail smi@mim.ca Confidential enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Mr. Leslie A. Johnson, CMC.
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CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPERVISOR
Position available for a Customer Service Supervisor, 5-7 years supervisory experience in a corporate customer service environment, familiar with SAP, JD Edwards or Oracle, bilingual French an asset. team environment with a
world leading brand manufacturer located on the Mississauga/Oakville border.
Please email resume with salary requirements to tmedeiro@mlock.com
***********************************************************************************
AGENT WANTED:
Kempston Canada Ltd., a router bit supplier, is looking for an agent with pioneering spirit to build B.C. and Alberta territory. Please reply to national sales manager by fax: 905-513-7924 or email: sales@kempston.ca
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GENERAL MANAGER - ATLANTIC:
Come Build with Our Team!
Every great venture begins with great leadership and with great leadership, a winning team sets records. CanWel, one of Canada's leading national distributors of building materials and related products, seeks an individual with outstanding leadership skills and drive to spearhead their Atlantic Business Unit as General Manager. Based in Dartmouth, NS you will lead a seasoned team and direct the strategic/business initiatives critical for success in this market place.
To further investigate, please contact Chris Schulz at 902-423-1657, cschulz@StaffingStrategists.com
www.canwel.com
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REGIONAL SALES MANAGER:
We are a Canadian company in the decorative accessories business with established customers in Canada and the USA; searching for a seasoned bilingual professional to help manage and grow the business in Canada with a focus on the Quebec market. This candidate will build upon strong relationships with major and national retail accounts — developing and implementing; sales development, category management, promotions, and forecast/budget planning.
This position offers an attractive salary and sales incentives, a benefits package; based on experience, knowledge, and ability to succeed in sales. Please forward your interests c/o bev@hardlines.ca (To assure strictest confidence, put “Box 400” in subject line).
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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Where Manufacturing & Retailing…Deal Direct"™
STRATEGIC INVESTOR WANTED
MFG2D is the new distribution alternative. We provide a logistics and marketing link between manufacturers and retailers. Our model reduces procurement costs by retailers and offers manufacturers a cost effective and secure channel to get their products to market. We are looking for forward thinking industry participants that want to be involved in this exciting business.
For more information call Eric Smith at 1-866-844-2212 or go to http://www.mfg2d.com
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SERVICES OFFERED
MARKETING "AUDIT"
Get an independent assessment of your marketing programs. Assess your brand strategy, dealer programs and creative execution. Guaranteed to produce new ideas towards building a greater competitive edge. Cjohnston@synmark.net , phone: 905-849-4850.
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strategic and creative programs that register.
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NORAL INSTORE:
Don’t leave your products’ display management
to chance! Let Noral Instore take care
of your instore merchandising.
Visit http://www.noralmarketing.com
or call Al Vanderveen at 519-439-6800 ext. 201
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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
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vol. viii, #28 July 15, 2002