May 22, 2017 Volume
xxiii, #21
“The man who works and is not bored is never old.”
—Pablo Casals (Spanish cellist, conductor, and composer, 1876-1973)
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New products and innovation abound at National Hardware Show in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The range of new products being featured at this year’s National Hardware Show was nothing short of impressive. Innovation ranged from high-tech robotics to distinctly low-tech but eminently practical vintage stylings.
(Click here for our report on what we saw at the National Hardware Show from companies such as Belwith, Caframo, Worx, Saint-Gobain, Napoleon, BBQ Québec, Broilchef, and more.)
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McNabb at Home Hardware says e-commerce is the big push for 2017
ST. JACOBS, Ont. — Home Hardware Stores Ltd. is getting serious about its e-commerce business. The dealer-owned co-op is gearing up its distribution capabilities to serve consumers with online sales.
According to Rick McNabb, vice president of marketing and sales for Home Hardware, the company will launch a ship-to-home capability at the beginning of 2018. With three distribution centres across Canada, Home can utilize its existing logistics network as sources for products bought online, “and harness our roots as a wholesale distribution centre,” he says.
“We’re trying to position an e-commerce business that dealer-owners have empowered us to manage and run from [head office].”
The initiative will include the launch of a new website during the second half of 2017 that will feature a new campaign to promote Home’s brand and products. The goal of the website, says McNabb, will be to reflect the experience of shopping in a bricks-and-mortar Home Hardware store. “There’s a huge amount of excitement around the company about the future,” he adds.
“Our goal is to be a full omni-commerce retail channel.”
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Canadian Tire showcases new spring Canvas line of home décor products
TORONTO — Canadian Tire’s spring launch of its Canvas line showcased a number of new seasonal offerings in the company’s lines of spring and fall home living products. Canvas, which was launched for Christmas 2013, began as a platform primarily for seasonal products, but the last few years has seen it grow its indoor offerings, as well.
The patio furniture the company is promoting this spring focuses equally on fashion and functionality. Tracy Platt, brand design and development manager, consumer brands for Canadian Tire, says there’s an increased blurring of design elements across patio and home furniture lines.
“Indoor furniture trends are influencing the outdoor trends,” says Platt. “There are some patio tables I see that aren’t clear whether they belong inside or outside—they would work in either space.”
And a few of the products found in this year’s patio displays—such as a wicker basket with a lid—have even been repurposed from previous years’ indoor lines.
Platt adds that her team also takes the Canadian summer season into consideration when it comes to design. As an example, she points out an ottoman that looks like it’s made of wood, but is actually composed of rust-proof aluminum. It has a plastic lining on the inside to help protect its contents from the elements. “There are a lot of smart details like that—we’re very mindful of the Canadian season in our designs.”
Platt says she and her team, who come from design backgrounds, are always thinking about pushing the envelope a little with each launch. “We’ve really embraced colour, and we’ve embraced pattern this year.”
In contrast, many of the home furniture offerings are neutral in nature, with a high-end look. Lighting especially has been influenced by international trends, with many of Canvas’s table-top lights and chandeliers featuring stark metal industrial looks, which are then complemented by furniture with sharp lines and neutral shades.
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Lowe’s promises best of both worlds with conversion of Edmonton RONA store
TORONTO — Lowe’s Canada will gradually convert RONA’s big box Home and Garden stores to the Lowe’s banner. The first, Namao RONA in Edmonton’s north end, is being converted now, with an expected completion by this summer. The store is undergoing full reracking and remerchandising, while staff will be trained according to Lowe’s guidelines.
The store will take on Lowe’s own private brands such as Kobalt, and add heavy appliances. However, don’t expect it to be a strict cookie cutter example of existing Lowe’s stores. According to Alan Blundell, divisional vice president, merchandising for Lowe’s Canada, the refurbished outlet will combine the best of both banners, especially in the case of RONA’s expertise in catering to contractors.
“RONA knows pros and we have to make sure we build on that,” he said during a presentation at the recent Hardlines Meet the Buyers Breakfast. That means providing the breadth and depth of product that pro customers count on.
The new store will also reflect a move by Lowe’s Canada to depart from the current model, which was developed to cater largely to the Ontario market. With this refit, Lowe’s will look for ways to let local markets drive assortments to a greater degree.
The new Namao Lowe’s will feature 97,429 square feet of retail sales space, a 30,188-square-foot garden centre, and a lumberyard that comprises 16,922 square feet.
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RCR International has named Mario Petraglia as President, effective immediately. He will continue to report to CEO Lester Lee. Petraglia holds nearly 27 years of experience in finance and operations roles with companies such as PwC, Rio Tinto Alcan, Loblaw, and Laura Canada, including the past 17 years in senior and executive-level positions. Founded in 1946, RCR International is a North American maker of residential and commercial weather proofing and flooring products.
At Goodfellow, Jeff Morrison has been appointed Vice President of National Accounts. He has worked for the lumber and hardwood flooring products supplier for more than 15 years, starting in the company’s Edmonton branch in inside sales. He moved to Ontario in 2004 to join the LBM team there and has taken on progressively more responsibilities with Goodfellow over the years.
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CLASSIFIED ADS
Better Living Products International is a world-leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of unique, high quality bath/shower organization products to retailers around the world, and best recognized for its Award-Winning consumer product, ‘The Dispenser’. We are seeking energetic, self-motivated and results driven sales professionals to join our team.
National Sales Manager, Canada to manage the day-to-day sales activity within the Canadian market. Primary focus will be on the maintenance of current accounts and programs across all channels, search for and development of new accounts, market segments and business opportunities. Minimum 5 years sales management experience preferred. Must possess strong leadership skills.
National Account Manager to manage specific key accounts and channels within the USA. Minimum 3-5 years account management experience with Mass Merchant retailers is preferred. This is an intermediate position.
Account Manager to solicit accounts within our secondary channels of distribution and markets. Minimum 2 years account management experience.
All positions will be based at our world-wide corporate headquarters in Vaughan, Ontario. We offer competitive wages, benefits and a fun working environment. Please submit your resumé and salary expectations to Camillo Caperchione, Executive Vice President, Better Living Products, Email: camillo@dispenser.com.
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