In This Issue:
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“Decision making is the specific executive task.”
—Peter Drucker (American business philosopher and author, 1909-2005)
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Our Holiday publishing Schedule: Hardlines will publish once in December, as we always do. You’ll get your issue next week, Nov. 30, then again on Dec. 14. There will be no issues on Dec. 7, 21 or 28. However, the World Headquarters remains open until at least Dec. 23.
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Despite lower results, retail giants find optimism |
ATLANTA & MOORESVILLE, N.C. — The industry’s two largest home-improvement dealers, The Home Depot and Lowe’s Cos., continue to gain market share, even as their quarterly revenue and profit were dragged down by a recession that is forcing consumers to limit their purchases to less-expensive essentials.Lowe’s announced that overall sales fell 3% for the quarter, to $11.37 billion, while same-store sales fell 7.5%. Overall, Lowe’s posted a 30% drop in quarterly profit, citing the drop-off of consumers starting big-ticket renovations.
Total sales for the fourth quarter are expected to be flat and the company predicts that same-store sales would fall 2%-6% in the fourth quarter.
Home Depot reported negative third-quarter results as well, as overall sales declined 3% and same-store sales fell 6.9%. Net income was $689 million for the quarter, a drop of 8/.9%, and revenue fell 8% to $16.36 billion. The company said declines in the average checkout receipt eased slightly in the quarter, falling 7.1% to $51.89, compared with 8.2% for the year-to-date.
The company stuck to its forecast of a sales decline of 9%.
The good news for both companies has been that their percentage declines in sales from stores open a year or more have been getting smaller. Officers from both companies also emphasized to analysts and investors this week that they continue to streamline their operations and reduce their expenses with an eye towards some uptick in business next year.
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RONA seeks growth through launch of paint banner |
MONTREAL — With the recent unveiling of its new deco-renovation concept, RONA is gambling on the viability of a specialty store format to generate renewed growth for the company.But that gamble, which departs from RONA’s general hardware and building material model, may well pay off, as it focuses on one of any hardware dealer’s most profitable departments, and targets its most important décor customer — the female.
Three new stores in the Montreal area, in St-Leonard (8,000 sq. ft.), Vaudreuil (10,000 sq. ft.) and Rosemère (10,000 sq. ft.), offer what RONA claims is the first concept of its kind to provide a retail solution to three customer groups — consumers, designers and professional painters — under one roof. The stores offer competitively priced paint, wallpaper and accessories. But the offering goes beyond a traditional paint store by carrying mouldings, floor coverings and window treatments. In addition, a whole range of services, including design and decoration consulting, is also available.
The new stores required an investment of $1.5 million each and are the first in a series of planned openings in Quebec for 2010. The store in Saint-Léonard has applied for LEED certification and served as the reference model for the two other renovated stores and the future STUDIO stores.
“The launch of STUDIO by RONA is a strategic moment in RONA’s development,” says RONA president and CEO Robert Dutton. “It marks the transition between two phases of our 2008-2011 development plan, phase one, optimization, and phase two, renewed growth.
“Launching the STUDIO puts growth back in its rightful place in our development strategy.”
At the heart of the new store is its colour centre, dedicated to colour consultation, selection and creation. Here, customers have access to an array of large-size colour swatches, with a selection of 800 colours specially chosen for RONA. By January 2010, the system will also feature an exclusive colour software program that can create specific colours. The stores will be part of RONA’s paint recovery program, as well, which lets consumers bring back their leftover paint.
“STUDIO isn’t about brand, it’s about colour,” says Normand Dumont, RONA executive vice-president of merchandising. “With STUDIO, we expect to consolidate our leadership and increase our share of the dynamic interior designer and professional painter market.”
The Canadian Paint and Coating Association estimates the size of the Canadian paint market at $2 billion.
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Taiga’s results impacted by DC closure and sluggish market |
BURNABY, B.C. — Taiga Building Products Ltd. had net earnings for the second quarter of $3.4 million, up from $3.2 million from the same period a year earlier, on sales that were down by 17.1% to $26.4 million, from $31.0 million in the second quarter of the prior fiscal year. That drop was attributed primarily to declining demand in new home construction. Sales weakness was offset by reduced selling and admin costs as management continued its cost reduction program. Also, income tax related expenses were lower compared to the prior year.On the other hand, distribution expenses were higher due to a non-cash charge of $1.1 million, as the company consolidated its warehouse operations in the Greater Toronto Area by closing a warehouse in Brampton and moving its operation into a warehouse in Milton, Ont.
Net earnings for the six-month period were $10.0 million, an increase from $7.3 million. Earnings improvements were attributable to cost reductions and foreign exchange gains. Sales, however, were down by 17.3% to $507.3 million for the year to date from $613.4 million.
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Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Wells Lamont Retail, Inc is a leading distributor of quality work and garden gloves to the retail environment. Corporate headquarters are located in the Chicago, Illinois area, though this position will be home based in the Canadian GTA.
Reporting to the Vice-President of Sales and Marketing (Canada), the Sales/Marketing Coordinator is responsible for supporting a broad range of sales and marketing activities and creating goodwill for WLR’s products and services in the Canadian marketplace.
Responsibilities include: review, analyze and update market data (spec sheets-price lists, collateral material, etc); liaison between customers, prospects, suppliers, sales and other internal personnel; create customer/product presentations and forecasts; communicates creation of new items and product info. to sales (product images, pricing, UPC’s, carton dimensions, etc.); prepare monthly reports, charts, internal systems documents; and coordinate trade shows.
- Ideal candidates will have solid self-management skills, excellent verbal (phone) and written communication skills, ability to multi-task-organize- prioritize to meet deadlines, customer service oriented and proficient problem solver. At least 3-5 years in a sales/or marketing support role (bachelors degree preferred). Exposure to retail products in a mfr or distribution environment helpful. Computer literacy using PowerPoint, Excel and Word software programs.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. For consideration, please send resume (with salary history) to dwaltmire@wellslamontretail.com. Only local candidates will be considered. Telephone calls will not be accepted.
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Roxul Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of planet-friendly insulation made from natural stone and recycled material. Headquartered in Milton, ON, with production facilities located in Milton and Grand Forks, BC, we are a subsidiary of Rockwool International. Roxul's fire-resistant, stone wool insulation products are used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications to save energy, lower emissions, and provide added safety. We are currently seeking a talented, energetic individual with drive and determination to join our team in Trois-Rivières as a:
Quebec Residential Sales Representative – Bilingual
You are a well organized, self-motivated individual with a persuasive and professional approach to sales. A proven selling ability, strong knowledge of the retail business environment, and an appropriate education and background are required. Building materials experience and confidence selling to lumberyards would be definite assets. You are bilingual in English and French, both spoken and written.
We offer a dynamic environment with significant growth potential and have an excellent benefit and remuneration package. If you are interested, please apply in English, to:
Human Resources
ROXUL Inc.
420 Bronte Street, Suite 105
Milton, Ontario L9T 3H3
fax: (905) 878-8077
e-mail: jobs@roxul.com
We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
www.roxul.com
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Hitachi Power Tools is seeking a Junior National Account Executive based in Mississauga.
The successful candidate will possess:
- A minimum of 3 years experience in a territory sales role
- Strong organizational skills with ability to plan and manage territory
- Strong communication, presentation and business relationship building skills
- A self-starter with ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of trades (i.e. construction, electrical, woodworking) an asset
Please visit our website at www.hitachipowertools.ca/en/CompProfile/Careers for more details. If interested please forward your resume and cover letter to melissaf@hitachi-powertools.com
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COMPANY IS SEEKING NEW LINES IN ONTARIO
Horta has over 8 years of in-store experience delivering full-service vendor managed inventory programs for several live goods vendors selling to a major home improvement retailer.
Team of seasoned reps able to drive sales and execute at –retail merchandising programs tailored to your needs. Year-round market coverage or special project focus for gardening lines or any other category.
Contact Deb Ondejko at debbieo@horta.ca to explore how this team of professionals can assist your company with its in-store presence. |
Have you organized yourself for sending
Holiday Cards to your valued customers yet?
We can help!
Email us at clientuniteinc@rogers.com for more information.
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INVITATION FOR OFFERS
BUILDING CENTRE
WESTLOCK , AB
Alger & Associates Inc. in its capacity as Receiver of the property, assets and undertakings of Melvax Holdings Corp. which operated as Rona Westlock and previously as a Home Hardware Building Centre (the “Company”) invites written offers to purchase the business and operating assets of the Company.
The Company’s assets consist of inventory, store fixtures and equipment; rolling stock, land and building and the potential ability to operate as a dealer owned Home Building Centre or Rona.
For further information or to obtain an information package, please contact Ray Leblanc (rleblanc@alger.ca) or Ron Nordstrom (rnordstrom@alger.ca), by telephone at 780.414.1133 or refer to our website at www.alger.ca Written offers must be submitted to our office by 12:00 noon MDT, Monday, December 7, 2009. The Receiver reserves the right to enter into agreements for sale prior to December 7, 2009. The highest or any offer will not necessarily be accepted.
Alger & Associates Inc.
312 Capital Place
9707 - 110 Street
Edmonton , Alberta T5K 2L9
Tel. 780.414.1133
Fax. 780.413.9666
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Sales & Merchandising Representative
Moen (Buy it for looks. Buy it for life™) sets the standard for high quality, fashion oriented kitchen and bath fixtures and accessories. As a Sales & Service Representative, you'll provide legendary service to valued retail box store customers and independents in a territory encompassing the eastern GTA north to Barrie, east to Peterborough and south to Lake Ontario. You'll conduct PK sessions, merchandising duties including resets, ordering, selling through overages, marketing and promo programs and managing RTV's in addition to developing new opportunities. You've been in a similar role for 2+ years and have the enthusiasm, motivation and sales expertise…the company will in turn supply a great team to work with, in addition to a stellar reputation and all of the tools to make your job efficient including company vehicle, Blackberry and more. Familiarity with home improvement, mass retailers and independents combined your comfort level using technology tools are required. Internal career growth is also a distinct possibility.
To explore this opportunity in complete confidence, please contact Wolf Gugler (888-848-3006), apply online at http://www.wolfgugler.com/opportunities or email your resume to resumes@wolfgugler.com.
Wolf Gugler & Associates Limited, www.wolfgugler.com. Retailer and Supplier Executive Search and selection. Offices in Canada and the U.S. |
BILINGUAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Leading Toronto-based manufacturer of Lawn & Garden and Construction related products is seeking a fluently bilingual (English/French) sales representative. Toronto based position with responsibilities for sales to existing clients in the GTA and Eastern Ontario as well as new business development.
Key competencies required are self-starter requiring a minimum of supervision, good analytical skills, team player.
This position requires an outgoing and motivated sales professional with minimum of 3-5 years experience in the Lawn & Garden/Construction or related industry. Relevant post secondary education and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required.
Must be able to travel as required with occasional out of town trips and work flexible hours including some weekends.
Competitive salary plus commission, benefit package, kilometer allowance.
Please submit your résumé via email to:
Black Eagle Executive Search
c/o Richard Simms at rsimms@blackeagle.ca
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To place an ad in our classified section click here or call 416—489—3396
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Results oriented sales professional with a strong record of achievement in strategic and tactical roles. |
Seasoned Sales veteran. Experienced, dealing with established and new manufacturers introducing new products to key retailers in the Canadian market. |
Leadership, sales and communication skills, seeking a challenging and results—oriented environment. |
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A creative, strategic thinking and results oriented Sales Professional. |
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