November 9, 2015 Volume xxi, #42

“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”
— Maya Angelou (American poet and author, 1928–2014)

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Bernie Owens talks frankly about changes at TIM-BR MART

TORONTO ― Bernie Owens admits he’s had to make some tough decisions. But, he noted, in a presentation that kicked off the 20th annual Hardlines Conference, they were necessary ones.

In the time that he has been president of TIM-BR MART Group, he has severed troubled relations with Ace International, closed a long-standing warehouse in Victoriaville, Que., and―most notably―sold off TIM-BR MART’s hardware distribution business, Chalifour Canada.

The need to pare TIM-BR MART back to its buying group roots was absolutely crucial, he said. “No company can be everything to everyone.”

TIM-BR MART had purchased CanWel Hardware at the end of 2010 in an effort to provide a seamless supply of hardware to the group’s 700-plus member dealers. Today, he is confident that his dealers can get a full range of hardlines through the group’s membership in the Spancan buying group. In addition, TIM-BR MART can better focus on LBM purchases, including being more attuned to local and regional needs of members.

“TIM-BR MART buys right for the independent dealer,” he noted, “with the highest volume of drywall purchases of any buying group in Canada―and that’s a fact.”

He also hinted that the changes aren’t done yet. “Stay tuned,” he told the audience. “This is an exciting time for the industry in Canada.”

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Lowe’s Canada hosts Quebec vendors
MONTREAL ― A group of 10 buyers, led by Igor Halencak, Lowe’s Canada’s head of merchandising and marketing, convened on the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Montreal last week to meet with Quebec hardware and building materials vendors.

The morning was organized in association with Export Quebec for suppliers who had not done business with Lowe’s before. At the event they learned about the company’s growth plans―and had opportunities to get their products into Lowe’s stores across Canada. A total of 80 individuals representing 51 companies were present. Together with the Lowe’s Canada team and representatives from the Quebec government, more than 100 people were in the room.

Lowe’s Canada President Sylvain Prud’homme was on hand to share the story of Lowe’s expansion in Canada, and the company’s focus on various customer segments. He also underlined the importance of omnichannel retailing to the company’s growth plans.

When news of the planned meeting was first announced a few weeks ago, it sparked conjecture about Lowe’s eventual plans to expand into Quebec. Prud’homme said this kind of outreach to Quebec vendors was an important first step in that process.

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Taiga announces new manufacturing partner

BURNABY, B.C. — Taiga Building Products has chosen a new manufacturing partner for engineered wood products in Canada. In Eastern Canada, the company will align with Boise Cascade, which claims to be one of North America’s largest EWP manufacturers. It offers a full line of solid sawn I-Joists, manufactured in New Brunswick.

In Western Canada, Taiga will continue its partnership with Pinkwood, providing a full line of I-Joists.

Over the coming weeks, Taiga and Boise EWP representatives will work with its engineered wood customers to convert their respective software material files, allowing them to specify the correct market-relevant products.

Taiga has been making changes on other fronts, as well. Just last month, the building materials wholesaler announced it would begin carrying Plycem’s Allura Fiber Cement products at all 15 of its Canadian distribution centres.

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Amazon opens its first bricks-and-mortar book store
SEATTLE — The company that was responsible for the demise of so many book stores around the world has launched a book store of its own.

Online retail giant Amazon, which got its start selling books over the internet 20 years ago, has opened its first bricks-and-mortar outlet in Seattle. The store is not a big box; it weighs in at only 5,500 square feet and has the features of a traditional, old-fashioned book store, complete with hardwood floors, wooden shelves and big easy chairs for patrons to settle in to.

However, there is a nod to Amazon’s high-tech roots here, as well: customers can try out electronic devices such as the Kindle reader and Fire TV in the store.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES: This week in 1995
HARDLINES started out as a bi-weekly, sent by fax every weekend from a basement that housed the original World Headquarters. Early on we started sending “Fax Extra” editions with breaking news, and the alliance between Ace Hardware and Beaver Lumber was certainly newsworthy. Read about Ace’s second attempt to get into Canada by clicking here now!

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TORONTO―At Sears Canada, Carrie Kirkman has been appointed president and chief merchant.  She was most recently interim president of Nine West Canada and before that served as president of Jones Apparel Group, Canada from 2010 to 2015. Her experience in the Canadian apparel industry also includes senior roles with Hudson’s Bay Company from 2002-2010.

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CLASSIFIED ADS

Bilingual Sales Coordinator
Positec manufactures and markets the Rockwell and Worx line of home improvement tools and accessories to professional contractors and home improvement enthusiasts around the world.  We are currently seeking a Bilingual Sales Coordinator to be responsible for supporting the sales team in attaining annual sales targets and operates with management and clients to determine business requirements. This position is instrumental in assuring focused and productive communication with the new and existing clients, as well marketing & logistics departments. Resolves all complex inquiries from the clients and ensures customer satisfaction. The Sales Coordinator is responsible for various administrative functions.  Previous Sales Coordinator experience is a must.  This is a remote position.  Ideal candidate will have a proven track record of effectively working from a remote location.  Please send resumes & salary requirements to kammi.parker@positecgroup.com.

Account Manager
Positec manufactures and markets the Rockwell and Worx line of home improvement tools and accessories to professional contractors and home improvement enthusiasts around the world.  We are currently seeking an Account Manager to be responsible for supporting the company's sales goals through professional sales techniques and good customer service, maintaining quality relations with existing accounts, and providing sales and marketing coverage. 75% of focus will be on managing assigned account responsibility 25% focused on internal support and assigned tasks. Ideal candidate must have industry related outside sales experience. Please send resumes & salary requirements to kammi.parker@positecgroup.com.