HARDLINES
Canada's electronic information service for home improvement
industry
October 22, 2001
Volume vii, #43
Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher
Phone: 416.489.3396
Fax: 416.489.6154
email: mike@hardlines.ca
hardlines.ca
* * * * * *
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Kent explores new formats
* Schurman opens big box style flagship in Charlottetown
* Sodisco-Howden looks inward for greater efficiencies
* Fantom Fury ceases manufacturing
* 3Q sales up, profits down for Sears Canada
* * * * * *
DOING YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY? PLANNING THE BUDGET?
THEN YOU WILL NEED:
HARDLINES RETAIL REPORT 2001 - a turnkey PowerPoint
presentation to wow your boss at planning time. Bev actually
thought of this one, after getting so many calls during
planning time from people looking for a concise snapshot of
the market: This presentation looks fabulous. It comes
complete with charts, photos and pie charts, including:
- provincial breakouts
- market share by retail format
- growth of the big boxes
- top 10 home improvement retailers
- ranking of buying groups.
A MUST for anyone trying to explain the Canadian market.
Priced VERY low at only $179 + taxes for Hardlines
subscribers! (WAY more expensive for non-subscribers!) Call
416.489.3396 or email nancy@hardlines.ca or order online:
https://hardlines.ca/html/order.html to get your CD-ROM
now.
* * * * * *
ARE YOU GETTING HARDLINES QUARTERLY REPORT?
The next issue will tell you:
* what's coming this spring with the Top Four Retailers
* analysis of the Top 10 Retailers, 1990 and now
* the European market outlook
* the latest economic indicators
* and more ...
So if you're not a subscriber, you'll miss it all. Both The
Financial Post and the Toronto Star have reported on the
exclusive research that appears in HQR. Shouldn't you be
reading it?
Only $349 + taxes for a full year. Call Nancy Wright at
416.489.3396, email her at: nancy@hardlines.ca, or go to our
website: https://hardlines.ca/html/order.html
______________________________________________
SCHURMAN OPENS NEW FLAGSHIP
STORE IN CHARLOTTETOWN
In a departure from its traditional building centre format,
Schurman Building Supplies has opened its largest outlet
yet. The new 55,000-sq.ft. store in Charlottetown features
about 30,000 sq.ft. of retail - and is more than four times
larger than the one it replaces in that city. It had a soft
opening on October 9; the grand opening will be on November
8.
The store continues with some strategies first implemented
in Schurman's store in Montague, PE when that one was
renovated and expanded three years ago. Features include a
mix of traditional gondolas and warehouse racking, with
overhead storage to get as much product out on the floor as
possible. Charlottetown is the last location in the
five-store chain to get upgraded. It's also the most
radical.
"We looked at a couple of areas we could be dominant in and
decided on power tools and lighting," says Mike Simms,
general manager of Schurman. "Another area was hardware - we
have the largest hardware assortment on the island."
Both lighting and power tools are featured prominently,
right at the front of the store. The store carries 500 light
fixtures and some 300 power tools. The larger size and
expanded assortments are paying off, says Simms. "We did 30%
of our year-to-date volume in lighting in the first week we
were opened."
Sitting on a six-acre site with three acres of yard, the
store maintains its core strength in lumber and building
materials, while expanding into more retail-oriented areas.
That retail customer includes women. Already strong in
crafts, Schurman has expanded this department in the new
store to a full 112 feet. "It certainly caters to the female
shopper we're trying hard to attract," Simms adds.
Another area the store has increased its focus on is paint.
An exclusive agreement with Sico for PEI gives the company a
broader assortment, alongside PPG, another Schurman
exclusive. Simms cites the healthy margins, resistance to
seasonal ups and downs - and appeal for women customers.
______________________________________________
KENT CHARTS NEW LOOK FOR TRADITIONAL STORES
Kent Building Supplies remains on track for the opening of
its next big box store. This one, in Mt. Pearl, NF, will be
the second for the St. John's market and the chain's seventh
warehouse-format store. It's slated to open in Spring 2002.
But it may also be the last one.
According to Stew Valcour, general manager of Kent, the
company will continue to develop both its traditional and
big box formats. But, he adds, "I think we're coming to the
end of the road for [big boxes] in Atlantic Canada." There
is "lots more room" for traditional building centre stores,
however, Valcour says. A store in Saint John, NB was
replaced last Spring by a Kent big box.
The only big box competition comes from two Home Depot
stores, one in Halifax, NS and the other in nearby
Dartmouth. A Home Depot store planned for Moncton for the
past two years has been yanked once and for all, and
Wal-Mart now has the option on the site.
While the Halifax store is flourishing, parking lot activity
at the Dartmouth store tells a different story there. Likely
with its eye on the performance of the Home Depot in
Dartmouth, Kent is considering carefully any further plans
to open big boxes of its own. It is, however, working on
upgrading its traditional stores. Though Valcour wouldn't
confirm a date, a new look will appear in Rothesay, NB in
Spring or Summer 2002. There, an 11,000-sq.ft. outlet will
be replaced by a 60,000-sq.ft. store. The opening last week
of a 55,000-sq.ft. store in Charlottetown, PE by Schurman
Building Supplies represents a model for a downsized big box
format, one that Kent may borrow from in its Rothesay store.
______________________________________________
SODISCO-HOWDEN SEEKS GROWTH
BY "FOCUSING ON THE FUNDAMENTALS"
Sodisco-Howden Group's financial health is good, despite
sagging profits, says Jos Wintermans, the new president and
CEO. Speaking at the Howden Division's Fall Market last week
in Toronto, he told an audience of dealers from all parts of
English Canada that the company's financial health is
supported by good cash flow and healthy inventories.
The mandate of his predecessor, Tony Molluso, was to drive
sales. Under Wintermans, who has a solid background in
operations (his legacy includes Canadian Tire Finance and a
seat on Sodisco-Howden's board of directors), attention
appears to be turning inward. Currently, org teams
comprising 50 SHG employees are mandated to develop
execution plans for a number of ideas that have largely come
from the staff themselves. The process includes increasing
service levels, a SKU review and increasing inventory
accuracy and turns.
"It utilizes the knowledge and experience of the employees
inside our own company," Wintermans said. Included in all
this is an effort to better harmonize the buying teams in
the company's two divisions. The six-month process is
expected to be ready for implementation by early 2002.
The initiative is also looking externally, seeking ways to
grow the Pro banner nationwide and increase buying power for
dealers.
Later, in an interview with Hardlines, Wintermans explained
that he's simply trying to encourage an environment and a
mentality to get good ideas tested and implemented. "It's a
framework and a discipline that says, 'let's live by facts,
not by opinion.' "
Wintermans added that he expects to be in place for anywhere
from one to two years. He currently commutes to both the
Sodisco Division in Victoriaville, QC and the London
facility from his home in Toronto.
_____________________________________________
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
Taiga Forest Products has reported second-quarter sales for
the period ended September 30, 2001. Sales totaled $230.1
million, a 14% increase over the same period last year, when
sales were $201.9 million. Sales for the six-month period
were $465.6 million, compared with $447.3 the previous year.
Earnings for the same period were $3.8 million and $514,000
for the equivalent time in 2000.
Sales in the third quarter were up 8.6% for Sears Canada,
from $1.46 billion to $1.58 million. Merchandise sales were
up 5.4%, while same-store sales fell 1.1%. Net income fell
to $17.9 million from $36.2 million.
West Fraser had sales of $407 million, compared with $341
million for the same period last year. Net income totalled
$46 million versus $24 million. Sales year-to-date were
$1.20 billion, compared with $1.37 billion for the first
nine months of 2000. During the third quarter, West Fraser
discontinued operations of its retail home improvement
division, with the sale of Revy Home Centres and the
disposal of most of the related real estate. The selloff
earned the company $220 million, less the $32.1 million it
had to pay to the Kitchen family for outstanding Revy
shares.
More than 600 TruServ and V&S dealers are expected today in
Winnipeg for TruServ's National Merchandise Market, which
runs until October 23. The event, at the Winnipeg Convention
Centre, will feature dealer seminars and products from 500
manufacturers.
The Zircon Corp.'s Canadian sales office has a new location,
effective immediately: 90 Kenmore Ave., Cambridge, ON N1S
3H6. Phone remains the same: 519-624-1063; and so does the
guy who runs it: John Tizzard, director of sales &
marketing: johnt@zircon.com.
Roland Boulanger Ltd. is establishing a new facility to
serve the Ontario market, effective November 1: 10
Kingsbridge Garden Circle, suite 704, Mississauga, ON L5R
3K6; phone: 905-502-3483; fax: 905-502-3484.
Fantom Industries has stopped shipping after months of
losses amidst ongoing efforts to restructure. The maker of
the wonderfully named Fantom Fury vacuum cleaner has reduced
its work force and ceased manufacturing.
Willamette Industries Inc. announced last week it was
willing to discuss a sale to Weyerhaeuser Co., if the latter
makes a written offer in the high US$50 per share range.
This was the first time Willamette has spelled out what
price it will be willing to sell at.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced same-store sales for the
first week of October that were slightly below plan. The
company is still tracking within the 4%-6% range it
anticipates for the full month. Sales were above average in
several categories, including housewares, office supplies,
fabrics and crafts, pet supplies, shoes, household chemicals
and paper, pharmacy and cosmetics.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. has announced that total domestic
store revenues for the five weeks ending September 29, 2001
were US$2.51 million. This represents a 6% decrease from the
same period in 2000. Same-store revenues decreased 6.7%.
The U.S. is poised to appoint Marc Racicot, former
Republican governor of Montana, as a new point man in the
softwood lumber dispute. Racicot, a U.S. Army prosecutor
before he entered politics, acted as spokesman for Mr. Bush
during the Florida ballot recount. Canadian government
representatives have raised concerns that the introduction
of Racicot this late in the process could slow any possible
resolutions to the conflict.
_____________________________________________
CANADIAN STOCK WATCH
| COMPANY |
52-WK HIGH |
52-WK LOW |
CLOSE (FRI) |
| Canadian Tire |
25.20 |
15.05 |
22.12 |
| Canfor |
16.95 |
7.65 |
9.10 |
| Emco |
7.50 |
2.60 |
4.30 |
| Goodfellow |
11.00 |
8.00 |
8.40 |
| Home Depot |
49.74 |
47.61 |
41.68 |
| Hudson's Bay |
17.65 |
12.40 |
15.40 |
| Lowe's |
64.90 |
34.25 |
34.69 |
| Sears Canada |
37.25 |
18.55 |
15.40 |
| Sodisco-Howden |
0.75 |
2.80 |
0.75 |
| Taiga Forest |
10.00 |
6.80 |
10.50 |
| West Fraser |
36.50 |
21.00 |
31.00 |
______________________________________________
"When you make a world tolerable for yourself you make a
world tolerable for others."
- Anais Nin (20th-century French author)
______________________________________________
MARKET INDICATORS
The Consumer Price Index increased 2.6% in September over
September 2000, according to Stats Canada. This follows
another year-over-year increase of 2.8% in August. Almost a
third of the September increase was due to higher food
prices.
Wholesale sales increased 0.8% from July to August, says
Stats Canada. Wholesalers sold $33.2 billion worth of goods
and services that month, with an increase in automotive
(+3.4%), but a decline in metals, plumbing and hardware
(-1.1%). Lumber and building materials were up 0.4%.
* * * * * *
INDUSTRY NEWS. EVERY DAY -
Our website has daily updates on retail and industry news
that matter to you.
Keep informed. Visit hardlines.ca. Every day.
* * * * * *
EUROPE IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS! CANADIANS SHOULD BE
THERE!
THE COLOGNE INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR/DIY'TEC:
March 3-6, 2002. For show information, contact: Edel
Wichmann, 416-598-3343; or colognet@idirect.com. To book
your flight and hotel, call Carol-Ann Contact Trade Show
Travel by phone: 1-877-873-7469; fax: 403-247-2448; or
tradeshowtravel@home.com to arrange your trip. Packages
include return air fare and accommodations, as well as
admission to the Exhibition. BOOK EARLY!
Packages also include an invitation to the internationally
famous Canada Night Reception on Sunday, March 3, 2002,
sponsored by Hardlines and Cologne International Trade
Shows. We'll see you in Cologne!
* * * * * *
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Trent Coleman has left Canadian Tire Corp., which has
resulted in Dave Party moving over to replace him as lead
category manager, outdoor equipment and yard tools ...
Suzanne Morgan replaces Party as lead category manager,
décor ... Pam Pike has joined Morgan's team as category
manager in plumbing and décor ... No replacement has yet
been named for Pike, who formerly handled power tool
accessories and generators. (416-480-3000)
The Canadian Retail Building Supply Council has appointed
Donald O'Hara as president for the 2001-2003 term. CRBSC is
a national umbrella organization comprised of Canada's five
regional and provincial building supply dealer associations:
Building Supply Dealers Association of BC, Western Retail
Lumber Association, Lumber and Building Materials
Association of Ontario, Québec Building Materials Dealers
Association, and Atlantic Building Supply Dealers
Association. O'Hara is executive vice-president of ADMACQ.
CRBSC has a combined membership of 1,800 companies
representing total estimated sales of $28.5 billion at
retail. (450-646-5842)
______________________________________________
NOTED ...
Elena Opasini, editor of Centre magazine, is rounding up
votes for her Best in Business Awards, but it's last call,
so act fast. To vote for your favourite buyer or vendor,
visit http://www.centremagazine.com/ and cast your
electronic vote.
A coin has been struck in honour of Walter Hachborn, founder
of Home Hardware Stores, in Kitchener-Waterloo, ON. The
two-dollar coin is legal tender in the twin cities for the
duration of Oktoberfest.
Retail Council of Canada is bringing behavioural market
researcher Paco Underhill to Toronto on October 29 at the
Sheraton Parkway North, and to Ottawa on October 30 at the
Ottawa Congress Centre. Underhill is the author of the
international best-selling book, Why We Buy: The Science of
Shopping. Tickets are $60 for members, $90 for non-members
and $30 for students. To register, call 416-922-6678;
http://www.retailcouncil.org/.
______________________________________________
* * * * HARDLINES MARKETPLACE* * * *
Check out Hardlines Classifieds on the web:
https://hardlines.ca/html/classifieds_new.asp
______________________________________________
NORAL MARKETING:
Representing leading manufacturers since 1986.
We ensure high profile retail presence for a wide range of
product lines.
Why not make yours one of them?
www.noralmarketing.com or call 519-439-6800 ext. 201
* * * * * *
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS:
You are a senior marketing professional with many years of
retail and contractor experience. As a team player, you
possess strong communication, managerial and interpersonal
skills. You are a very motivated, 'hands-on' individual who
will be responsible for developing and executing various
marketing programs, including print, radio and television.
Strong organizational skills are required for overseeing the
budget and critical execution paths. Experience in setting
up trade and consumer shows and special events would be an
asset.
TIM-BR Mart is the national retail brand for hundreds of
building centres across Canada. This Ontario management
position is dedicated to ensuring that our stores project a
strong retail image in the marketplace. Your goal is to
strengthen the TIM-BR Mart brand by making the marketing
decisions that provide the best value within the approved
budget.
We offer a competitive compensation package and a pleasant
working environment. We thank all candidates for their
interest; however, only those candidates selected for an
interview will be contacted.
Please fax your resumé, in strictest confidence, to the
Executive Assistant at the private fax: 905-671-9467 or
e-mail to sheenaj@homecare.on.ca
* * * * * *
MERCHANDISER/SUPERVISOR:
MOST Marketing is looking for an experienced
merchandiser/supervisor to service the Leviton line of
products for retail stores in the Toronto area market.
This is a contract position. Benefits and remuneration are
based on experience. If you're interested and a hard worker,
contact Alain Carle, Merchandising and Servicing Manager,
Leviton Manufacturing Canada; 1-800-461-2002 ext. 467;
e-mail: acarle@leviton.com. Suitable candidates must have a
car, and must be available to travel.
* * * * * *
THE HARDLINES MARKETPLACE: just $16 per line.
A classified ad with Hardlines is the most direct way to
industry eyes.
Over 3,000 executives in the industry come in contact with
our email and fax publications ...
... and have you seen our Marketplace in our new website?
https://hardlines.ca/html/classifieds_new.asp
Publish your ad where it matters. Get industry exposure
today.
Contact us at 416-489-3396 or email: buzz@hardlines.ca
______________________________________________
Hardlines is published weekly (except monthly in December
and August)
by McLARNEYCOM
542 Mount Pleasant Rd., Suite 302, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4S 2M7
(c) 2001 by Michael McLarney.
HARDLINES(tm) the electronic newsletter hardlines.ca
Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154
Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher: mike@hardlines.ca
Eugenia Canas, Assistant Editor: buzz@hardlines.ca
Beverly Allen, Marketing Manager: bev@hardlines.ca
Nancy Wright, Circulation Manager: nancy@hardlines.ca
______________________________________________
THE HARDLINES "FAIR PLAY" POLICY:
Reproduction in whole or in part is very uncool and strictly
forbidden and really and truly against the law. So please,
play fair! Call for information on multiple subscriptions or
a site license for your company. We do want as many people
as possible to read Hardlines each week - but let us handle
your internal routing from this end!
______________________________________________
Subscription: $199+$13.93 GST = $212.93 per year (GST #13987
0398 RT). Secondary subscriptions at the same office are
only $28 + $1.96 GST = $29.98. You can pay online by VISA at
our secure website or send us money. Please make cheque
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HARDLINES
Canada's electronic information service for home improvement
industry
October 22, 2001
Volume vii, #43
Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher
Phone: 416.489.3396
Fax: 416.489.6154
email: mike@hardlines.ca
hardlines.ca
* * * * * *
IN THIS ISSUE:
* Kent explores new formats
* Schurman opens big box style flagship in Charlottetown
* Sodisco-Howden looks inward for greater efficiencies
* Fantom Fury ceases manufacturing
* 3Q sales up, profits down for Sears Canada
* * * * * *
DOING YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY? PLANNING THE BUDGET?
THEN YOU WILL NEED:
HARDLINES RETAIL REPORT 2001 - a turnkey PowerPoint
presentation to wow your boss at planning time. Bev actually
thought of this one, after getting so many calls during
planning time from people looking for a concise snapshot of
the market: This presentation looks fabulous. It comes
complete with charts, photos and pie charts, including:
- provincial breakouts
- market share by retail format
- growth of the big boxes
- top 10 home improvement retailers
- ranking of buying groups.
A MUST for anyone trying to explain the Canadian market.
Priced VERY low at only $179 + taxes for Hardlines
subscribers! (WAY more expensive for non-subscribers!) Call
416.489.3396 or email nancy@hardlines.ca or order online:
https://hardlines.ca/html/order.html to get your CD-ROM
now.
* * * * * *
ARE YOU GETTING HARDLINES QUARTERLY REPORT?
The next issue will tell you:
* what's coming this spring with the Top Four Retailers
* analysis of the Top 10 Retailers, 1990 and now
* the European market outlook
* the latest economic indicators
* and more ...
So if you're not a subscriber, you'll miss it all. Both The
Financial Post and the Toronto Star have reported on the
exclusive research that appears in HQR. Shouldn't you be
reading it?
Only $349 + taxes for a full year. Call Nancy Wright at
416.489.3396, email her at: nancy@hardlines.ca, or go to our
website: https://hardlines.ca/html/order.html
______________________________________________
SCHURMAN OPENS NEW FLAGSHIP
STORE IN CHARLOTTETOWN
In a departure from its traditional building centre format,
Schurman Building Supplies has opened its largest outlet
yet. The new 55,000-sq.ft. store in Charlottetown features
about 30,000 sq.ft. of retail - and is more than four times
larger than the one it replaces in that city. It had a soft
opening on October 9; the grand opening will be on November
8.
The store continues with some strategies first implemented
in Schurman's store in Montague, PE when that one was
renovated and expanded three years ago. Features include a
mix of traditional gondolas and warehouse racking, with
overhead storage to get as much product out on the floor as
possible. Charlottetown is the last location in the
five-store chain to get upgraded. It's also the most
radical.
"We looked at a couple of areas we could be dominant in and
decided on power tools and lighting," says Mike Simms,
general manager of Schurman. "Another area was hardware - we
have the largest hardware assortment on the island."
Both lighting and power tools are featured prominently,
right at the front of the store. The store carries 500 light
fixtures and some 300 power tools. The larger size and
expanded assortments are paying off, says Simms. "We did 30%
of our year-to-date volume in lighting in the first week we
were opened."
Sitting on a six-acre site with three acres of yard, the
store maintains its core strength in lumber and building
materials, while expanding into more retail-oriented areas.
That retail customer includes women. Already strong in
crafts, Schurman has expanded this department in the new
store to a full 112 feet. "It certainly caters to the female
shopper we're trying hard to attract," Simms adds.
Another area the store has increased its focus on is paint.
An exclusive agreement with Sico for PEI gives the company a
broader assortment, alongside PPG, another Schurman
exclusive. Simms cites the healthy margins, resistance to
seasonal ups and downs - and appeal for women customers.
______________________________________________
KENT CHARTS NEW LOOK FOR TRADITIONAL STORES
Kent Building Supplies remains on track for the opening of
its next big box store. This one, in Mt. Pearl, NF, will be
the second for the St. John's market and the chain's seventh
warehouse-format store. It's slated to open in Spring 2002.
But it may also be the last one.
According to Stew Valcour, general manager of Kent, the
company will continue to develop both its traditional and
big box formats. But, he adds, "I think we're coming to the
end of the road for [big boxes] in Atlantic Canada." There
is "lots more room" for traditional building centre stores,
however, Valcour says. A store in Saint John, NB was
replaced last Spring by a Kent big box.
The only big box competition comes from two Home Depot
stores, one in Halifax, NS and the other in nearby
Dartmouth. A Home Depot store planned for Moncton for the
past two years has been yanked once and for all, and
Wal-Mart now has the option on the site.
While the Halifax store is flourishing, parking lot activity
at the Dartmouth store tells a different story there. Likely
with its eye on the performance of the Home Depot in
Dartmouth, Kent is considering carefully any further plans
to open big boxes of its own. It is, however, working on
upgrading its traditional stores. Though Valcour wouldn't
confirm a date, a new look will appear in Rothesay, NB in
Spring or Summer 2002. There, an 11,000-sq.ft. outlet will
be replaced by a 60,000-sq.ft. store. The opening last week
of a 55,000-sq.ft. store in Charlottetown, PE by Schurman
Building Supplies represents a model for a downsized big box
format, one that Kent may borrow from in its Rothesay store.
______________________________________________
SODISCO-HOWDEN SEEKS GROWTH
BY "FOCUSING ON THE FUNDAMENTALS"
Sodisco-Howden Group's financial health is good, despite
sagging profits, says Jos Wintermans, the new president and
CEO. Speaking at the Howden Division's Fall Market last week
in Toronto, he told an audience of dealers from all parts of
English Canada that the company's financial health is
supported by good cash flow and healthy inventories.
The mandate of his predecessor, Tony Molluso, was to drive
sales. Under Wintermans, who has a solid background in
operations (his legacy includes Canadian Tire Finance and a
seat on Sodisco-Howden's board of directors), attention
appears to be turning inward. Currently, org teams
comprising 50 SHG employees are mandated to develop
execution plans for a number of ideas that have largely come
from the staff themselves. The process includes increasing
service levels, a SKU review and increasing inventory
accuracy and turns.
"It utilizes the knowledge and experience of the employees
inside our own company," Wintermans said. Included in all
this is an effort to better harmonize the buying teams in
the company's two divisions. The six-month process is
expected to be ready for implementation by early 2002.
The initiative is also looking externally, seeking ways to
grow the Pro banner nationwide and increase buying power for
dealers.
Later, in an interview with Hardlines, Wintermans explained
that he's simply trying to encourage an environment and a
mentality to get good ideas tested and implemented. "It's a
framework and a discipline that says, 'let's live by facts,
not by opinion.' "
Wintermans added that he expects to be in place for anywhere
from one to two years. He currently commutes to both the
Sodisco Division in Victoriaville, QC and the London
facility from his home in Toronto.
_____________________________________________
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS
Taiga Forest Products has reported second-quarter sales for
the period ended September 30, 2001. Sales totaled $230.1
million, a 14% increase over the same period last year, when
sales were $201.9 million. Sales for the six-month period
were $465.6 million, compared with $447.3 the previous year.
Earnings for the same period were $3.8 million and $514,000
for the equivalent time in 2000.
Sales in the third quarter were up 8.6% for Sears Canada,
from $1.46 billion to $1.58 million. Merchandise sales were
up 5.4%, while same-store sales fell 1.1%. Net income fell
to $17.9 million from $36.2 million.
West Fraser had sales of $407 million, compared with $341
million for the same period last year. Net income totalled
$46 million versus $24 million. Sales year-to-date were
$1.20 billion, compared with $1.37 billion for the first
nine months of 2000. During the third quarter, West Fraser
discontinued operations of its retail home improvement
division, with the sale of Revy Home Centres and the
disposal of most of the related real estate. The selloff
earned the company $220 million, less the $32.1 million it
had to pay to the Kitchen family for outstanding Revy
shares.
More than 600 TruServ and V&S dealers are expected today in
Winnipeg for TruServ's National Merchandise Market, which
runs until October 23. The event, at the Winnipeg Convention
Centre, will feature dealer seminars and products from 500
manufacturers.
The Zircon Corp.'s Canadian sales office has a new location,
effective immediately: 90 Kenmore Ave., Cambridge, ON N1S
3H6. Phone remains the same: 519-624-1063; and so does the
guy who runs it: John Tizzard, director of sales &
marketing: johnt@zircon.com.
Roland Boulanger Ltd. is establishing a new facility to
serve the Ontario market, effective November 1: 10
Kingsbridge Garden Circle, suite 704, Mississauga, ON L5R
3K6; phone: 905-502-3483; fax: 905-502-3484.
Fantom Industries has stopped shipping after months of
losses amidst ongoing efforts to restructure. The maker of
the wonderfully named Fantom Fury vacuum cleaner has reduced
its work force and ceased manufacturing.
Willamette Industries Inc. announced last week it was
willing to discuss a sale to Weyerhaeuser Co., if the latter
makes a written offer in the high US$50 per share range.
This was the first time Willamette has spelled out what
price it will be willing to sell at.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced same-store sales for the
first week of October that were slightly below plan. The
company is still tracking within the 4%-6% range it
anticipates for the full month. Sales were above average in
several categories, including housewares, office supplies,
fabrics and crafts, pet supplies, shoes, household chemicals
and paper, pharmacy and cosmetics.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. has announced that total domestic
store revenues for the five weeks ending September 29, 2001
were US$2.51 million. This represents a 6% decrease from the
same period in 2000. Same-store revenues decreased 6.7%.
The U.S. is poised to appoint Marc Racicot, former
Republican governor of Montana, as a new point man in the
softwood lumber dispute. Racicot, a U.S. Army prosecutor
before he entered politics, acted as spokesman for Mr. Bush
during the Florida ballot recount. Canadian government
representatives have raised concerns that the introduction
of Racicot this late in the process could slow any possible
resolutions to the conflict.
_____________________________________________
CANADIAN STOCK WATCH
| COMPANY |
52-WK HIGH |
52-WK LOW |
CLOSE (FRI) |
| Canadian Tire |
25.20 |
15.05 |
22.12 |
| Canfor |
16.95 |
7.65 |
9.10 |
| Emco |
7.50 |
2.60 |
4.30 |
| Goodfellow |
11.00 |
8.00 |
8.40 |
| Home Depot |
49.74 |
47.61 |
41.68 |
| Hudson's Bay |
17.65 |
12.40 |
15.40 |
| Lowe's |
64.90 |
34.25 |
34.69 |
| Sears Canada |
37.25 |
18.55 |
15.40 |
| Sodisco-Howden |
0.75 |
2.80 |
0.75 |
| Taiga Forest |
10.00 |
6.80 |
10.50 |
| West Fraser |
36.50 |
21.00 |
31.00 |
______________________________________________
"When you make a world tolerable for yourself you make a
world tolerable for others."
- Anais Nin (20th-century French author)
______________________________________________
MARKET INDICATORS
The Consumer Price Index increased 2.6% in September over
September 2000, according to Stats Canada. This follows
another year-over-year increase of 2.8% in August. Almost a
third of the September increase was due to higher food
prices.
Wholesale sales increased 0.8% from July to August, says
Stats Canada. Wholesalers sold $33.2 billion worth of goods
and services that month, with an increase in automotive
(+3.4%), but a decline in metals, plumbing and hardware
(-1.1%). Lumber and building materials were up 0.4%.
* * * * * *
INDUSTRY NEWS. EVERY DAY -
Our website has daily updates on retail and industry news
that matter to you.
Keep informed. Visit hardlines.ca. Every day.
* * * * * *
EUROPE IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS! CANADIANS SHOULD BE
THERE!
THE COLOGNE INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR/DIY'TEC:
March 3-6, 2002. For show information, contact: Edel
Wichmann, 416-598-3343; or colognet@idirect.com. To book
your flight and hotel, call Carol-Ann Contact Trade Show
Travel by phone: 1-877-873-7469; fax: 403-247-2448; or
tradeshowtravel@home.com to arrange your trip. Packages
include return air fare and accommodations, as well as
admission to the Exhibition. BOOK EARLY!
Packages also include an invitation to the internationally
famous Canada Night Reception on Sunday, March 3, 2002,
sponsored by Hardlines and Cologne International Trade
Shows. We'll see you in Cologne!
* * * * * *
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Trent Coleman has left Canadian Tire Corp., which has
resulted in Dave Party moving over to replace him as lead
category manager, outdoor equipment and yard tools ...
Suzanne Morgan replaces Party as lead category manager,
décor ... Pam Pike has joined Morgan's team as category
manager in plumbing and décor ... No replacement has yet
been named for Pike, who formerly handled power tool
accessories and generators. (416-480-3000)
The Canadian Retail Building Supply Council has appointed
Donald O'Hara as president for the 2001-2003 term. CRBSC is
a national umbrella organization comprised of Canada's five
regional and provincial building supply dealer associations:
Building Supply Dealers Association of BC, Western Retail
Lumber Association, Lumber and Building Materials
Association of Ontario, Québec Building Materials Dealers
Association, and Atlantic Building Supply Dealers
Association. O'Hara is executive vice-president of ADMACQ.
CRBSC has a combined membership of 1,800 companies
representing total estimated sales of $28.5 billion at
retail. (450-646-5842)
______________________________________________
NOTED ...
Elena Opasini, editor of Centre magazine, is rounding up
votes for her Best in Business Awards, but it's last call,
so act fast. To vote for your favourite buyer or vendor,
visit http://www.centremagazine.com/ and cast your
electronic vote.
A coin has been struck in honour of Walter Hachborn, founder
of Home Hardware Stores, in Kitchener-Waterloo, ON. The
two-dollar coin is legal tender in the twin cities for the
duration of Oktoberfest.
Retail Council of Canada is bringing behavioural market
researcher Paco Underhill to Toronto on October 29 at the
Sheraton Parkway North, and to Ottawa on October 30 at the
Ottawa Congress Centre. Underhill is the author of the
international best-selling book, Why We Buy: The Science of
Shopping. Tickets are $60 for members, $90 for non-members
and $30 for students. To register, call 416-922-6678;
http://www.retailcouncil.org/.
______________________________________________
* * * * HARDLINES MARKETPLACE* * * *
Check out Hardlines Classifieds on the web:
https://hardlines.ca/html/classifieds_new.asp
______________________________________________
NORAL MARKETING:
Representing leading manufacturers since 1986.
We ensure high profile retail presence for a wide range of
product lines.
Why not make yours one of them?
www.noralmarketing.com or call 519-439-6800 ext. 201
* * * * * *
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS:
You are a senior marketing professional with many years of
retail and contractor experience. As a team player, you
possess strong communication, managerial and interpersonal
skills. You are a very motivated, 'hands-on' individual who
will be responsible for developing and executing various
marketing programs, including print, radio and television.
Strong organizational skills are required for overseeing the
budget and critical execution paths. Experience in setting
up trade and consumer shows and special events would be an
asset.
TIM-BR Mart is the national retail brand for hundreds of
building centres across Canada. This Ontario management
position is dedicated to ensuring that our stores project a
strong retail image in the marketplace. Your goal is to
strengthen the TIM-BR Mart brand by making the marketing
decisions that provide the best value within the approved
budget.
We offer a competitive compensation package and a pleasant
working environment. We thank all candidates for their
interest; however, only those candidates selected for an
interview will be contacted.
Please fax your resumé, in strictest confidence, to the
Executive Assistant at the private fax: 905-671-9467 or
e-mail to sheenaj@homecare.on.ca
* * * * * *
MERCHANDISER/SUPERVISOR:
MOST Marketing is looking for an experienced
merchandiser/supervisor to service the Leviton line of
products for retail stores in the Toronto area market.
This is a contract position. Benefits and remuneration are
based on experience. If you're interested and a hard worker,
contact Alain Carle, Merchandising and Servicing Manager,
Leviton Manufacturing Canada; 1-800-461-2002 ext. 467;
e-mail: acarle@leviton.com. Suitable candidates must have a
car, and must be available to travel.
* * * * * *
THE HARDLINES MARKETPLACE: just $16 per line.
A classified ad with Hardlines is the most direct way to
industry eyes.
Over 3,000 executives in the industry come in contact with
our email and fax publications ...
... and have you seen our Marketplace in our new website?
https://hardlines.ca/html/classifieds_new.asp
Publish your ad where it matters. Get industry exposure
today.
Contact us at 416-489-3396 or email: buzz@hardlines.ca
______________________________________________
Hardlines is published weekly (except monthly in December
and August)
by McLARNEYCOM
542 Mount Pleasant Rd., Suite 302, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4S 2M7
(c) 2001 by Michael McLarney.
HARDLINES(tm) the electronic newsletter hardlines.ca
Phone: 416.489.3396; Fax: 416.489.6154
Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher: mike@hardlines.ca
Eugenia Canas, Assistant Editor: buzz@hardlines.ca
Beverly Allen, Marketing Manager: bev@hardlines.ca
Nancy Wright, Circulation Manager: nancy@hardlines.ca
______________________________________________
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