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October 14, 2013, Volume xix, #39
“If the nation’s economists were all laid end to end, they would point in all directions.” —Arthur H. Motley (American publisher and president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1900-1984)
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Chalifour Canada announces e-catalogue at expo
MONTREAL — Chalifour, the hardware distributor owned by TIM-BR MART, held its third annual buying expo for independent dealers on October 4 and 5 at Place Bonaventure in downtown Montreal. The show, which featured 260 hardlines and building materials vendors in more than 120,000 square feet, features show specials and pallet deals. According to TIM-BR MART, more than 760 dealers attended from across Canada.
But the show was also the scene of the announcement of an “e-cat,” an enhanced online platform that promises to make ordering easier for Chalifour customers.
Highlights of the show included a 5,500-square-foot “Store on the Floor,” a fully merchandised model store with 55 planograms, a full light cloud, and a new paint essentials program featuring 20 paint planograms. The show also featured a 2,500-square-foot plumbing and bath showroom and a 2,000-square-foot outdoor living patio showcase.
There was a prize draw for a new 2013 Ford F-150 pickup truck, as well.
“Chalifour Canada’s distribution network provides a tremendous competitive advantage for our dealers,” said Rich Huisman, national director of sales. “This show is a terrific demonstration of our strength, and reflects the strength of our relationships with our vendors.”
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Titan makes amicable departure from TIM-BR MART Group
VAUGHAN, Ont. — The resignation of Doug Skrepnek from the board of directors of TIM-BR MART Group (as reported in these pages last week —Editor) signaled the departure of his group, WSB Titan, from TIM-BR MART at the end of 2013.
Titan was formed in 2009 when three giant gypsum supply dealers (GSDs)—Watson Building Supplies in Vaughan, Ont., Shoemaker Drywall Supplies in Lethbridge, Alta., and Beauchesne, headquartered in St-Mathieu de Beloeil, Que.—united to form one buying group. Together, they represent 22 locations with more than $300 million in sales. Drywall volume alone is reportedly in excess of 300 million board feet annually.
“TIM-BR MART Group has done a great job of expanding, but a lot of their focus has been on the retail side, which does not affect us,” said Skrepnek. Because of the high volumes generated by the member companies in Titan, it is not expected to seek membership in another buying group.
Nevertheless, says Jennifer Paige, director of communications for TIM-BR MART Group, “There are a lot of TIM-BR MART dealers for whom the retail services are increasingly important. And TIM-BR MART Group remains the country’s dominant buying group for independents,” she adds.
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B.C. dealers celebrate 75 years at latest show
WHISTLER, B.C. — After a one-year hiatus, the buying show of the British Columbia dealers’ association, BSIA, made a strong comeback last week in the resort town of Whistler, two hours outside of Vancouver. The show drew almost 200 dealers to see new products and attend social events that included a gala dinner atop Whistler Mountain.
A breakfast session featured local builder Bob Deeks and former B.C. Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon, moderated by HARDLINES editor Michael McLarney. Deeks observed that eco-friendly building is growing among homebuilders, but new systems require product knowledge—something that builders rely on their building centres for. Falcon reinforced the importance of a buoyant, resource-based economy for the province, which all dealers would benefit from.
To celebrate the association’s 75th anniversary, the BSIA issued a commemorative book. It featured an introduction by current BSIA president Thomas Foreman, who points out that “a handshake still means something with our members.” (The association’s first AGM was held at the Hotel Vancouver, where the meeting’s minutes refer to the two-dollar five-course dinners!)
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Vendors get chance to present products to Lowe’s Canada
TORONTO — Lowe’s Canada has developed a venue for vendors to present their products to the company’s buyers. The first-ever Innovative Products Forum will be held October 31, using technology “to raise the bar for retailers and product creators to bring new and innovative products online and to market shelves,” the company said in a release.
Lowe’s says it is looking for vendors who can “present new and innovative products, lower priced alternative products, and clearance buy opportunities to Lowe’s Canada merchants.” Up to two people per vendor company can participate and each session lasts a maximum of 15 minutes.
Lowe’s says that “adding revolutionary products to its existing categories of home products and tools will help to further provide added value to customers, while providing entrepreneurial vendors an opportunity to showcase their ground-breaking new concepts.”
Interested vendors can click here for a time slot. (NOTE: Lowe’s Canada advises interested vendors not to test the form by trying to register, as this will lock down times on the schedule.)
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Home Hardware’s 50th will include online shopping launch
ST. JACOBS, Ont. — Home Hardware Stores Ltd. will turn 50 next year and the company plans to play up the milestone in a big way. Promotions will take place at both the consumer and dealer levels, while a new e-commerce initiative will be rolled out.
“We’re doing some very interesting things for our 50th, including an ‘Ode to Ownership,’ which will start with TV,” says Jack Baillie, Home Hardware’s marketing director. The promotion will celebrate the independent dealer. “Then, in early 2014, we’ll be covering all the bases—TV, fliers, and digital.” The messages will celebrate the company’s history, “but focus on the future, as well,” says Baillie.
Baillie confirmed that Home will launch an e-commerce site next year, one that will enable shoppers to buy online and pick the products up in-store. The program is currently being tested in select stores across the country. “It will just supplement our business—for people who only like to buy online and for smaller stores that don’t have the full assortment.”
He adds that the company will roll out some “big national events” later in the year, but wouldn’t reveal any more details.
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Resumés
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