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October 25, 2010, Volume xvi, #41
“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence.
To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”
—Pearl S. Buck (American novelist, 1892-1973)
Business sessions key to upcoming HARDLINES Conference
WORLD HEADQUARTERS, Toronto — The country’s leading building supply dealers, home improvement vendors and hardware retailers are preparing to gather this week in Toronto for the industry's biggest information and networking event of the year.
The 15th Annual Hardlines Conference will feature sessions aimed specifically at helping building centre dealers navigate their way out of the downturn and make the most of the recovery (however slow it may be). Jon Eakes, renowned radio and TV home improvement expert, will share valuable tips on how to “Maximize Your Connection with Your Contractor Customer in the New Economy”.
One of the cornerstones of evolving your business will be understanding and utilizing new technologies. Get important insights with “What's Ahead for Retail Technology: an Industry Forecast”, presented by Patrick DuPaul of OGC. Technology meets sustainability with “Manage your brand reputation”, presented by Sue Dempsey, vice-president and general manager of OnSpeX, Consumer Product Evaluation, a division of CSA Group, and Dave McNeil, President of 4th Strand.
“Sustainability Can Equal Profitability” will outline how retailers and vendors can partner to create energy-saving promotional programs that will drive consumer traffic – and increase sales. it features Garry Tollefson, the manager, Demand Side Management, at SaskPower Eneraction, and special retail guest John DeFranco (shown here) of Home Depot Canada.
If you never joined us before, I invite you make 2010 the year you expand your brain – and your business network – by signing up today for the 15th Annual HARDLINES Conference. Click here for more info. —Michael
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TSC unveils online distribution strategy
LONDON , Ont. — TSC Stores, the Ontario-based farm and hardware chain, is the latest company to throw its hat into the wholesale distribution ring, offering an online farm and hardware distribution strategy. However, says TSC’s COO Greg Hicks, the development of the new business has been several months in the works. It sprang, he says, out of another part of TSC’s business, its growing franchise dealer network, which now numbers four TSC Villager stores, in Milton, Kingston, Orillia and Barrie, Ont.
“As a part of this initiative, we have been having conversations with independents in the farm supply sector, who have expressed interest in TSC supplying our assortments on a wholesale basis,” Hicks says.
The new business unit will be named TSC Country Pro Services (Love the name! —Editor), and it aims to provide the rural independent with a source for wholesale farm supply products and other country focused assortments such as lawn and garden, work wear, pet and general hardware. Out of the gate, the program offers more than 17,000 SKUs supported by everything from spring seasonal and discount bookings to delivery schedules, terms and competitive freight rates.
In light of recent developments in the industry, timing couldn’t have been better, says Hicks. “All of a sudden, the phone is ringing off the hook.” Interest is coming mainly from farm supply retailers, but with TSC’s offerings in core categories such as plumbing, electrical and hand and power tools, he’s also heard from hardware and building materials retailers and from garden centres.
The program comes complete with retail support services for those independents, including store design, planogram set-up, inventory management and advertising. Hicks says the strategy could lead to more independent dealers choosing to become TSC Villager franchisees.
"We are very excited about this new strategy. We are actively working with independents via wholesale and under the TSC Villager brand today and strongly believe that we can add value to the industry.”
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La Coop steps up partnership with Laurentide Paint
TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Que. — La Coop fédérée is increasing its focus on the paint department with a renewed partnership with Laurentide Paint. Cooperation between the two companies currently extends to the manufacture by Laurentide Paint of private-label Fédécor and Inov brands, as well as the sale of Laurentide brand paints in Unimat and La Coop hardware stores and building centres.
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(l-r): André Buisson, president and CEO of Laurentide Inc., and René Labrecque, general manager, Hardware and Agricultural Implements, La Coop fédérée
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But by December, La Coop fédérée will provide Laurentide Paint exclusive advertising space on a range of promotional vehicles, including the weekly Unimat flyer. Laurentide, in turn, has committed to develop and enhance brand exposure across the Unimat and La Coop network of stores, which comprises more than 175 Unimat and La Coop hardware stores and building centres in Québec, Ontario and New Brunswick.
La Coop fédérée has also entrusted Laurentide with the distribution of its private-label Fédécor and Inov paints.
“This partnership will enable retailers and customers to benefit more fully from Laurentide Paint expertise. Laurentide Paint is indeed recognized for product quality and distribution know-how,” says René Labrecque, general manager, Hardware and Agricultural Implements with La Coop fédérée.
This strategic agreement coincides with the implementation of a new paint concept that will be unveiled in the near future. The concept will place the emphasis on private-label Inov and Fédécor brand paints, as well as Laurentide and Para brand paints. “So far, the feedback has been great,” says Labrecque.
La Coop fédérée annually provides thousands of customers with access to an inventory of over 25,000 products. It represents 90,500 members grouped together in 109 cooperatives. The network boasts a business volume of $3.9 billion and employs some 11,500 persons.
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Loyalty, private label and sports figure in RONA’s strategy
BOUCHERVILLE , Que. — RONA inc. is moving ahead with phase two of its three-year strategic plan. Called the “ New World program,” it places renewed emphasis on growth over the 2010-2011 period. And while growth through dealer development remains central to this retail giant, RONA is seeking incremental growth through a number of other initiatives, as well.
A customer loyalty program called RONAdvantages has been fine-tuned and made into a permanent program. Customers can earn up to 5% cash back annually in RONA gift cards and get up to double Air Miles reward points when using RONA’s own private-label credit card. The company claims that just 14 weeks after the launch of the program, the number of new cards issued already surpassed the number of cards issued for the whole year last year under the company’s previous loyalty program.
The Canadian Football League promotional partnership remains an important element of the company’s efforts to increase consumer awareness. The sponsorship, launched in 2001, has now been extended to 2012.
Penetration of RONA’s private-brand and controlled-label products reached over 21% in the first half of 2010, up from 19% at the beginning of the year.
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Classifieds
Business Development Manager – Quebec
Stanley is looking to aggressively re-enter the door industry. To ensure this goal is achieved, Dusco, the licensee for Stanley Black & Decker Inc, is looking for a Business Development Manager for the Province of Quebec. The successful incumbent will possess:
- At least 5 years sales experience in the window and door or related industry
- A reputation and track record of success in selling quality products to window and door manufacturers and distribution clients in Quebec
- An understanding of the significant potential of Stanley Doors and be attracted by the challenge of the sales potential
- The ability to maintain a close connection to the sales opportunities and manage them from inception through completion
- The ability to take personal responsibility and ownership over the sales process
If interested, please forward your resume to the attention of Eric Hubar Meunier at the following e-mail address: ehmeunier@stanleydoor.ca
Sales Administrator
This is a highly visible position providing administrative support to our sales operation. We are looking for a knowledgeable candidate who is able to manage and prioritize multiple tasks. Applicants require excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Extraordinary organizational skills are mandatory. Applicants must be dependable, exhibit common sense, strong initiative and drive in order to coordinate office activities. The successful candidate will exhibit a "can do" attitude and follow through until tasks are completed. This position requires strong computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Please forward resume with salary expectations to:
BLANCO Canada Inc.
Fax: 416-251-0217
E-Mail: HumanResources@BlancoCanada.com
www.BlancoCanada.com
Hitachi Power Tools is seeking a
National Accounts Coordinator based in Mississauga.
The successful candidate will possess:
- Experience working directly with key customers in a dynamic and professional manner
- a detail-oriented self-starter, able to manage own time effectively and meet deadlines
- able to demonstrate effective planning and organizing skills and the ability to prioritize work and multiple projects
- excellent communication (written & verbal), relationship building and presentation skills
- extremely proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
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
We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Hitachi Power Tools is seeking an
Account Executive in British Columbia.
The successful candidate will possess:
- at least 3 years experience in a territory sales role
- strong organizational skills with ability to plan and manage a territory
- strong communication and presentation skills
- ability to work both independently and as part of a team, be a self-starter
- knowledge of trades (ie. Construction, electrical, woodworking, etc.) an asset
- ability to lift product weighing max 65lbs
- a clean driving record and a valid driver’s license
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
We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Resumés
Only 3 more days until the Hardlines Conference!
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