August 23, 2010, Volume xvi, #33
“A successful life is one that is lived through understanding and pursuing one’s own path, not chasing after the dreams of others.” — Chin-Ning Chu (Chinese American business consultant, 1947-2009)
Summer Publishing Schedule:
HARDLINES will NOT be published Aug. 30. We will be back to our regular weekly schedule on Sept. 6. So hang in with us for one more HARDLINES-free week after this, and remember that the World Headquarters remains open as we get ready for Amazing 15th Anniversary HARDLINES Conference on Oct. 28 & 29. —Michael
TIM-BR MARTS confirms dates for own show
CALGARY — TIM-BR MARTS Ltd. has confirmed that it will host its own buying show. Called the TIM-BR MART National Buying Show, it will be held at the Toronto Congress Centre March 31-April 2, 2011.
TIM-BR MARTS has created the show to provide the national buying group’s member dealers with a central venue for more than 250 preferred LBM and hardlines vendors. The event is also intended to provide a forum for networking and information exchange amongst industry colleagues.
The event will kick off with an opening evening “meet and greet,” followed by two days of buying activity. More than 350 TIM-BR MART dealers are expected to attend from across Canada. ![](https://hardlines.ca/wp-content/uploads/img/strem.jpg) “For three days, our dealers and vendors will see the power of Canada’s leading buying group for independents in action,” says Steve Stremecki, VP Retail Services at TIM-BR MARTS Ltd.”
The show comes as a result of continued growth from a group that now manages some $2 billion in purchases annually. “Our buying power has reached a point where we can deliver the most value to our dealers and help our vendors build their business by bringing them together in an exclusive environment,” says Randy Martin, VP Procurement at TIM-BR MARTS.
The show is being managed by London, Ont.-based KCI Management, which also handles the Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association’s annual buying show, the Canadian Home Improvement Show. Vendor registration will begin Aug. 30, with a limited number of booths available. Dealers will be able to begin registering in October.
More information will be available at www.timbrmartbuyingshow.com; vendors can also contact KCI directly at 519-963-4476.
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Home Depot and Lowe’s enjoy increases in second quarter
ATLANTA — The Home Depot announced second-quarter results last week, which included a 1.8% increase in sales to $19.4 billion. Same-store sales were up by 1.7%. Net earnings reached $1.2 billion, up slightly from $1.1 billion in 2Q 2009.
These results, though positive, fall short of the numbers reported by Home Depot’s biggest rival, Lowe’s Cos., which reported its second quarter a day earlier. Lowe’s had net earnings of $832 million for the quarter, a 9.6% increase from the same period a year ago. Sales for the quarter increased 3.7% to $14.4 billion.
Same-store sales for the second quarter increased 1.6% and for the first half of 2010 increased 2.0%. Performance was especially strong for Lowe’s Canadian stores, which enjoyed a 2.4% increase in same-store sales in Canadian dollars and more than 11% in U.S. dollars.
While Home Depot’s same-store sales were up for only the second consecutive quarter since 2005, the severity of the economic climate in the U.S. kept those sales to a rise of only 1.0% domestically. The 0.7% boost came from the company’s international operations in Mexico and China. However, its 179 stores in Canada turned in flat same-store sales, as the division continued to feel the impact of slowdowns in some parts of Western Canada.
In a conference call with analysts, Home Depot President and CEO Frank Blake warned against a quick turnaround, “There are reasons to be cautious across our business.” He cited a slow return of business from the pro side, coupled with a still-flagging housing market in the U.S. “All of these factors counsel caution as we enter the back half of the year.”
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RONA continues to gain ground in second quarter
BOUCHERVILLE , Que. — RONA’s second-quarter results reflect continued recovery that started in the first quarter: Total consolidated sales increased 2.1% to $1.4 billion, while same-store sales were up 0.9% (representing a 2.6% increase in corporate and franchised stores segment sales and a 0.2% increase in distribution segment sales).
The company said both corporate and franchised stores did well in the early part of the second quarter, thanks to good weather through much of the country and a lift in housing starts. Things slowed down a bit later in May and in June, due in part to less-favourable weather.
The company’s net earnings were up 11.6%, however, excluding unusual items related to the cost of store closures, they were up 2.0%.
RONA made a number of strides during the quarter: the acquisition of Pierceys in Halifax helped to consolidate RONA’s positioning in the region; a 73,000-square-foot store was opened in Saskatoon and a 35,000 square-foot store was renovated and re-opened in St. John’s; and RONA’s sponsorship of the Canadian Football League was renewed through to 2012.
In addition, six independent dealers have joined RONA since the beginning of the year. They represent more than $45 million in annual retail sales.
While lumber and plumbing/HVAC were strong sellers on both the retail and commercial side, other categories were affected by poor weather in May and June, particularly in Alberta and Quebec. Other factors dampening sales included a decline in consumer confidence, a slowing down of the housing market, and delays in imports from China. Those delays hit the seasonal and garden categories especially hard.
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Downs and Simko named to run CanWel divisions
VANCOUVER — Two key appointments at CanWel Building Materials Group Ltd. resolve one of the big question marks surrounding the largest industry takeover in Canada last year.
CanWel purchased Broadleaf Logistics from Rudy Holding, folding it into CanWel’s own building materials distribution business. Bob Simko, formerly President and CEO of Broadleaf, has been named President of the new entity, called CanWel+Broadleaf Division. With combined sales of about $1.5 billion annually, it is Canada’s largest building materials distributor.
CanWel’s building materials division was previously headed by Tom Donaldson, who left the company for personal reasons, returning to his family roots in Nova Scotia.
Simultaneous with Simko’s announcement, CanWel Chairman Amar Doman announced the promotion of Robert Downs to President of the CanWel Hardware Division. He was formerly Vice-President and General Manager.
The appointments are effective Sept. 7. Both men will report directly to Amar Doman, Chairman and CEO of the company.
Earlier this month, CanWel Building Materials Group announced its second-quarter results, the first full quarter that includes operations from the former Broadleaf Logistics. Sales topped $404 million, up from $185 million for the comparable period in 2009. In that period, gross margin climbed to $43.7 million, or 10.8% of sales, vs. $25.4 million, or 13.7% of sales in 2009.
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Seasonal sales up for Canadian Tire in second quarter
TORONTO — Canadian Tire Corp. recorded a 2.5% increase in retail sales for its second quarter to $2.86 billion, while net earnings were up 15.6% from the prior year. Adjusted net earnings were up 14.8 %.
At Canadian Tire Retail, total retail sales in the second quarter increased 1.3% and same-store sales were up 0.8%. Sales increased in gardening and backyard living, due to a strong marketing campaign during the quarter. Kitchen and household cleaning also saw year-over-year increases in sales.
During the quarter, CTR retrofitted 39 of its “Smart” stores, and expects to have 59 retrofits completed this year. Two new Smart stores were opened, as well, and the company expects to open six more this year. CTR also opened two “Small Market” stores, with one more planned by year’s end.
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Certainteed offers educations seminars
OAKVILLE , Ont. — A series of seminars is being produced by Certainteed for its pro customers, including architects, designers, builders and contractors. The series, called “Be Certain”, features information on Certainteed’s lines of roofing, insulation, drywall, ceilings, fence products and foundations.
A seminar on “Minimizing the Threat of Mould and Mildew in Wall Systems” will also be part of the program, presented by Lucas Hamilton, an authority on building science.
The seminars will be held in Calgary, Sept. 1; Oakville, Ont., Sept. 16; and Vancouver, Sept. 21. For more information, call 1-800-233-8990.
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Classifieds
National Accounts Coordinator
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.
MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY in Cottage Country
GENERAL MANAGER required for a thriving hardware store operating under a major national banner in “The Land of 1000 Lakes” (Hwy.#41 north of Hwy.#7)
Come and live in Cottage Country and enjoy the great outdoors; fishing, boating, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, hunting, golf all available in this beautiful part of Ontario, when you are not managing our growing retail and cottage maintenance business with excellent potential for expansion into building materials.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years retail management and strong people skills with customers and staff alike. Knowledge of construction, building materials and/or other trades is an asset. Competitive salary based on experience.
Forward resume to: networkinfo.ca@gmail.com
![](https://hardlines.ca/wp-content/uploads/img/wd40c.jpg)
Brand Manager
Major consumer packaged goods company is seeking a creative, dynamic, “hands –on” marketing professional to manage marketing activities nationwide. Reporting to the General Manager & working with our sales managers, you would be responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing marketing/ sales programs and customer marketing initiatives to support our brands, including marketing strategy, promotions, sales support programs & the communication mix – plus contributing to strategic customer planning .
Qualified candidates would have a minimum of 7-10 years combined consumer brand marketing experience within a consumer packaged goods environment. Preferred background would include advertising, market research, consumer/marketing data interpretation, packaging development, product introduction, promotion, public relations and sales processes. Working knowledge of the various trade channels would be a definite asset.
Proficiency with Microsoft applications mandatory.
See our website at www.wd40.com for further company information.
Respond by fax or e-mail only by August 18th. 2010.
WD-40 Company (Canada) Ltd .Fax: 416 622-8096 Email: gencan@wd40.com
![](https://hardlines.ca/wp-content/uploads/img/14.09.jpg)
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER, CONAIR CONSUMER PRODUCTS INC., PERSONAL CARE APPLIANCE DIVISION, WOODBRIDGE, ONTARIO
CONAIR , a global leader in personal care and small kitchen appliance products, located in Woodbridge, Ontario, is seeking a NATIONAL SALES MANAGER to oversee the sales department of the Canadian Personal Care Appliance Division.
Attractive compensation package – salary, performance bonus, car allowance, benefits.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Overall management of the company’s major retail customer relationships.
- Sales focused, entrepreneurial
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Customer service oriented
- Able to seek out new opportunities and new channels of distribution.
- Manage all sales employees as well as sales agents.
- Team Builder – must be a good motivator
- Ability to provide mentorship and leadership and make key decisions
- Meeting growth objectives and managing a budget
- Effective communicator both internally and externally.
- Very detail oriented, organized and disciplined, attention to accuracy
- Excellent analytical ability
- Able to work to deadlines and schedules
- Self starter – able to work with little supervision
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 10-15 years experience including 5 years in a senior sales management capacity
- Knowledge and experience in the consumer goods industry
- Extensive sales experience with National Retailers
- Post secondary undergraduate diploma/degree in business or equivalent
- Proficient in MS Office including Excel, Word & PowerPoint
Please submit résumé via email to: Black Eagle Executive Search c/o Richard Simms at rsimms@blackeagle.ca
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