Conference showcases competitive tools for independents

WORLD HEADQUARTERS — The role of the independent dealer in the home improvement industry will be a central focus of the 12th annual Hardlines Conference, to be held in Toronto Oct.15-16, 2007. Break-out sessions on in-store branding, how to use technology to compete against multi-format stores, and building sales through staff training are all designed to provide profitable tools for independents who want to compete in today's consolidated market. Guest speakers will include Jane VanNoy, a TIM-BR Mart dealer who won a Hardware Merchandising Outstanding Retailer Award in 2006. VanNoy will share with delegates the story of how she grew her business in the face of significant challenges. As president and CEO of Orgill, Ron Beal will explain how his company offers independents in the U.S. a supply model not available in Canada since the demise of Sodisco-Howden. Ian Gray, president of LBMX, will discuss how independents can use technology to compete with multi-store players. Phil Otto of Revolve Branding will speak to the issue of building the brand at store level. To register for the Hardlines conference, click here.

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RONA's recycled paint program hits milestone

BOUCHERVILLE — Last week marked the 10th year of operation for RONA's paint recovery program in Quebec, which is managed in partnership with Peintures Récupérées du Québec. Over the least decade, 3.6 million containers of paint have been recovered, reconstituted and sold under the Boomerang Paint brand. To highlight the anniversary, RONA declared September "Paint Recovery Month" in its stores across Quebec. Throughout the month, RONA is inviting consumers in Quebec to bring their old paint in to RONA and Rêno-Dépot stores. The goal is to collect 100,000 containers of paint. The program is noteworthy because it began when the environment was not top-of-mind with mainstream consumers, said RONA president and CEO Robert Dutton in a prepared statement. "Our team was ahead of the game on the issue and showed leadership and innovation in creating what is still today a benchmark for North America in terms of paint recovery and recycling," he added.

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Ace ponders going public

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Ace Hardware Corp., America's largest co-op hardware wholesaler, has told its members it is considering launching an IPO to go public. According to Crain's, Ace CEO Ray Griffith sent a letter to dealer members stating that converting to a traditional corporation would enable the company to generate cash to fuel expansion. The move would follow the example of RONA, Canada's second-largest home improvement retailer, which was a dealer-owned co-op until launching an IPO in 2004. Since then, the company has grown rapidly through acquisition, new store openings and dealer expansion. Ace has also been on an aggressive expansion campaign, opening 130 stores or more a year for the past three years. Going corporate would not only provide cash to help dealers stay competitive, but could very well anticipate the expansion of RONA into the U.S., a move that the company's CEO, Robert Dutton, has expressed interest in making.

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Home Depot has grand opening in China

BEIJING  —  Home Depot made its public entry into China last week, with launches at the 12 Home Way stores it acquired late last year. The formal openings came after eight months of associate training, consumer analysis, and remerchandising at stores in Tianjin, Beijing, Xi'an, Qingdao, Shenyang and Zhengzhou, all of which have underwent interior and exterior renovations. As part of its entry into the Chinese market, Home Depot launched its Eco Options program, and installed water treatment centers in each location to show consumers how to purify their water for drinking. New bathroom products from Kohler have also been introduced, as has the Behr paint brand, which is sold from newly designed "colour centres". Annette Verschuren, president, Home Depot Asia and Canada, was there with Yves Chen, president, Home Depot China, to thank management and associates of the Home Way—now Home Depot. "Their energy, positive attitudes and dedication to excellent customer service are unparalleled," said Verschuren. "Thanks to their dedicated efforts, combined with Home Depot's international strength in retail and innovative product sourcing, we are reshaping our stores to best meet the needs of China's home improvement customers."

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Loblaw's new format superstore opens in Milton

MILTON — Loblaw's Co. Ltd., which has suffered several quarters of disappointing results, opened a pilot of its new superstore format here last week. The new-format store, formerly called the Real Canadian Superstore, has been renamed Loblaw Superstore. The ailing retailer will have placed high hopes on consumer response to the new layout, which includes wider aisles and "clutter-free" checkout lines that are devoid of magazines, confectionery and sundry items. Other changes include improved lighting and signage, and more polished presentation of merchandise. Home and appliance departments have been scaled back, with new prominence given to the Joe Fresh Style, a line of affordable clothing and accessories. That line now features a range of stylish clothes for children and teens. More importantly, a new line of home décor items is expected to hit store shelves in time for the holiday season. There is also a strong "green" component to the new store. As part of Loblaw's commitment to eliminate one billion plastic grocery bags from Canada's landfills within one year, it will be the first major grocery store in North America to discontinue use of traditional plastic grocery bags. The parking lot also includes a small number of preferred spots for hybrid vehicles.

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Tembec acquires green energy plant

TEMISCAMING, ON — Tembec has finalized its acquisition of Chapleau Cogeneration Ltd. in Chapleau, ON. The transaction, which closed on Aug. 15, consists of a series of future annual payments to 2022, with a present value of approximately $1 million. With the addition of the Chapleau facility, Tembec's total captive generating capacity at its facilities in Canada and France exceeds 150 megawatts. All of the 26 megawatts located in Ontario are "green", based on either hydro or biomass - fired generation. Located next to the Chapleau SPF sawmill, the cogeneration plant uses wasted heat to provide energy, and are "a valuable addition to Tembec's operations," Dennis Rounsville, president of the Forest Products Group, said in a prepared statement. The cogeneration plant receives most of its biomass fuel supply directly from the sawmill and, in return, the sawmill receives steam for its lumber kilns. "This is a very logical and sound acquisition," said Mr. Rounsville. "It is also consistent with our corporate priorities in terms of increasing the amount of electricity produced internally and reducing our reliance on purchased energy in all forms. [It] will contribute to a further strengthening of the competitive position of an already good operation."

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