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September 8, 2014 Volume
xx, #33
“I've had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.” —Joan Rivers (American comedian who passed away last week at the age of 81)
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Young Leaders will converge on this year’s Hardlines Conference
WORLD HEADQUARTERS, Toronto — The roster for the 2014 Hardlines Conference has been confirmed, with a world-class lineup of retail and industry speakers. But an important addition to this year’s industry summit is a panel of young leaders from within the home improvement industry.
Working in partnership with the Western Retail Lumber Association and its NexGEN program for young leaders, and with the support of Canada’s leading retail groups, the conference will bring together some of the industry’s brightest and best. They are: Marc-André Dignard, project director, operations for RONA inc.; Kim Ytsma, owner of Alliston Home Hardware in Alliston, Ont.—and the 2013 recipient of the NRHA’s Young Retailer of the Year Award; Eric Palmer, Canadian sales operations manager for Jeld-Wen, based in Winnipeg ; and Joel Seibert, operations manager for Mountain View Building Materials in Calgary.
These young leaders will be just one part of a rich two-day agenda that will feature top retail experts, industry veterans, and trends gurus.
Retail leaders will be front and centre on the podium. Tony Steier, Home and Building Supplies Director for Federated Co-operatives Limited, heads up the hardware and home improvement business for this giant Western co-op. In recent years, the company has been beefing up its hardware business, which is worth more than half a billion dollars at retail.
One of the giants of retail is Canadian Tire. We are proud to welcome Greg Hicks, senior vice president of merchandising for Canadian Tire Retail. Robert Moschorak, president of Ace International, will talk about Ace’s presence internationally and the potential for further involvement in the Canadian market. At the other end of the spectrum, we will hear from an independent dealer, as Vicki Hagel, owner of Cook Street Castle in Victoria, B.C.; tells her story.
On the e-commerce front, our latest speaker is Mark Thomas, co-founder of Quinju.com. This exciting new online platform offers a fascinating opportunity for vendors to showcase their products and know-how to consumers.
Trends leaders speaking at the Conference are: Ted Tsiakopoulos, a leading economist from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Jo Rossman (right) from the Association for Retail Environments; and Robert Howard, Partner at retail consultancy Kurt Salmon.
Inspirational leaders will also be featured. This year’s “Profiles in Leadership” Series is proud to feature Paul Beeston, president and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays. And the conference kicks off on Day One with an intensive, hands-on workshop by Donald Cooper, president of The Donald Cooper Corporation.
The 19th Annual Hardlines Conference runs October 22-23 at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference Centre. For more information and to register now, click here.
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RONA show has focus on buying for independent dealers
MONTREAL — The show held here last week by RONA continues to establish a renewed commitment to its independent dealer base.
The show marks the first time that RONA has mounted a true buying show; in the past the shows have presented the latest products and merchandising on behalf of its corporate stores. This time, 250 vendors participated in a more conventional way, with booths of their own offering a wider range of products.
According to Luc Rodier, SVP of RONA, the show enjoyed a strong turnout, with 90% of its dealer base in Quebec attending, and 80% nationally.
The show ties in with a commitment internally to re-focus RONA on its wholesaler roots, with a team in place that offers products, pricing, and support tailored for independent and affiliate dealers, as well as corporately owned proximity stores.
The main focus of the show was on seasonal, but vendors from across the spectrum of product categories were present, including a broader representation by LBM vendors than at past RONA shows. The show also featured a new product section, merchandising ideas, and “power buys.” New product categories included a range of pet foods and a new confectionery program.
While some LBM vendors felt the timing of the show was too early for their spring bookings, the overall response by exhibitors was positive, with a buzz at this show that was lacking at RONA’s last show.
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Yves Gagnon steps down as president of BMR
BOUCHERVILLE, Que. — Effective September 2, Yves Gagnon has stepped down as president of BMR. However, he remains on as chairman of the board. Pascal Houle, who came over from La Coop fédérée in March 2014 as executive vice president of BMR, is currently in charge.
Two members of Gagnon’s executive team, senior vice president Jean Falardeau and VP finance Jean St-Maurice, have also retired.
Gagnon has shepherded BMR through some dramatic changes over the years, during which time the buying group grew to more than 185 dealers. Those changes included the addition of a full-line distribution business that serves its dealers with hardware and building materials and expansion of the membership beyond the Quebec border. And at the end of last year, BMR completed a merger with La Coop fédérée, which took a 20% ownership stake in BMR.
However, Gagnon had health problems: two summers ago, he was stricken by heart troubles. Despite this setback he continued to lead the company. Gagnon is still the owner of Groupe Yves Gagnon, a chain of BMR stores in Quebec that is run by his daughter, Geneviève Gagnon.
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Canadians rock in the Windy City during Orgill Market
Shown: Michael McLarney from HARDLINES; James Jones of Castle Building Centres; Beverly Allen from HARDLINES; Mike Nicol from The Mibro Group; and Steve Finlay from Imperial Manufacturing.
CHICAGO — More than 100 Canadians from a range of banners attended the Orgill dealer market in Chicago last month. A reception for the Canucks at Reggies Bar brought them together off the show floor for socializing and some live blues music. The event was sponsored by Imperial Manufacturing and The Mibro Group.
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RONA creates team to support Ace Hardware banner
BOUCHERVILLE, Que. — Following its recent master license agreement with Ace Hardware, RONA has put together a team to support Ace products and programs to dealers in Canada.
The team is being led by Bill Morrison, president of TruServ Canada, who leads the team dedicated to growing the Ace brand in Canada and to improving RONA’s offering to independent dealers across Canada by strengthening its portfolio of banners.
Martin Provencher has been named vice president, business development. He was previously vice president, services and development at RONA. In his new role, he will lead the development of the new license agreement and introduce new strategies to improve dealer experiences and maximize growth of RONA’s independent dealers. He reports to Morrison.
RONA has recruited Josée Desrosiers from TIM-BR MART Group to serve as national director of business development, reporting to Provencher. She was previously national brand manager at TIM-BR MART. Previously, she held the post of regional business development director for Ace.
Also joining the team: Serge Vézina (left) (who is making his return to RONA) and Mark Blouin. As business development directors, they will focus on serving and growing the Ace brand in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Tony Perillo joins the team as the director of business development in Western Canada., Guy Lichter, director of sales, operations & customer relations, along with a team of district managers, will serve Ace in Ontario and Western Canada.
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Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
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- Bilingual - English / French an asset
- Overnight travel required up to 25%
This challenging position offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits package, a company auto and the potential for an annual bonus.
Interested applicants may find out more and apply by clicking here.
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Director, Retail Sales- Schlage
Leading a national team of sales professionals, the Director of Retail Sales, controls and directs all activities of the retail sales organization, ensures development of retail programmes to attain planned sales, productivity and budget compliance. Driving profitable growth through best in class category leadership, account management and flawless execution against our strategic plan
- Directs the domestic retail sales activities including, Big Box, LBM and e-Commerce
- Exercises management and sales initiatives which ensure that a competitive position is maintained within the market.
- Directs sales planning and provides input to market research activities.
- Reviews sales and forecasts.
- Makes recommendations for new products and changes in existing products
Experience
- Minimum 10 years related experience in retail or consumer packaged goods environment Big Box DYI preferred
- 5-10 years’ of progressive sales experience
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior position leading a sales team
- University degree preferred or an equivalent degree in a field of study related to the position
For more information about this position visit http://careers.allegion.com/ for more details.
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