Greystone Co-op Home Centre in Saskatoon represents the latest innovations being developed at retail by Federated Co-operatives Ltd. Hardlines took a tour of the store with Don Ryan, marketing manager for FCL’s Home and Building Solutions division.
The store was built last year to replace a smaller home centre down the road. FCL has updated 20 stores in its system so far. “Ongoing, it’s been successful,” Ryan says of the new look.
Bigger, brighter interior
A power aisle through the centre of retail area showcases key seasonal and promotional items, including snow blowers, roof rakes, and power tools.
Vignettes abound in the kitchen and bath department, creating a powerful “show and tell” effect.
Coloured tubs like this one show that the store is appealing to a more sophisticated customer who demands better quality products.
More building materials, carefully merchandised
The store has more building materials than its predecessors, including a bigger range of doors and mouldings . Ryan credits Alexandria Moulding, which worked closely with store design and merchandising company BMF, which was instrumental in developing the new look for the stores.
Catering to contractors and trades
Features like the drive-through lumber area, a first for Co-op Home Centres, along with an expanded contractor service area, have helped the store attract more pro customers.
