February 19, 2024

  • Canadian Tire’s annual results fall short of company’s expectations
  • Home Hardware’s Laura Baker talks about branding, continued focus on consumers
  • Sexton’s newest member joins that group’s growing roster of pre-fab home builders
  • Housing sales show signs of life entering 2024, with strong year-over-year gains
  • PLUS: Patrick Morin doubles size of DC, Martina Pileggi promoted to North American HR lead at Hillman, M-D’s Andrew Gladstone gets promotion, Halifax’s Payzant Home Hardware opens fulfilment centre, Ontario couple arrested for Home Depot thefts, West Fraser reports fourth-quarter loss, Western Forest Products reports net loss, Interfor records (wait for it) a net loss, and more!

February 12, 2024

  • Kent becomes second Canadian member of European buying group A.R.E.N.A.
  • Big box sales slowed more than independents’ after Covid, Hardlines Retail Report reveals
  • RONA makes executive changes and converts a Réno-Dépôt store to RONA+ banner
  • Mayfair’s Edmonton facility positions it for greater northern access
  • PLUS: Castle signs new dealer and adds location, Saskatchewan RONA store has new owners, Canadian Tire online ad draws smiles, Brad Rutledge promoted at Wolseley Canada, Tractor Supply’s sales decline, Lowe’s launches Style Studio, West Fraser completes mill sale, building permits decrease, and more!

February 5, 2024

  • Layoffs, DC closures at RONA reflect industry-wide challenges
  • TIMBER MART president Bernie Owens looks to the year ahead
  • Home Hardware introduces a credit card loyalty program for contractors
  • IKEA promises to cut prices on a range of products to increase affordability
  • PLUS: Lee Valley Tools takes top spot in Léger report, Quebec dealer joins Home Hardware, Metro’s first-quarter sales, Bruno Baldessari returns to RONA, Hillman acquires chain company and celebrates anniversary, Patricia Lachance joins Acceo, West Fraser announces mill closure, CPI rises again, and more!

January 29, 2024

  • RONA consolidates operations, resulting in layoffs, closure of two DCs
  • Three reasons why WRLA’s annual show drew delegates from across the West
  • Federated Co-op’s Cody Smith, part 2: Importance of private label, staff training
  • Luxo Marbre makes big investments, expands into kitchens with federal support
  • PLUS: New Montreal-area member for TIMBER MART, Home Hardware recognized on Forbes’ list, Lafrance joins Garant, new EVP of supply chain at Lowe’s, new name for Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ stadium, Costco checking membership cards, Richelieu posts Q4 earnings, BMF staffs up, Renoworks launches Pro Partner program, Derby renames Tando division, retail sales decline, and more!

January 22, 2024

  • FCL’s Cody Smith: investment in logistics, strong community ties fuel co-op success
  • Try hardware retailing—at minus 46 Celsius
  • CHPTA will increase its presence at this year’s National Hardware Show
  • Despite weak housing markets, 2023 took a turn for the better in December
  • PLUS: Suzanne Walsh promoted at Sexton Group, new role for Michael Magennis at Canadian Tire, Mario Boivin now associate national account manager at Rust-Oleum Canada, latest dealers to join BMR, Castle grows again, Staples Canada to host ServiceOntario counters, and more!
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