What are the ORAs?
Launched in 1992, the Outstanding Retailer Awards are Canada’s only national awards program dedicated to celebrating the achievements of hardware, home improvement and building supply dealers and their staff. In its 32-year history, the program has honoured more than 180 retailers. The ORA Gala has become a must-attend for retail leaders from every part of Canada, who come to celebrate the industry’s finest.
What are the categories?
There are seven Outstanding Retailer Award categories.
- Best Hardware or Paint Store (any size). This entry is restricted to traditional hardware stores or paint stores that do not carry lumber or building materials. While your store may carry some convenience items in these categories, this entry is for stores that do not have a lumberyard.
- Best Building Supply (under 15,000 square feet)
- Best Building Supply/Home Centre (over 15,000 square feet)
- Young Retailer of the Year (a store manager 35 or under; entrants may be store owners or employees of an independent store or retail chain.) Entries for this category must explain clearly the name, role, and achievements of the individual who is being put forward. Both soft and hard skills are considered for this entry.
- Marc Robichaud Community Leader. This award is open to all stores. Its purpose is to celebrate the outstanding contributions/events, charitable donations, etc., made by a store’s staff/managers/owners to the community they serve. Entries for this category must share details and overall impacts of the store’s relationship to the community in greater detail.
- Best Large Surface Retailer (over 65,000 square feet). This entry is open to any dealer or chain that has a traditional big box-style store.
- Pro Dealer of the Year (formerly Best Contractor Specialist Store). In this category, your entry should emphasize your store’s relationship with its contractor customers. At least 50 percent of your sales should be going to pros.
Who can apply?
All Canadian home improvement retailers/dealers that have operated under the current ownership for at least two years are eligible to apply for the ORAs.
Dealers may submit their entries directly; chain/buying group head offices may choose to select their best dealer(s) and prepare their entries for them, in collaboration with the dealer; or vendors may identify specific outstanding retailers for entry and contact us directly.
How do I apply?
A basic entry consists of filling out the ORA entry form, found at the bottom of this page. It is mandatory to fully answer all 22 questions for your application to be judged. Submissions must also contain a minimum of 5 exterior photos, and a minimum of 20 interior photos. Video and audio materials are optional. (They may be useful if you have very unusual and/or effective broadcast commercials that were made just for your business. But they are rarely the decisive factor in winning.) The deadline for applications is Friday, June 13th, 2025.
What do I get if I win?
Two nights accommodation at Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, and admission to the Hardlines Conference and Outstanding Retailer Awards; an inscribed plaque; a marketing package that includes a write-up in Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly Magazine; a customized video; and photo ready to be sent to local media. The awards will be presented at a special ORA Gala Dinner, held at the end of Day One of the Hardlines Conference. Winners will also receive a complimentary 1 year Premium Membership to Hardlines, including the Weekly Report.
When will I know if I’ve won?
Judging will take place in mid July, and winners will be informed by mid-August.
Where and when will the awards ceremony take place?
The Outstanding Retailer Awards Gala Dinner will take place October 21st, 2025 at Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, A.B.
Download the English ORA entry form HERE.
Download the French ORA entry form HERE.
Any questions? Contact Jill at oras@hardlines.ca.
