About the ORAs • ORA Gala Dinner • ORA Faqs • Submit an Entry • ORA Past Winners

SUBMIT AN ENTRY

 

 

(Pour la version française, cliquez ici)

 

What are the categories?
There are seven Outstanding Retailer Award categories.
1. Best Hardware Store (any size)
2. Best Building Supply/Home Centre (under 15,000 square feet)
3. Best Building Supply/Home Centre (over 15,000 square feet)
4. Young Retailer Award (a store manager 35 or under; entrants may be store owners or employees of an independent store or retail chain.)
5. 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.
6. Best Large Surface Retailer (over 65,000 square feet)
7. Best Contractor Specialist Store

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 online form, found above or at www.oras.ca. An entry can also be submitted by mailing a three-ring binder containing the completed form, as well as text and photographs describing your business successes. It is mandatory to fully answer all 20 questions for your application to be judged. 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.)

What do I get if I win?
A trip for two to Toronto, including one night’s accommodation and admission to the Hardlines Conference; 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.

When will I know if I’ve won?
Judging will take place in early August, and winners will be informed by mid-August.