Michael McLarney

Toronto

Editor-in-Chief at Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly

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Articles

Poised to retire, Diane Brisebois, CEO of RCC, celebrated at gala

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

At the closing of day one of the Retail Council of Canada’s annual convention this week, the industry gave a standing ovation to Diane Brisebois, who has helmed the association for the past 30 years. Testimonials shared by video for Brisebois recalled her traits of determination, passion, and leadership. “Diane’s unwavering commitment and tireless leadership have elevated the retail sector to new heights,” said Santo Ligotti, VP marketing and membership at RCC.
RONA’s new AI tool garners award at RCC conference

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

The Retail Council of Canada presented its Excellence in Retailing Awards earlier this week at a gala dinner during its annual conference. Among the winners was a retailer from this industry. RONA inc. was awarded the “E-Commerce Experience” for its leadership in digital retail, and in particular for the launch of an AI-powered search tool on rona.ca.
Home Hardware CEO shares vision of all retail uniting for Canadians

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

Ian White, the new CEO of Home Hardware Stores Ltd., was on stage yesterday at the Retail Council of Canada’s annual conference in Toronto. He shared how impressed he was when he joined the company by the authenticity of its dealers and the respect held for the Home brand. While he used the conference platform to share the Home Hardware story, he also made a case for all retail—and retailers—in the country to unite to better serve Canadians.
RONA to launch new combined event for fall

1 month ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

RONA is launching a new combined event this year. Called “RONA Momentum,” the large-scale event will merge its four key annual meetings: RONA Connexia for its dealers, the Vendor Forum, the annual Store Manager Meeting, and the Pro services team meeting. The Momentum event will take place Oct. 14 to 16, 2025, at the Quebec City Convention Centre.
Weyerhaeuser to sell Princeton, B.C., mill

1 month ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

Weyerhaeuser Co. is selling its lumber mill in Princeton, B.C., to the Gorman Group, parent company of Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd., a family-owned wood products manufacturer headquartered in West Kelowna, B.C.The cash purchase price is about $120 million and includes Weyerhaeuser’s manufacturing facility, all associated timber license assets in British Columbia, and the value of working capital.
Mountain Equipment Co. is back in Canadian hands

1 month ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

Mountain Equipment Co. (MEC) has new owners. The transaction shifts MEC’s ownership to a group of Canadian investors after being in the hands of Kingswood Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based investment firm that acquired MEC in 2020. The new investor group is led by Tim Gu, chairman of Unisync Corp., a publicly traded Canadian uniform and workwear company. Gu is also an investor in Canadian brands Tilley and Roots. MEC has 24 stores in Canada.
Kent opens new store in Summerside

1 month ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

Kent Building Supplies has opened a new store in Summerside, P.E.I. The 54,000-square-foot location on Roy Boates Rd. replaces an existing store on Eustane St. With a drive-through lumberyard and Project Centre, the store is designed to appeal to both retail and contractor customers. It employs 78 and has a FedEx drop-off station.
Former LP exec Peter Rebello has died

1 month ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

Peter Rebello, a former LBM executive, has died. He was 76. Rebello spent more than four decades in this industry, including 20 years at Louisiana Pacific Corp., where he served as national accounts manager for Canada before retiring in 2019. Born in Mumbai, India, Rebello immigrated with his family to Montreal at the age of 16. He is survived by his wife Louise, plus 11 children and 37 grandchildren. A funeral mass is being held today at 10 a.m. at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Toronto.
All Weather named one of Canada's best managed

1 month ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

All Weather at Home has been recognized again this year as a Platinum Club member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. The award marks All Weather’s 17th consecutive year on the list and 11 straight years at the Platinum level. The Canada’s Best Managed Companies program highlights privately-owned Canadian businesses annually that exemplify resilience, innovation, and leadership. According to All Weather, the recognition acknowledges the company’s people-focused culture and operational strengths.
Building intentions dip in March: StatCan

1 month ago | hardlines.ca | Michael McLarney

In March, the total value of building permits decreased by $549.4 million, or 4.1 percent, to $12.9 billion, according to StatCan. The decrease was led by the non-residential sector, down by 14.5 percent, or $716.3 million, but buoyed by the residential sector, which was up by 2.0 percent, or $166.9 million. The reduction in commercial construction intentions was most pronounced in Ontario, down $268.6 million, with additional declines in British Columbia, down $187.1 million,