Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly

HARDLINES is a focused publishing and events organization aimed at assisting home improvement managers and executives in enhancing their business operations through valuable information, news, research, conferences, and networking opportunities. As the leading authority in Canada’s retail home improvement sector, HARDLINES delivers weekly news updates, special reports, and annual reviews. Our conferences and events serve as vital platforms for vendors and buyers to connect. For over 20 years, we have been delivering market insights, identifying trends, and providing analyses for retail home improvement professionals.

National, Trade/B2B

English

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RONA launches wildfire support efforts

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Sarah McGoldrick

RONA inc., is once again lending a helping hand to communities affected by forest fires in Western Canada. Until June 30, 2025, RONA+ and RONA corporate stores in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan will be collecting donations for victims of the forest fires that have been raging in these provinces over the past few days. The RONA Foundation will then donate these funds to the Canadian Red Cross, which provides immediate and ongoing assistance to Canadians in need.
Castle launches latest scholarship season

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Geoff McLarney

Castle Building Centres Group has announced its 13th annual Academic and Trade Scholarship Program, for the 2025/2026 school year. Academic scholarships will be awarded to students from the Castle community enrolled in a study program at a recognized Canadian university or college. Trade scholarships will be offered to students of an eligible skilled trade program at a Canadian trade college.
Steel and aluminum tariffs have industry on edge

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Sarah McGoldrick

The latest round of tariffs targeting Canadian steel and aluminum is drawing ire from across the industry. At a rate of $1,349.50 per metric ton, the tariff effectively makes Canadian exports to the U.S. economically unviable, according to a statement from the Aluminium Association of Canada (which uses the international spelling for the metal).
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.
Throwback Thursday: 25 years ago, we focused on Revy’s Toronto-area expansion

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Steve Payne

Throwback Thursday is a weekly feature in which we dip into the archives of the Hardlines Weekly Report. In our last issue before we took a short break for the summer, 25 years ago, we reported in our May 29, 2000, issue on Revy Home Centres’ big box expansion in Toronto. “Revy has its hands full here in Toronto,” Michael McLarney quoted Carl Grittner, then-president of Revy, as saying.
Castle wraps up Ontario buying show

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Geoff McLarney

Castle Building Centres Group held its first Buying Expo of the summer season last week at the JW Marriott Lake Rosseau Resort, northwest of Bracebridge, Ont. More than 250 Castle member and vendor participants came together for the three-day event. It included a regional member meeting, vendor product showcase, and two days of buying opportunities.
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 adds 14 stores to its air conditioner take-back program

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Sarah McGoldrick

RONA inc. has announced it is now taking back used air conditioners at 14 of its corporate stores in Quebec until the end of September. The move begins the second phase of the pilot project it launched in four stores last year. Organized in collaboration with its partner, GoRecycle, RONA’s program ensures that cooling appliances are properly recycled.
Canadian Tire completes Helly Hansen sale

3 weeks ago | hardlines.ca | Sarah McGoldrick

Canadian Tire Corp. (CTC) has completed the previously announced sale of Helly Hansen to Kontoor Brands this week. In February, Hardlines reported, the company announced it had reached the deal, valued at nearly $1.3 billion. Kontoor, based in North Carolina, is the parent of the Lee, Wrangler, and Rock & Republic denim brands.