Boucherville, Quebec, July 3, 2012 – RONA Inc. (TSX: RON, RON.PR.A), Canada’s largest distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, is proud to give its affiliated dealers, in addition to regular discounts, $9 million through its Solidarity Program.
This rebate program, established in 2011, is open to affiliated RONA dealers across Canada and is characterized by a cash refund given directly to these dealers. The rebate is calculated using a well-defined formula based on purchases made by the dealers over the past year.
“This unique program is the only one of its kind in our industry and allows our independent dealers, who buy their merchandise through our network of suppliers or our distribution centres, to benefit from the advantages of our great purchasing power and therefore enjoy considerable rebates,” said Luc Rodier, RONA’s Executive Vice President, Retail.
In addition, Mr. Rodier added that by assembling and analyzing information received from stores, the Solidarity Program enables RONA to better understand the purchasing behaviour of affiliated dealers, choose the right suppliers and, as a result, respond more effectively to their needs.
This program, combined with RONA’s other development initiatives, has also helped the company increase its sales to the network of dealers in 2011, thereby solidifying its position as a leader across the country.
About RONA
RONA inc. (TSX: RON, RON.PR.A), is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. The Corporation operates a network of more than 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate stores of various sizes and formats under several banners, and a network of 14 hardware and construction-materials distribution centres which are flexible and perfectly adapted to the diverse needs of its clientele. RONA is also a leader in the specialized plumbing and HVAC market, primarily serving commercial and professional customers with a network of close to 60 sales outlets across the country.
In total, RONA supplies nearly 1,500 sales outlets, of which more than 830 are under one of its banners, as well as close to 600 clients, independent dealers, in its distribution network. With more than 30,000 employees working under its family of banners in every region of Canada, the RONA store network generates consolidated sales of $4.8 billion and over $6 billion taking into account the total impact of the retail sales of franchise dealers, affiliates and other independent dealers who buy their supplies at RONA.
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