WABUSH

"RONA offers the best deals on quality merchandise."

Starting from scratch with RONA was no hardship for owner Eric Fitzpatrick. 
 

Square footage

Wabush, Labrador: 12,000 retail; 8,000 warehouse
Fermont, Quebec: 5,000.

New store in 2004
RONA member since: March 2002
 

How has RONA helped you?

RONA is especially great behind the scenes. We’ve only been in the business three years, so sometimes people are looking for things that we’ve never heard of before. We call the special-orders desk and they take us right through and tell us where to find it. 
 

Why did you join the RONA network?

I recognized that people needed better items and more choices. I approached a few companies about a franchise; RONA had the best merchandising expertise. They were much different than the other banner groups. 
 

What are the key benefits to being a RONA dealer?

I think they’re the number one group for independents in Canada. They’re certainly the fastest growing in the industry. RONA’s marketing programs, especially its television advertising, are excellent and draw a lot of local attention our way because people know the banner. 
 

How will your stores grow over the next five to ten years?

With the expansion of the Wabush store, we want to grow 40 per cent in sales over the next three years. The Fermont store should grow about 20 per cent during that same period. 
 

What are your plans for the Fermont store?

We have to find the right products that match the Fermont market. People from Fermont aren’t the same as customers in Labrador. For example, they use a lot of 3/4-inch copper pipe while we hardly sell any in Wabush. Fermont wasn’t built before the 70’s, so everything is done differently. But that’s no obstacle for RONA. 
 

How does your store compete with other big stores?

We have access to one of the largest warehouses in North America on a daily basis, so if a customer comes in and we don’t have what he wants, we can order it and have it delivered within a week. It’s great to be able to do that, especially in a rural area.
 

LIVERPOOL

“RONA is very clear about growing in Nova Scotia.”

Lyman Oickle and Ozzie Wile, co-owners of Brady Building Supplies in Liverpool, N.S., since 1992, joined RONA in early May.

Square footage

4,000 retail; 6,000 warehouse; 21/2 acre yard

Former member of: AWARD
RONA member since: May 2005 
 

Why did you change to RONA?

There were some changes with our previous buying group that we weren’t satisfied with. We didn’t feel there was much of an opportunity to grow the business so we started looking around. RONA is very clear about growing in Nova Scotia and has an aggressive marketing program. We were impressed with their plans and decided to join in. 
 

How have your customers reacted?

It’s very early days, but so far it has gone very well. Our split is about 60/40 between contractors and retail. Both types of customers are looking for the same things: great service, top quality and competitive prices. We know we can supply the service—we’ve been doing it for a long time. If we can pass on some new savings to our customers, everybody will be happy. For the retail trade, I think the RONA brands will be very popular. 
 

How has RONA treated you so far?

The transition period was not without stress, but RONA made the process as easy as possible. The delivery is also working very well. We order the merchandise direct through the RONA computer system and get a weekly shipment from Boucherville. It’s extremely unusual if anything is missing. 
 

What are your goals for the future?

It’s the same as most people wish: stay profitable, keep the customer happy and see the business grow. RONA will grow in Atlantic Canada and we are glad to be a part of it. You cannot stand still in this trade. You either grow or die.
 

GATINEAU

“No big-box franchiser compares to RONA.”

After more than 15 successful years, Martin Lacasse, owner of two RONA L’entrepot, believes in the organization’s marketing. 
 

Square footage

Gatineau: 125,000 retail; 51/2 acre yard
Le Plateau: 90,000 retail. New store in 2005

RONA member since: 1987
 

How did you get into the hardware business?

My dad started the business in 1973 and I started working full time in 1990. About ten years ago, my father left the company; I’ve been the sole owner of Gatineau’s RONA L’entrepôt since 1997. 
 

Why did your father originally join RONA?

He was looking for a company with marketing skills, and RONA fit the bill best. In the 1980s, the majority of our customers were contractors, but then the DIY market grew tremendously and we started getting a lot more general customers, which RONA’s flyer program really attracts. Today, their marketing campaigns relate to both professional contractors and regular consumers. 
 

What is your vision for growth over the next few years?

On the west side of Gatineau, where my new store is located, the economy is expanding. I expect sales to increase by ten to 20 per cent a year. We’re still going after the renovation market because close to 65 per cent of houses in the area are 20 years old or more. 
 

How does a national company such as RONA help your particular store?

RONA has a franchise system that concentrates on new products. They have a merchandiser in Montreal who goes to every major trade show and can estimate where the market is leaning, helping me meet the needs of my clients. 
 

Do consumers like the change?

The reaction was excellent. Our clients knew our RONA store in Gatineau as well, in the Eastside. A lot of people from the West side of the city are now coming to our store in Plateau.
 

WATERVILLE

“RONA has a great reputation and purchasing power.”

Louise Breton and Bernard St-James share the RONA vision that, for every problem, there is a solution. 
 

Square footage

5,000 retail; 8,000 warehouse

Former Member of: Pro Hardware
RONA member since: January 2005
 

What are the main reasons that brought you to RONA?

We adopted the RONA banner in January 2005, even though it meant important investments on our part. It’s an aggressive company, always innovating, and its TV commercials are funny. Furthermore, RONA has a great network, huge purchasing power and an even greater reputation. RONA also carefully listens to the needs of its merchants. It knows what it’s like to run a business on a day-to-day basis. 
 

What are your strengths?

A personalized and warm client service is our trademark. Our employees know their job—some of them have been in the hardware business for more than 20 years—and greet clients by name. They also can serve them in French or in English. With RONA’s help, we’ve evaluated our business territory and know that we serve 3,000 homes and reach 10,000 people. I also think a woman on the floor makes a difference. I’ve noted a 50 per cent increase in female clients since we started. And that’s great because we’ve just opened an Ambiance RONA, a decor boutique, which will create an environment for us to better know our customers’ tastes and needs, and personalize our service even more. 
 

What’s your vision for your store’s growth?

According to the analysis we did with RONA, we should reach profitability in 2006. In five years, we should double revenue. 
 

How did your clients react to your switching to RONA?

Our clients are delighted to have a RONA near their home because they benefit from the same prices and specials they get at a RONA L’entrepôt without having to drive to Sherbrooke. If we don’t carry the product, we order it for them. Our clients have also noticed a strong improvement in the range of items we carry.
 

RENFREW

“RONA just makes everything easy.”

Bob Lockwood, owner of Lockwood RONA Building Centre in Renfrew, says it’s been a profitable first year with RONA.

Square footage

2,500 retail; 3/4 acre lumberyard

Former Member of: Tim-BR Mart
RONA member since: March 2004 
 

How has being a RONA dealer changed things?

We are seeing a much improved walk-in trade. We used to be heavily slanted towards contractors, but that is changing because of RONA’s flyer and marketing programs. Consumers trust the RONA banner. It’s only been one year and yet I already see a huge difference. 
 

What are your long-term hopes for your store?

Success has been so quick that my hopes and aspirations are not so long-term anymore. I just purchased an eight-acre site with two empty buildings on the other side of Renfrew. By the end of the summer, I hope to have a new 4,000-square-foot sales area with ample storage and yard space, which will also provide lots of room for the expansions I envision. 
 

What do you like about being a RONA dealer?

The company has a program of growth and forward thinking. They are very knowledgeable and keep close watch on marketplace trends and innovative marketing ideas that other companies simply don’t think about or are afraid to try. I also like the private label program. It produces a selection of items that our customers have come to prefer. I believe that the RONA program brings all sorts of advantages to the individual dealer. 
 

Every retail store depends on merchandise supply—how does RONA compare to other banner groups you know about? 

I’m never worried about having products in stock anymore. I receive my orders on Thursday, on time and complete. RONA carries a large inventory and it’s not very often that we are told something isn’t available. Delivery is very regular and usually arrives by nine o’clock in the morning. Shortages and damages are very rare. I also like the fact that I can use a RONA purchase order to buy lumber from our own preferred suppliers.
 

WINDSOR ET AMHERSTBURG

“We saw a double-digit sales increase, thanks to RONA.”

Terry Ray owns two stores, but with RONA’s powerful marketing power, he and partners Matt McKay and Mike McCallum plan to build a third.

Square footage

Windsor: 10,000 retail; 60,000 warehouse; 31/2 acre lumberyard
Amherstburg: 7,000 retail; 30,000 warehouse; 2 acre lumberyard

RONA member since: September 2004
Former Member of: Castle
 

How has your business changed since joining RONA?

We have always been a predominantly contractor-based business, but we wanted to build up our retail business. RONA’s name and heavy advertising is doing just that. In just six months, we saw a double-digit increase in business. 
 

What is the best thing about being a RONA dealer?

The strong merchandising program: all you have to do is ask. The RONA people are ready to help with signage or professionally produced radio and print advertising. For our grand opening, they also took care of the organization, the advertising and the set-up. 
 

Why did you switch to RONA?

It wasn’t a tough decision. RONA offered, hands-down, far more support, costing and merchandising than what our previous group did. 
 

How do you see your store changing in the near future?

We want a third store within an hour’s radius of Windsor. I’m confident that we will get it since RONA’s growth is nothing less than huge. We will be part of that growth. 
 

What reaction are you finding to RONA’s private-label merchandise?

Over the next two to five years, the RONA label is going to be one the most recognized private brands in the industry, right up there with Canadian Tire. Four years ago it was not very well known in Ontario, but that has changed. Also, the RONA label is being carefully introduced on selected lines. 
 

Has trading under a new banner been harder than you thought?

I’m pleased with how smoothly everything has happened. RONA is a huge organization. However, as an individual owner you don’t feel lost or neglected. The RONA people themselves are very friendly and efficient.
 

CLOYNE

“RONA’s 44 flyers a year mean my customers think of my store first.”

RONA’s commitment to growth promises a bright future for Tracy Hook. 
 

Square footage

6,400 retail

Formerly supplied by: Sodisco-Howden Group
RONA member since: September 2004
 

What is the best thing about being a RONA dealer?

There is a wider selection of items available for my customers and the pricing is much more competitive. That beats anything I could do as an independent. Add in the 44 flyers a year, plus the national advertising RONA does, and I believe that any of the 45,000 potential customers in my trading area who are thinking of hardware products will think immediately of my store. 
 

What does your relationship with RONA do for your store?

RONA gives us the chance to compete on an even footing with the three other national outlets who are our local competition. We are in the middle of cottage country, so home repairs and renovations are always underway. That home handiwork and the extensive advertising of RONA can only lead to a larger customer base. 
 

What new challenges do you face as a RONA dealer?

We have to become familiar with a much wider selection of material and discover the fastest-moving items. But even with just six months behind us, I can see the benefits that will help meet our immediate aim as more customers come through the door. 
 

Working with a large banner such as RONA is new for you. How are you adapting?

Hook’s Home Improvement Centre has been in the Hook family for a long time. I took the business over from my father in 1990, so the switch to RONA makes for a number of changes. The reality is that in today’s competitive market, an independent has a hard time competing with the buying power of an organization like RONA. Here in Cloyne, the customers have the best of all worlds: a store they are familiar with, run by people they know with the RONA name and products.
 

NAPANEE

“RONA is focused on where it is going.”

David Chapman’s small-town store in Napanee is getting help worthy of a large store thanks to its new partnership with RONA.

Square footage:

15,000 retail; 5 acre lumberyard

Former Member of: Tim-BR Mart
RONA member since: October 2004
 

How will RONA change your place in the local building scene?

We’re surrounded by big box shopping centres in Kingston and Trenton, so we’re the small-town retailer in the middle. RONA will allow me to remain small but still compete with the large stores. 

What short-term changes are you expecting to see?

RONA’s flyer program, along with the large amount of advertising, will almost certainly generate more sales right away. 
 

Why will customers shop at your store over a big box retailer?

Lots of people don’t want to walk the aisles of a big box store and prefer dealing with people they know. We always have somebody ready to help the customer find something or give advice on using a tool. You can’t get this level of service in larger stores. 
 

How does RONA compare to your previous banner?

RONA is much more focused on where it is going as a company than other flags. My previous banner kept switching directions and didn’t have a clear vision of the future. It simply reacted to situations rather than causing things to happen. RONA sets its agenda based on its experience as both a retailer and a distributor, which gives it a solid base to work from. 
 

How will RONA change your store the most?

RONA’s marketing programs are aimed at the retail consumer. So I’m sure will have more customers going through the door. 

What type of service does RONA offer you?

The marketing and advertising programs are exceptional. Then there’s the huge distribution centre, which is always well stocked and organized and able to get me what I need when I need it.
 

WAHNAPITAE

“RONA equals quality and a fair price.”

Roger and Gaston Villeneuve and their partner Michel Daoust are moving full speed ahead with RONA in the booming area of Sudbury. 
 

Square footage

3,200 retail; 1/2 acre lumberyard

Former Member of: Tim-BR Mart
RONA member since: January 2005
 

What do you like most about being a RONA dealer?

The name recognition. Our business is 95 per cent retail. Our customers hear the RONA name and know that it stands for quality at a fair price. 
 

What differences do you find as a RONA dealer compared to the previous organization?

Under the previous banner, we had to search through printed books to find a particular product. With RONA, everything is computerized so it makes the search easier and quicker. Also, we particularly appreciate that all our hardware stock comes in clearly identified and priced. 
 

Has RONA improved your overall business?

Our sales are already ahead of our revenues from last year. The prices and the service we get through RONA are very good. We are very happy with the partnership. 
 

What are your short- and long-term hopes and plans?

We are expecting an increase in sales, of course. Here in Sudbury, we have a lot of cottages, and cottagers are very good at fixing things, so the hardware and building business is a good place to be. Being part of RONA just makes it more attractive for the public. Over the long-term, we’d like to expand to a larger store and selling area to meet the growing demand the population offers. 
 

What are the immediate plans for your store?

As an outlet that has been with RONA for three months, life is hectic. New computer systems, staff training and new merchandising keeps us busy. We are also changing our signage and painting our trucks.
 

NOELVILLE

“With RONA’s flyer program, we’re going after the competition.”

A 36-year veteran of the industry, Michel Daoust, owner of Noelville RONA, likes what he sees in Canada’s newest national brand.

Square footage

5,000 retail; 10,000 warehouse; 4 acre lumberyard

Former Member of: Tim-BR Mart 
RONA member since: January 2005
 

Why did you change to RONA?

We decided to change because I really like the direction RONA is going, particularly their approach to advertising and marketing. I especially like their TV advertising, which seems to be attracting a lot of consumers. They also distribute a large number of flyers to consumers. 
 

Does the RONA banner give you a better chance to face the competition?

Absolutely. RONA gives us a much higher profile in the community. 
 
 

Have you made any recent changes to the store?

Since our new affiliation with RONA, we remodelled the interior quite extensively. 
 

What are you forecasting for sales for the next few years? 

We believe we can increase sales by 50 per cent in the next two to three years. 

 

Some franchisees say they joined RONA because it’s the number one group for independents. How do you view that statement?

I agree. It is the fastest-growing group and they are aggressive. They were once Quebec-based but now are a national company. It’s unbelievable what Robert Dutton has done for the company over the last five years. 
 

What departments have benefited from the switchover to RONA?

Every department has benefited, but especially the paint department. We’ve changed to the Sico brand and added the RONA brand. It gives our customers two different brands to choose from. 
 

How has business changed in the last ten years?

You now have to make sure that you’re buying the right quantity, at the right time. It’s a lot more complex than it was before.
 

BRANDON

“RONA will help us stay competitive.”

Jared and Jack Jacobson of J & G Supply are toe to toe with the big boys now.

Square Footage

15,000 retail; 25,000 warehouse; 41/2 acre lumberyard

Former Member of: Castle
RONA member since: March 2005
 

What made you switch to RONA?

We decided to go with RONA because we realized we’d still be in control of our store. RONA offers more products, new technology and better service. Another big advantage is its distribution centre with twice-weekly delivery. It makes it easier to keep our customers happy and takes a lot of stress away. Plus, we wanted to compete with the big-box stores. I believe the box stores will likely crush anyone who doesn’t belong to a chain over the next ten years. 
 

How else does RONA make your work easier?

Before, as a small single independent, we had to do our own flyers and decide what to put in it and work out deals with suppliers. But RONA’s flyer program offers us a huge advantage. All we have to do is order the products, make sure customers know about the sales, and have the products on display. 

What is your vision for your store’s growth? How will RONA help you achieve it?

We’ve got a good clientele of contractors who believe in the service we provide—we have five service trucks for delivery. We’ve also been here a long time—48 years. We’ve owned our own construction division since 1956 and we deal with subtrades in the area. So we are well-known in Brandon. Now, we want to significantly expand our retail base and I think RONA’s flyer program in particular will be important to that expansion. Over the next three years, we plan to build a new 50,000-square-foot building based on the RONA model. The company has the merchandising, marketing and design guys right there to help us. 

How has your marketplace changed recently?

New box stores are coming in and that means tougher competition. RONA will help us stay competitive with faster delivery, great service and better pricing. 
 

Any reaction from customers to the new look?

We’ve heard a lot of really positive comments from customers. It translates to an increase in sales.
 

PRINCE ALBERT

“AIR MILES® has boosted our sales 10-15 per cent.”

 Gary Wyshynski, manager of the RONA Home Centre in Prince Albert, has run a lot of stores in 28 years. This one tops them all.

Square footage

45,000 retail; 2 acre lumberyard

RONA member since: January 2001

 

What is the local reaction in Prince Albert to this RONA store?

The reaction has been excellent. They know we are “The How-To People” from our advertising and that we are a Canadian company. Our store is bright and clean with excellent merchandising and displays that RONA excels at. It includes a home decor section and a large garden centre that attracts couples. 
 

What opportunities for growth exist in your market and how will you capitalize on them?

There is diamond exploration taking place nearby that is starting to come on stream and will have a positive impact on the local economy. We are also located in lake country; we’re looking forward to servicing customers who plan to renovate and upgrade their cabins. I’m confident RONA’s strength in advertising and promotions will help us grow our business in Prince Albert. The latest promotion with AIR MILES® alone has boosted our sales by ten to 15 per cent. 
 

What share of your local market do you predict your RONA store can achieve?

Our store should be able to achieve about 40 per cent of the local market on the retail side. Right now, we are dominating in plumbing, heating, electrical and flooring. 
 

How does being a RONA dealer help you meet the expectations of today’s consumer?

Shoppers today are much more aware than they were in the past. RONA has the competitive pricing, selection, merchandising and staff training they expect.
 

TURNER VALLEY

“RONA’s training and support will help me be a bigger store.”

For Robbie McKay, joining RONA means expansion next year to four times the size of his current footprint.

Square footage:

2,200 retail

Former Member of: Tim-BR-Marts
RONA member since: January 2005
 

How will joining RONA create future success?

I’ve been here 23 years and I’ve been very successful, but I need to grow my business, especially on the hardware side. The people at RONA know the hardware and retail business. You also need your buying group and your hardware group combined in one. RONA offers that. 
 

Describe your dealings with RONA’s head office.

All the people are dedicated and knowledgeable. If they say they’re going to do something, they do it. And not only that, they know how to do it well. 
 

What competitive advantages will the RONA banner give you in your market?

We’re only a 25-minute commute from Calgary, so we get the flyers from the big box stores located there. I wanted a bigger buying group in order to compete with that. 
 

What changes have taken place in your market in recent years?

When the big-box stores first came to Calgary in ’93, my business dropped by half. Joining RONA is part of my solution: RONA will help my hardware sales grow by giving me bigger buying power and access to more selection. RONA’s training and support for staff with programs like health and safety, hazardous material handling will really help. 
 

What distinction does your store have in your market?

We’ll be adding a home decor section to our store to attract couples. That’s something that will be new for stores my size here in Alberta. 

 

Has walk-in traffic improved?

It’s only been two months since we joined RONA, but I have noticed an increase in people coming in with RONA-preferred contractor cards or people coming in with RONA flyers saying, “Rob, I want to get this from you.” So I think it’s definitely going to be there for us.
 

SYLVAN LAKE

“We’ll grow with RONA.”

Art Anastasi of Lakeside Building Centre in Sylvan Lake likes RONA’s aggressive growth strategy.

Square footage:

21,500 retail; 1 acre lumberyard

Former Member of: Castle
RONA member since: March 2005
 

What changes have taken place in your marketplace over the past few years?

The Calgary-Edmonton corridor, with Red Deer right in the middle, is the second-fastest growing area in the world. There is a lot of potential for our store to grow, and joining RONA will help us capitalize on this growth.
 

What made you decide to join with RONA?

When we first made contact with RONA, we were very impressed with its Western representative. Then we toured the distribution centre and saw how efficiently it was run. Also, RONA believes in building strong relationships with its dealers-owners. 

 

What new goals do you have for your store?

Since RONA is a well-recognized brand throughout Alberta, we want to achieve 100 per cent capacity in our store’s sales through the benefits offered by the company’s marketing programs. 
 

What changes have taken place since joining RONA?

Our customers are very impressed with the changes we’ve made. Under RONA’s direction, we’ve expanded and improved all of our departments’ merchandising and moved our seasonals to the front. We’ve had RONA people in our store to discuss our layout and our signage, and they’ve also helped us convert our computer system so it can interface with the RONA system. 
 

How have sales increased since joining with RONA?

Our inventory has increased significantly since switching to RONA. Our sales volume is going up already, and the addition of the AIR MILES® program has also proved a real benefit as well.
 

 VERMILION

“The RONA banner means the store is locally owned.”

 RONA’s buying power allows Jim and Eileen Kitt to develop niche markets and sell products at great prices.
 

Square footage

9,000 retail

Former Member of: Tru-Serv
RONA member since: January 2005

 

What influenced your decision to join RONA?

The name itself, along with strong advertising, clinched our decision to join the RONA banner. We were also attracted to the large assortment of SKUs RONA offers and the 350,000-square-foot distribution centre located in Calgary. 
 

Which store departments will benefit most from RONA?

We hope to increase our overall sales, of course, but more specifically, we’re looking forward to expanding our paint department. Also, our plumbing, housewares, hardware and seasonal departments have always been strong areas for us. RONA will help us continue to develop niche markets because of its buying power and ability to offer products at great prices. 
 

How have customers reacted since your change to RONA?

We’ve been in business for 30 years; we’re well known because of the strong relationships we’ve built with our customers. Most clients recognize the RONA name, plus they are glad that we’re still the local owners. 
 

What made you decide to switch to RONA?

I foresee in the next few years that you have to join with the big guys. That’s the trend in retail. 
 

What changes have you made since joining RONA?

We’ve focused on our inventory and the assortment of goods and services we offer. We had a RONA merchandising expert help us move our displays around and fine-tune the look of our store. Being in retail as long as we’ve been, we know our market and we know what we need to focus on.
 

RICHMOND

“RONA’s attitude is invigorating.”

Mack Foster Building Materials in Richmond is ready to build on its customers’ congratulations for joining up with RONA.

Square footage

40,000 retail; 10,000 lumberyard

Former Member of: Home Hardware
RONA member since: February 2005 
 

What made you join RONA?

We like the passion exhibited by RONA employees. Their attitude is invigorating, and that’s what makes us different. 
 

How will RONA help your store grow?

We expect to increase sales by 50 per cent. This past month, despite the confusion of switching to RONA, our customers were saying: “Right on! We’re so happy you converted to RONA!” 
 

How does RONA compare to other banners?

RONA provides a marketing model and a merchandising standard for us to aspire to—and they’re helping us get there. We have a new store layout and will spend $1 million upgrading it. We didn’t get similar support from other dealer organizations. 
 

Which departments will benefit most from RONA?

Building materials will benefit since that’s what we will focus on—kitchens, doors, windows and lumber. But the most positive impact will be on paint and decorating, especially with interior decorators. 
 

How has the look of your store changed since joining RONA?

Instead of five-foot-high shelving, we’ll now merchandise up to the seven-foot level, which will double the amount of materials at eye-level. We will also showcase moulding and paint so that customers can get a sense of how things look. 
 

Do your customers like the change to RONA?

When we were with our previous organization, we had complaints from the customers. Now, every time I open the mailbag, I read positive comments—and that makes me feel great.
 

VICTORIA

“Our partnership with RONA keeps us Canadian.”

As 18-year veterans of hardware retail, Sylvia Blenkin and Brian Higgins see the RONA advantage. 
 

Square footage

17,000 retail; 14,000 lumberyard

Former member of: Home Hardware
RONA member since: February 2005
 

Why did you choose RONA?

A major consideration was that RONA requires a smaller investment from the dealer. As a consequence, we have more capital to upgrade our store. We are installing an automatic stacking system for the lumberyard and doing a major renovation of the store, for example. These things allow us to present a better face to the customer and conveniently serve our clients. In addition, RONA has a marketing program that suits us very well. 
 

How has RONA changed your business vision?

Our vision includes a complete selection of merchandise that focuses on the renovator, whether you’re a small contractor or a DIYer. Our day-to-day buying, along with our promotions, will be more focused now, too. The next five years should be a time of growth. 

 

How has your market changed and how will RONA help you manage the changes?

Four major hardware and building materials stores closed recently and a big box store has entered the market. RONA should help us promote ourselves better and differentiate us from the other medium-sized retailers in the area. 
 

How have your customers reacted now that you are part of RONA?

We have had very positive reactions from our customers. Most people are pleased we decided to stay with a Canadian marketing partner.
 

NORTH VANCOUVER

“RONA offers competitive pricing and targeted advertising.”

B.H. Allen Building Centre owner Bruce Allen believes location, RONA’s superior pricing and targeted advertising are his best assets.
 

Square footage:

57,500 retail; 1/2 acre lumberyard

Former Member of: Home Hardware
RONA member since: February 2005 
 

What made you switch to RONA?

RONA offers the right mix of products, marketing and advertising to significantly improve the focus on our urban customers’ demands—DIYers, small renovators, remodellers and contractors. RONA will give us more room to invest and grow. We’re already seeing new customers come in as a result of the RONA banner and the AIR MILES® program. We think we can capture our fair share of business. 
 

What has the transition to RONA been like?

The support given by RONA during the transition has been outstanding. This is the second time we’re going through a switch and it is quite a traumatic process. We have to change uniforms, signs, paper, product assortment and vendors. Things are getting better and we’re seeing constant replenishment of product to avoid that Swiss-cheese look on our shelves. 
 

Can you contrast your experience at RONA with other dealer organizations you’ve known?

The bottom line is that RONA is the model we needed to satisfy our customers. We don’t want to sell appliances anymore. Now, we have a traditional home improvement mix that includes it all. 

 

Which departments will benefit most from joining RONA?

We expect improvement across the board with growth in all categories. Whether it’s weed wackers or power tools, RONA’s advertising and merchandise allow us to focus directly on our customers.

 

CAMPBELL RIVER

“We joined RONA and our sales shot up 34 per cent.”

Customers are happy at Earlys Building Supply, says owner Bill Cosulich. 
 

Square footage:

15,000 retail; 3 acre lumberyard

Former Member of: Tim-BR-Marts
RONA member since: September 2004

 

What made you switch to RONA?

We did our homework before signing on. We wanted to grow our retail market by having one name for buying and branding, and RONA fit the bill. The process took about a year. 
 

How has RONA helped manage marketplace changes?

With so many stores now offering what hardware and building-supplies stores used to sell exclusively, we’ve had to expand into new areas and offer larger selections, and RONA is helping us do this. For example, a few years ago there were only three or four stores in town who sold gardening supplies, but now there are about 15. Anyone can buy a tape measure or a hammer at the grocery store! 
 

How does RONA compare with other banner companies?

RONA covers all avenues of the business, from marketing and sales to flyers and retail merchandising. They have the expertise we need and are always willing to help. 
 

Which store departments have benefited the most?

Some of our core departments—tools, hardware, electrical, plumbing and paint—were stagnant. Now, we’ve experienced growth in all those departments and our overall sales are up 34 per cent. 
 

How have your customers reacted to the partnership?

They appreciate that RONA is a Canadian company. People are happy with the flyers and the increased variety of products. Small independents are always perceived as overpriced, but we are now seen as a player that is competitive with the bigger retailers.