Page 12 - Nov-Dec 2020 Reporter

Industry NEWS

timber mart announcements

Growing Independent Dealer in Quebec
Joins TIMBER MART
Independent dealer, J.P & F. Larochelle
Inc. (Quincaillerie J.P & F. Larochelle) located
in Dunham, Quebec has joined TIMBER
MART for better buying power and the
ability to maintain their entrepreneurial
independence as they grow their business.
“Since the business opened in 1975,
we’ve expanded our product categories hardware, hunting and fishing gear and has been felt amongst TIMBER MART’s
to include army surplus products, hunting garden supplies. members and vendor community who are
and fishing gear, hardware, horticultural all meeting virtually with the group for the
and garden supplies – and will be adding TIMBER MART Sees Great Success Going foreseeable future.
building materials to our product offerings Virtual While Staying Safe Amid Covid-19 “Our members and the vendor
in the near future as well,” says Yvon Earlier this fall, TIMBER MART’s regional community have been very appreciative of
Larochelle, co-owner of Quincaillerie J.P & F. dealer meetings and annual negotiations our efforts to host virtual meetings [versus
Larochelle. with its vendor community began – and physical ones] and protect all parties
“With TIMBER MART, we look forward to while they’ve looked a little different involved especially during the second
benefitting from their buying power, vendor this year being virtual, TIMBER MART’s wave of COVID. Because we’re finding that
relationships, Spancan programs and most endeavour to host these meetings safely virtual meetings are just as effective as
importantly, the freedom to maintain our and effectively amid COVID-19 on virtual in-person meetings especially for vendor
independence,” says Sylvain Larochelle, co- platforms has been successful. negotiations, it makes very little sense to be
owner of Quincaillerie J.P & F. Larochelle. “When the COVID-19 restrictions came travelling to meetings and risking the safety
“Particularly useful towards J.P & F. into effect in March, we took the safety of of all involved when they can be effectively
Larochelle’s future growth, will also be our our employees very seriously and followed done on a virtual platform. While we are all
LBM distribution centre in St-Nicolas which the recommendations of our health looking forward to seeing COVID-19 in the
will offer them weekly delivery of building officials,” says Randy Martin, vice-president rear view mirror, health and safety comes
materials when they expand their product of procurement for TIMBER MART. “In an first and going virtual is the most effective
assortment,” says Daniel Rioux, TIMBER effort to keep not only our employees but way to do business safely until then.”
MART’s regional director of member also our dealers and vendors safe, we are
services in Quebec. hosting hundreds of meetings on virtual About TIMBER MART
“We welcome Yvon and Sylvain to the platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom Founded in 1967, TIMBER MART is the
group and look forward to supporting and are finding that with information largest national member-owned buying
their business as it grows in the Brome- sharing prior to the meetings, everyone is group in Canada for the true independent
Missisquoi County to serve consumers well prepared to engage with each other entrepreneur. With hundreds of members,
and contractors soon as well,” says Alain online and make the most of their time including independent building-material
Charbonneau, TIMBER MART’s national together.” and hardware retailers, commercial dealers
and manufacturers located in every province
membership development manager in According to a Leger Opinion (LEO) across the country, TIMBER MART provides
Quebec. survey produced for the Association for its extensive dealer network with a menu of
J.P & F. Larochelle was founded in Canadian Studies (ASC) that ran from July competitive buying programs, comprehensive
1975 by Jean Paul and Cécile Larochelle 24-26 this year, 84 percent of Canadians marketing services and personalized support
as an army surplus retail business. Today, surveyed felt “positive” towards the to drive independent business success. For
Quincaillerie J.P & F. Larochelle sits on four experience of using video conferencing more information, visit www.timbermart.ca
acres of land which encompasses a retail and furthermore, 72 per cent of Canadians and www.timbermartmember.ca.
store, two warehouses and a garden centre agreed with the statement that “video
which offers their customers a wide range conferencing is an excellent alternative to
of not only army surplus products, but also interacting with people.” This sentiment
12 LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2020 www.lbmao.on.ca