Page 13 - May-June 2021 REPORTER

Industry NEWS

Victor and Gabriel Boucher along with their father Bruno. “As the world climbs out of the About the Gustavson Brand Trust
Well known in the region, Victor and Gabriel are young pandemic, brand awareness is no Index
and dynamic entrepreneurs who are excited to improve longer the currency of business— The Gustavson Brand Trust
the facilities in the coming years. This new generation of consumer trust is the priority,” said Index (GBTI) is the only study done
ownership hopes to connect with existing customers and Dr. Saul Klein, Dean, Gustavson by an academic institution that
attract new ones through an increased social media and web School of Business. “The 2021 GBTI investigates consumer trust, the
presence. In addition to a wide assortment of home building study found that consumers’ trust factors that affect it and the brands
materials, they will continue to offer their niche speciality of in brands is linked to authenticity— that succeed at it. Established
wood processing, woodwork, mouldings and repairs. their belief that the brand reflects in 2015, the GBTI champions
When the new owners acquired the business, they realized their values.” responsible management within
they needed to be part of a buying group that would support Established in 2015, the organizations through its findings,
their growth but wanted to ensure that they could maintain GBTI champions responsible highlighting the increased need
their independence. After reviewing all their options, they management within organizations for 21st century businesses to
concluded that Castle offered the best of both worlds. through its findings, highlighting contribute positively to their
“With the recent closure of two local home improvements the increased need for 21st century communities. As a school, the
centres, we see the potential for great opportunities to grow businesses to contribute positively Gustavson School of Business is
our business in the coming years. We are excited to become to their communities. uniquely positioned to both evaluate
members of Castle and look forward to the competitive
advantage of having a broader range of new products and
suppliers.” Victor Boucher, Owner
“We are excited to be on this journey with a new
generation of entrepreneurs who recognize Castle’s
commitment to the success of the independent. Castle
welcomes Deschenes & Compagnie Inc. to the family.” Ken
Jenkins, Castle President

news from home hardware

Home Hardware Named Canada’s Most Trusted Home Retailer
Home Hardware Stores Limited has been named one
of the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands in Canada in the 2021
Gustavson Brand Trust Index (GBTI). Home Hardware placed
first in the Home, Office and Garden Retailers category and
seventh in the National Top 10 Most Trusted Brands.
“As a truly Canadian company, we are extremely honoured
to be recognized as one of the most trusted brands,” said
Kevin Macnab, President and CEO, Home Hardware Stores
Limited. “With more than 1,050 stores across the country, our
Dealer-Owners are committed to serving their customers and
earning their trust. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced
the important role Home stores play in their communities
and their unique ability to respond to the essential needs of
Canadians during good times and bad.”
The GBTI, released annually by the University of Victoria’s
Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, surveyed close to
9,000 Canadians on 391 national and global brands and 10
regional brands, in 33 different categories. It is the only study
done by an academic institution that investigates consumer
trust, the factors that affect it and the brands that succeed at
it.

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