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INDUSTRY NEWS

storage buildings, which total 13,200 square
feet.
About TIMBER MART
Founded in 1967, TIMBER MART is the
largest national member-owned buying
group in Canada for the true independent
entrepreneur. With hundreds of members,
including independent building-material
and hardware retailers, commercial dealers
and manufacturers located in every province
across the country, TIMBER MART provides
its extensive dealer network with a menu of
competitive buying programs, comprehensive
marketing services and personalized support to
drive independent business success. For more
information, visit www.timbermart.ca and
www.timbermartmember.ca.

rona inc. announces new structure rona inc. launches the brand-new rona+ banner
to strengthen its position in the RONA inc. is starting its transition plan to All converted stores will remain open during
market make RONA the leader of the Canadian home the conversions, guarantees offered by
improvement sector. Lowe’s will be honoured, gift cards will still
RONA has announced the beginning of the be accepted, and private brands will remain
Lowe’s stores’ conversion to the RONA banner, in the stores’ offering. RONA will also continue
an iconic brand that has served communities to maintain its commitment to Canadian
across the country since its founding in vendors and its affiliated dealer network, who
Québec in 1939. The conversions will start at are a key component of the company’s vision.
the end of July 2023 and will take place over “This news is positive for all our
RONA Inc., one of Canada’s leading home several months. The first ten Lowe’s stores to stakeholders, including RONA’s employees,
improvement retailers operating or servicing be converted, all located in Ontario, are the affiliated dealers, vendors, customers and
some 425 corporate and affiliated stores following: the communities in which RONA’s operates,”
under different banners, has decided to added Laporte. “For close to 85 years now,
simplify its organizational structure to Lowe’s Ancaster RONA has been a household name standing
strengthen its position on the market and be Lowe’s Brantford for great service, exciting product and brand
more efficient. Lowe’s Cambridge assortments, good value, and a strong sense
In light of the current economic downturn, Lowe’s Hamilton of community. We want to build on that and
RONA, like other organizations that recently Lowe’s Kitchener create momentum for this beloved Canadian-
announced restructurings, needed to adapt to Lowe’s Niagara Falls operated brand. We recently redefined the
reflect new market realities. The organization Lowe’s Sarnia mission of the RONA Foundation, which plays
firmly believes that its transition plan aimed Lowe’s Waterloo an essential role in the vision we have for
at positioning RONA as the leader of the Lowe’s Windsor the future of RONA, a leader that not only
Canadian home improvement industry will Lowe’s Windsor East challenges and improves how the industry
support its viability and benefit stakeholders serves Canadians, but who also shows up in
in the long run. All Lowe’s stores that will be converted, meaningful ways to support communities
This resulted in the elimination of 500 will bear the brand-new RONA+ banner. “This across the country.”
positions within the RONA network in Canada. is an important step in our vision for the
Decisions like these are never taken lightly future of RONA,” explained Catherine Laporte, About RONA inc.
as they impact the organization’s employees Vice-President, Marketing at RONA inc. “With RONA inc. is one of Canada’s leading home
and their families. Employees affected by these conversions, we are making a significant improvement retailers headquartered in
this change will be supported throughout investment and renewing our commitment Boucherville, Québec. The RONA inc. network
this transition. The company’s head office will to the RONA brand. The new RONA+ banner operates or services some 425 corporate and
remain in Boucherville, on the South Shore of is the first step in a wider plan aimed at affiliated dealer stores under the Lowe’s, RONA,
Montréal. redefining how Canadians shop for home Réno-Dépôt, and Dick’s Lumber banners. With
With this new structure, RONA, who has improvement, creating new opportunities to a long and rich history, RONA inc. supports
been serving Canadians for close to 85 years, improve how we serve them.” Canadians in their home improvement
since its founding in Québec in 1939, wants RONA’s priority during this transition is and construction projects since 1939. To
to further simplify the way it operates to to provide the best possible experience for achieve this, the company relies on a team
reinvest in this strong and vibrant brand and their home improvement DIY and contractor of 22,000 employees, to whom it strives to
create new opportunities to improve how customers. Employees will continue to serve provide an inclusive workplace where everyone
Canadians shop for home improvement. them with the same passion and expertise. is invited to contribute. RONA inc. is one of the

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