Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Full of energy and high spirits, Home Hardware dealers convened at the Enercare Center in Toronto, Ontario, for the Home Hardware Fall 2023 Homecoming, Sept. 13-15. Revolving around the theme of “Together We Build,” the event highlighted how working together as Home Hardware dealers builds stronger communities, stronger stores and a stronger co-op.
“I think homecoming is a great opportunity for us to get back together, do some networking, find some new products and see some old faces and meet new friends,” says Anne Callahan, manager of Middleton Home Hardware in Middleton, Nova Scotia.
The event kicked off Wednesday with the Sip ‘n’ See Sneak Peek where attendees enjoyed a social hour on the show floor.
Following, the Proud of My Home Achievement Awards and Dinner honored outstanding Home Hardware dealers. Wilson’s Home Hardware Building Centre in Barrington Passage, Nova Scotia, received the Walter J. Hachborn Store of the Year Award.
The Best Home Hardware award went to Aylmer Home Hardware, Shediac Home Hardware, Dolly’s Home Hardware and Quincaillerie Home Hardware. Home Building Centre Lindsay, Allen’s Home Building Centre, Beaverlodge Home Building Centre and Bouchard Matériaux Inc. received the Best Home Building Centre. Best Home Hardware Building Centre honors went to Young’s Home Hardware Building Centre, Wilson’s Home Hardware Building Centre, Taber Home Hardware Building Centre and Riopel Centre de Rénovation.
Additionally, J.A. St-Pierre & Fils Inc. received the Paul Straus Public Relations Award, Gow’s Home Furniture earned the Best Home Furniture award and four dealers were given the Best Young Retailer award: Jesse Buchan, Joe and Jim Proudfoot and Janelle Perron.
Navigating the Show Floor
During the show, attendees could take advantage of the Product Knowledge Pop-Up Presentations where featured suppliers showcased their new and innovative products.
Judith Seddon, manager of Parksville Home Building Centre in Parksville, British Columbia, says she has three objectives when attending a trade show.
“At this market and others, our goal is to search out the best deals, look for new products and find merchandising suggestions and ideas from the different setups each vendor provides,” Seddon says. “Especially this time, we’re looking for dump-in products, those with high margins and fast turns.”
Tim Matthewman, manager of Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre in Apsley, Ontario, was looking for rental business and outdoor power equipment opportunities during his time at the Fall Homecoming. He appreciated the new location and layout.
“We haven’t been to a Homecoming since before the pandemic, and I found this one was nicely laid out,” Matthewman says. “It’s very tidy, very concise and very well put together.”
A highlight on the show floor was the bathroom and kitchen vendor displays, which were beautifully done and helpfully highlighted new products and innovations, Matthewman says.
Attending her first homecoming, Jillian Taylor, manager of Charman’s Home Hardware Building Centre in Wallace, Nova Scotia, and two other locations, enjoyed meeting several of the operation’s suppliers and vendors.
“It was great to get more exposure and check out what’s going on and what’s new and exciting,” Taylor says. “It was definitely an exciting experience to see the variety of products and the new innovations that are coming out.”
