Original News

Lowe’s Canada has plans for expansion that include growing the Canadian company RONA and roughly tripling Ace Hardware’s store count. In May, Lowe’s finalized its purchase of home improvement chain RONA and this month released more information about its plans for the acquisition. Through its purchase of RONA, Lowe’s …

Rick Whitson, vice president of distribution, will retire Dec. 31 from Ace Hardware Corp. after 37 years with the company. Whitson has a long history of contributions to the co-op’s retail support area. During his career, he directed the operational startup of the …

Stanley Black & Decker has entered into an agreement to sell most of its commercial mechanical security business, according to the company. Swiss company Dormakaba will purchase Stanley’s commercial mechanical security brands Best Access, phi Precision and GMT for $725 million …

This month, Ace Hardware and The Grommet announced a collaboration that brings innovations of local makers into Ace Hardware retail stores. The Grommet, a product-launching platform for innovative consumer products, began its partnership with Ace for the holiday season, and it will continue in …

Jack Kleinhenz is chief economist for the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade association. Formerly with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Kleinhenz is a contributing forecaster to The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Federal Reserve Bank of …

An advisory group made up of some of House-Hasson Hardware’s largest or oldest customers developed four significant changes for future House-Hasson dealer markets at a pre-market meeting in October. The advisory group meets at least annually to share with House-Hasson leaders …

Walter Hachborn, former president and Home Hardware Stores Ltd. co-founder, died on Dec. 17 at the age of 95. Hachborn began his hardware career in 1938 at Hollinger Hardware in St. Jacobs, Ontario, and dedicated his entire life to serving his …

Retailers, distributors and manufacturers who attended the North American Retail Hardware Association’s (NRHA) second annual State of Independents Conference now have a detailed understanding of the performance and direction of the independent home improvement industry. The one-day conference, sponsored by …