Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
The Southwestern Ontario Home Hardware Group recently announced the launch of SW Buy Local 50, a regional initiative to showcase products from 50 new Southwestern Ontario vendors before December 2026.
The initiative brings together six participating Home Hardware locations in Newbury, London, Chatham, Sarnia, Tilbury and West Lorne. Manufacturers, makers, growers, distributors and suppliers from across Southwestern Ontario are invited to submit products for consideration.
“Southwestern Ontario has an incredible manufacturing, agricultural and creative business community,” says Ryan Arens, a coordinator of the initiative. “By working together across six stores, we can give regional suppliers opportunities in the communities where their products are most relevant—and potentially help them grow into additional locations.”
The group is considering products across all merchandise categories, including:
- Confectionery and locally produced food
- Lumber and building materials
- Hardware and tools
- Housewares and home décor
- Plumbing and electrical products
- Lighting
- Kitchen and bath
- Christmas and seasonal merchandise
- Everyday living products
Vendors applying should provide a company introduction, product information, wholesale pricing, production capacity and details about where their products are manufactured or sourced.
Products will be evaluated based on customer fit, quality, value, availability, staff feedback and applicable safety, packaging and regulatory requirements. Depending on product and market fit, selected vendors may be showcased at one, several or all six participating stores.
“This is a positive investment in the region,” Arens says. “It’s about creating more opportunities for Southwestern Ontario businesses, developing dependable supplier relationships and giving customers more local and Canadian choices.”
