HHIQ_3Q_17_Complete

SHOW PREVIEW
BRICKS-AND-MORTAR GIANTS, E-COMMERCE
EXPERTS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
W
ith a theme of Bricks and Clicks, the
22nd annual Hardlines Conference
will address one of the biggest
concerns for Canadian retailers today:
e-commerce.
Kicking off the conference on November
14, Robert Howard of retail consultancy
Kurt Salmon will provide an overview
of the latest trends in the battle between
online and bricks-and-mortar retail.
22 ND ANNUAL HARDLINES CONFERENCE
This year’s Hardlines Conference, taking place in Niagara Falls, Ont., from November 14 to 15, will focus on delivering
insights into how independents and large retailers alike can survive and prosper amidst the rise of online selling.
The 22nd annual Hardlines Conference, taking
place in Niagara Falls, Ont., from November 14
to 15, will address one of the biggest concerns
for Canadian retailers today: e-commerce.
REGIONAL AND GLOBAL
PERSPECTIVES
The conference will also feature some
of the country’s most powerful regional
retailers. Daniel Lampron is general manager
of the giant Quebec home improvement
chain Patrick Morin. He has been an
instrumental part of the team guiding this
family-owned business on a course of tremendous
growth in recent years, proving
that a healthy bricks-and-mortar presence
remains crucial to a strong retail strategy.
In addition, we’re pleased to announce
that Doug Anderson, president of Peavey
Industries, will join the conference as a keynote
speaker. Anderson’s company made
news last year for its investment in London,
Ont.-based TSC Stores, which will make
Peavey a farm and hardware powerhouse
from British Columbia to Ontario.
John Herbert, general secretary of EDRA,
the European DIY Retail Association, will
return to the Hardlines stage this year.
Herbert will offer an analysis of the leading
home improvement retailers globally that
point the way for the future of this industry.
CONCERNING RETAILERS
To better understand how independent
dealers are coping with the rise of online
selling, Dan Tratensek, vice president
of publishing at the North American
Retail Hardware Association, will share
the latest research from his association.
Peter Norman, vice president and chief
economist at Altus Group, is an industryrecognized
urban economist and forecaster.
He will bring his special take on housing
and renovation trends to his presentation
on the Canadian economy.
How can bricks-and-mortar retailers
use e-commerce to their own benefit? Emil
Cermak of FedEx Canada will offer insights
into the shifts in this industry and the retail
landscape in general through the eyes of a
carrier. And he’ll unravel the mystery of
what happens with product in that last mile
to the customer’s door.
Closing out the conference will be
Sylvain Prud’homme, president and CEO
of Lowe’s Canada. Prud’homme piloted
Lowe’s through its takeover of RONA and
is currently working with his teams to build
Lowe’s retail presence in multiple formats
across the country.
(For more information on speakers and conference
registration, go to www.hardlinesconference.ca.)
30 THIRD QUARTER / 2017
Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly
www.hardlines.ca