2027
MEDIA KIT
1 ABOUT HARDLINES
Canada’s Voice for the Home Improvement Industry
TABLE OF CONTENTS About Hardlines
3
Contact Information 4 Reach & Circulation 5 Print Publications 6 Digital Advertising 9 Conference & Events
17
Sponsorship Opportunities
18
Premium Membership
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
19
ABOUT HARDLINES WHO WE ARE For over 30 years, Hardlines has been the trusted source for news, data, and connections in Canada’s hardware and building supply industry. We reach the decision-makers who matter: independent dealers, national retailers, buying groups, and suppliers. Hardlines connects your brand to the people shaping this market, at the places they are the most. From our early days as a weekly newsletter to today’s multi-platform presence, our mission hasn’t changed: connect the industry and deliver results for our partners.
11,000+ HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAILERS AND MANAGERS
92% of our readers would recommend our products to a friend or colleague. Source: Hardlines survey
EVERY MAJOR BUYING GROUP AND CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE
THE PRO DEALER AND CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MARKET
3 ABOUT HARDLINES
OUR AUDIENCES Our readers are decision-makers; retail owners, senior executives, and managers who control buying decisions for thousands of locations nationwide. Hardlines puts your message in front of the people who matter.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH HOW WE CONNECT YOU Your customers consume media across multiple touch points. We offer a unique mix of platforms to put your message in front of the right people.
Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly (HHIQ) and Pro Dealer, the two most respected publications in the industry.
DIGITAL
Hardlines.ca, Canada’s leading industry news service, plus targeted monthly and weekly newsletters with open rates up to 61.9%.
EVENTS
The Hardlines Conference and the Outstanding Retailer Awards (ORAs)—Canada’s only national gathering of top executives, suppliers, and dealers.
No one else offers this level of reach and engagement in the Canadian hardware and building supply sector. 4 CONTACT INFORMATION
YOUR HARDLINES TEAM David Chestnut
Shannon MacLeod
President & Publisher 416-725-7992 david@hardlines.ca
Account Manager 905-691-2492 shannon@hardlines.ca
CONTENT Rebecca Dumais, Editor rebecca@hardlines.ca
MARKETING, EVENTS, AND CLIENT SERVICES Michelle Porter, Senior Marketing & Events Manager michelle@hardlines.ca
Rob Gerlsbeck, Managing Editor rob@hardlines.ca
Jill MacLeod, Client Services Manager jillian@hardlines.ca
QUEBEC OFFICE Geoff McLarney, Quebec Editor geoff@hardlines.ca
ACCOUNTING acounting@hardlines.ca
DESIGN Shawn Samson, Design & Production shawn@twocreative.ca
Hardlines Inc. 2060 Lakeshore Road, Suite 702 Burlington, ON L7R 0G2 905-330-3061 | hardlines.ca
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIBER SERVICES Target Audience Management Inc. 866-764-0227 | hhiq@mysubscription.ca
10,892 QUALIFIED CIRCULATION
REACH AND CIRCULATION Our audience spans every province, every buying group, and every major retail banner.
PRINT REACH HARDLINES HOME IMPROVEMENT QUARTERLY (HHIQ) 10,892 QUALIFIED CIRCULATION This publication is an industry trade publication carefully designed to meet the needs of the modern home improvement decision-maker.
6,862 QUALIFIED CIRCULATION
Pro Dealer Magazine 6,862 QUALIFIED CIRCULATION This publication is focused on LBM dealers and the pro contractor market and delivered to the businesses driving Canada’s building boom. Our readers are: • Corporate head office decision-makers • National buying groups • Independent hardware, paint, and building supply dealers
DIGITAL REACH Hardlines.ca • 32,500+ Monthly Ad Views • High engagement from retail executives and industry suppliers
E-Newsletters
• Hardlines Weekly Report: 61.9% open rate • Dealer News & HR Advisor: 29%+ open rates (Industry average: 15% monthly) Audit statements are available upon request.
5 REACH AND CIRCULATION
PRINT PUBLICATIONS HHIQ 2027 EDITORIAL SCHEDULE HARDLINES HOME IMPROVEMENT QUARTERLY (HHIQ)
The go-to publication for Canada’s home improvement retailers, packed with insights on trends, strategies, and success stories.
OUTDOOR LIVING SUPPLEMENT (HHIQ Q3 INSERT)
Hardlines will publish its sixth annual edition of the Outdoor Living supplement in 2027. This essential resource captures one of the industry’s fastestgrowing categories. Each page is extensively dedicated to showing products for backyards, and includes everything from patio furniture, outdoor structures, and decks and railings to barbecues, grills and hardscaping. A standalone magazine supplement that is part of Hardlines’ Category Captains series, Outdoor Living 2027 will once again feature three dealer-owners who have specialized in the department, upcoming category trends, and a compendium of available products. Publishes with the Q3 2027 edition of HHIQ Magazine.
Deadlines Space: May 14 Material: June 11
6 PRINT PUBLICATIONS
Pricing Full Page: $4,995 Half Page: $2,895
QUARTER
COVER STORY
FEATURES
PRODUCT FOCUS
SPACE CLOSE
MATERIAL CLOSE
MAIL DATE
Q1
Young Retailer of the Year
Hardlines Conference, Outstanding Retailer Awards
Paint and Accessories
Nov 27, 2026
Dec 11, 2026
Jan 8, 2027
Q2
Outstanding Retailer Award Winner
Merchandising and Store Design
Lighting
Feb 19, 2027
Mar 12, 2027
Apr 9, 2027
Q3
State of the Industry Report
Hardlines Distribution
Adhesives & Sealants
May 27, 2027
Jun 18, 2027
Jul 16, 2027
Q4
Meet the Buyers
Succession Planning
Plumbing and Electrical
Aug 20, 2027
Sept 10, 2027
Oct 8, 2027
HHIQ AD RATES AD SIZE
1x
2x
3x
4x
Double Page Spread
$14,640
$14,200
$13,665
$13,105
Full Page
$8,330
$7,760
$7,100
$6,550
Half Page
$5,735
$5,350
$4,915
$4,505
Third Page
$4,490
$4,260
$8,975
$3,415
Quarter Page
$3,165
$2,930
$2,435
$2,295
Premium positions: • Outside back cover add 20% • Inside front cover add 15% • Inside back cover add 10% • Insert/outsert rates available upon request
PRO DEALER 2027 EDITORIAL SCHEDULE
PRO DEALER
The only Canadian magazine focused exclusively on the pro contractor market and building supply dealers.
QUARTER
COVER STORY
FEATURES
PRODUCT FOCUS
SPACE CLOSE
MATERIAL CLOSE
MAIL DATE
Q1
Commercial Dealer Profile
Delivery Technology
Power Tools and Accessories
Jan 8, 2027
Jan 29, 2027
Feb 26, 2027
Q2
Pro Dealer of the Year
Insulated Concrete Forms
Windows and Doors
Apr 9, 2027
Apr 30, 2027
May 28, 2027
Q3
Pro Yard Equipment
Contractor Events
Gypsum Supplies
Jul 9, 2027
Jul 30, 2027
Aug 27, 2027
Q4
Outstanding Retailer Award Profile
Building Materials Distribution
Insulation and Siding
Oct 8, 2027
Oct 29, 2027
Nov 26, 2027
PRO DEALER AD RATES AD SIZE
1x
2x
3x
4x
Double Page Spread
$9,540
$8,690
$8,440
$8,055
Full Page
$6,570
$5,925
$5,660
$5,510
Half Page
$4,450
$3,810
$3,600
$3,290
Premium positions: • Outside back cover add 20% • Inside front cover add 15% • Inside back cover add 10% • Insert/outsert rates available upon request
7 PRINT PUBLICATIONS
PRINT AD SPECIFICATIONS PRINT AD SPECIFICATIONS
Double Page Spread
Full Page
Half Page Vertical
Trim Size: 18” x 10.875” With Bleed: 18.25” x 11.125” Type Safety: 17.5” x 10.375”
Trim Size: 9” x 10.875” With Bleed: 9.25” x 11.125” Type Safety: 8.5” x 10.375” Non-Bleed Size: 8.5” x 10.375”
Trim Size: 4.375” x 10.875” With Bleed: 4.625” x 11.125” Type Safety: 3.875” x 10.375” Non-Bleed Size: 3.875” x 10.375”
Half Page Horizontal
Third Page Vertical
Quarter Page Square
Half Page Island
Third Page Horizontal
Quarter Page Horizontal
Non-Bleed Size: 8” x 4.75”
Non-Bleed Size: 2.375” x 10.375”
Non-Bleed size: 3.75” x 4.75”
Non-Bleed size: 5” x 7.75”
Non-Bleed size: 8” x 375”
Non-Bleed size: 8” x 2.5”
Material Specifications
Ads must be supplied as a press-ready PDF file with embedded fonts and graphics (PDF/X-1a:2001 preferred). Images should have a resolution of 300 ppi. Do not use spot colours or RGB art. Keep all colours CMYK.
Submission Requirements Ads can be emailed to
shannon@hardlines.ca
8 PRINT AD SPECIFICATIONS
For the above bleed ads, please ensure 0.125” bleed is added to all sides and important type or logos are kept 0.25” away from trim edges.
Print ad specifications for Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly and Pro Dealer also available here.
DIGITAL ADVERTISING OVERVIEW
WEBSITE BANNERS
WEB-L-1
WEB-L-2
WEB SS-1
HARDLINES.CA Hardlines.ca is the industry’s digital hub, averaging over 70,000 monthly ad views in three key positions. Our newsletters drive unmatched engagement, with open rates up to 61.9%.
WEB-L-LG
WEB SS-2
WEB SS-3
WEB SS-4
WEB SS-5
WEBSITE BANNER RATES LOCATION
SKU
SIZE
3 MONTHS
6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
Leaderboard 1+2 Combo
WEB-L-1 & WEB-L-2
728 x 100 (x2)
$20,595
$32,955
$52,735
Leaderboard-1
WEB-L-1
728 x 100
$14,235
$22,755
$39,210
Leaderboard-2
WEB-L-2
728 x 100
$14,235
$22,755
$39,210
Leaderboard-LG
WEB-L-LG
1372 x 100
$14,235
$22,755
$39,210
Skyscraper-1
WEB-SS-1
240 x 500
$8,235
$13,385
$20,595
Skyscraper-2
WEB-SS-2
240 X 500
$7,410
$12,045
$18,535
Skyscraper-3
WEB-SS-3
240 X 500
$6,670
$10,840
$16,680
Skyscraper-4
WEB-SS-4
240 X 500
$6,005
$9,760
$15,010
Skyscraper-5
WEB-SS-5
240 X 500
$5,405
$8,785
$13,515
Each digital ad links to the website of your choice. Web banners appear in eight second intervals and rotate top to bottom randomly. GIF images must be under eight seconds. Artwork must be provided at least five days before go live date. Third-party code embedding is available at no extra charge.
9 DIGITAL ADVERTISING
HARDLINES WEEKLY REPORT (E-NEWSLETTER) This is the only weekly Canadian source for industry intelligence and a keystone product in our digital marketing mix. Distributed every Monday morning, and packed with the latest news, trends analysis, interviews with industry leaders, and statistics on housing and retail, our subscribers can start the week fully informed.
HWR-L
HWR-S
HWR-S
HWR-B1
10 DIGITAL ADVERTISING
POSITION
SKU
SIZE (PX)
Leaderboard
HWR-L
690 x 100
$10,975
$15,850
$24,395
Large Banner 1
HWR-B1
450 x 100
$7,315
$10,975
$15,850
Large Banner 2
HWR-B2
450 x 100
$4,880
$8,535
$12,195
Large Banner 3
HWR-B3
450 x 100
$3,660
$6,465
$9,755
Small Banner 1
HWR-S
200 X 200
$3,995
$7,995
$8,995
3 MONTHS 6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
DEALER NEWS (MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER) Dealer News is targeted squarely at store owners and managers. A monthly send, it’s packed with news, tips, insights, and concrete ideas for dealers and store managers who want to run their businesses at maximum efficiency.
DN-S1
DN-B1
DN-S2
DN-B2
DN-S3
DN-B3
11 DIGITAL ADVERTISING
POSITION
SKU
SIZE (PX)
3 MONTHS
6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
Large Banner 1
DN-B1
420 x 90
$6,830
$9,995
$16,590
Large Banner 2
DN-B2
420 x 90
$6,095
$8,900
$14,150
Large Banner 3
DN-B3
420 x 90
$4,870
$7,315
$10,975
Large Banner 4
DN-B4
420 x 90
$3,995
$6,395
$8,995
Small Banner 1
DN-S1
200 x 200
$4,870
$7,315
$10,975
Small Banner 2
DN-S2
200 x 200
$3,165
$4,870
$7,315
Small Banner 3
DN-S3
200 x 200
$2,440
$4,020
$5,610
Small Banner 4
DN-S4
200 x 200
$1,895
$2,995
$4,695
DAILY NEWS We offer our industry a daily roundup of the news impacting the home improvement industry, store openings, appointment announcements, and event coverage.
D-L1
D-M1
POSITION
SKU
SIZE (PX)
3 MONTHS
6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
Large Banner
D-L1
590 x 100
$7,635
$12,725
$20,365
Medium Banner
D-M1
290 x 100
$5,095
$8,135
$12,725
D-M1
PRO DEALER BUSINESS PRO Dealer Business is the digital companion to Hardlines PRO Dealer magazine, featuring strategies to boost profits, case studies of successful dealers, insights on economic trends, and the latest products and innovations for pro customers.
PDB-1
PDB-2
12 DIGITAL ADVERTISING
PDB-3
PDB-4
POSITION
SKU
SIZE (PX)
3 MONTHS
6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
Large Banner 1
PDB-1
680 x 120
$5,350
$8,030
$13,385
Large Banner 2
PDB-2
680 x 120
$4,815
$7,225
$12,045
Large Banner 3
PDB-3
680 x 120
$4,330
$6,505
$10,840
Large Banner 4
PDB-4
680 x 120
$3,900
$5,850
$9,760
HR ADVISOR HRA-1
HRA-2
HRA-3
HRA-4
13 DIGITAL ADVERTISING
Hardlines HR Advisor is a monthly e-newsletter for the retail home improvement industry, keeping you informed on staffing issues, legal updates, and HR best practices. Each issue includes industry news, expert advice, and insights from HR professionals and agencies.
POSITION
SKU
SIZE (PX)
3 MONTHS
6 MONTHS
12 MONTHS
Large Banner 1
HRA-1
680 x 120
$4,425
$7,205
$10,295
Large Banner 2
HRA-2
680 x 120
$3,980
$6,485
$9,265
Large Banner 3
HRA-3
680 x 120
$3,585
$5,835
$8,340
Large Banner 4
HRA-4
680 x 120
$3,225
$5,255
$7,505
DEALER TECH IQ
Introducing the monthly technology newsletter for home improvement dealers DTIQ-1
DTIQ-2
Hardlines DealerTech IQ offers a unique opportunity to reach an engaged audience of home improvement retailers actively looking to improve their businesses. From software and AI platforms to e-commerce, inventory management, payments, and operational tools, advertisers can connect directly with decision-makers seeking the next generation of retail technology. Delivered monthly to home improvement dealers across Canada, Hardlines DealerTech IQ cuts through the noise to bring readers the technology trends, products and strategies that matter most. Each issue will feature expert insights, real-world case stories, and practical advice from experts and dealers who are successfully using technology to improve efficiency, boost sales and enhance the customer experience. Expertly curated by Chris Parsons
DTIQ-3
DTIQ-4
14 ABOUT HARDLINES
Chris Parsons is the founder and author of Retail Rewired, a platform focused on helping retailers and brands drive growth through smarter execution, stronger customer connection, and modern marketing strategy. With over 25 years of experience across companies like Walmart, Home Hardware, Newegg, and Ren’s Pets, Chris brings a practical, operator-first perspective to retail transformation. He is also a co-host of the Commerce Rewired podcast, where he collaborates with industry leaders to unpack real-world retail challenges and opportunities. POSITION
SKU
SIZE
12 MONTHS
Lead Banner
DTIQ-1
680 x 120 px
$15,995
2nd Banner
DTIQ-2
680 x 120 px
$12,995
3rd Banner
DTIQ-3
680 x 120 px
$9,995
4th Banner
DTIQ-4
680 x 120 px
$6,995
3RD PARTY E-MAILS
3RD PARTY E-MAILS Hardlines Custom Send/3rd Party Emails give you direct access to our entire subscriber base of industry decision-makers. With fully customizable content and branding, they’re a powerful way to showcase your products, promotions, and expertise right in your target audience’s inbox.
1 SEND
4 SENDS
8 SENDS
12 SENDS
$3,995
$2,595 per send
$1,995 per send
$1,495 per send
Custom Send Requirements: • Include a subject line for the email (preheader is optional). • Sender - Please provide the company name you would like to use for your custom send. The format is Hardlines on behalf of Company Name. • Email must be provided as an HTML file. • Email layout must not be larger than 800px wide. • Images must be hosted and embedded in the HTML file upon submission. • HTML file and subject line must be submitted a week before scheduled email deployment date. Need help creating your custom send? We can create an HTML file for you using your supplied photos, logos and text. We can customize the HTML template to include your company’s branded colours. COST: $995
Download our Custom Sends spec requirements PDF.
15 3RD PARTY E-MAILS
DIGITAL AD SPECS All banners link to the website of your choice. Web banners appear in eight second intervals and rotate top to bottom randomly. GIF images must be under eight seconds. Artwork must be provided at least five days before go live date. Third-party code embedding is available at no extra charge.
WEBSITE Leaderboard - 1 & 2
728 x 100
Leaderboard - LG
1372 x 100
Skyscraper - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
240 x 500
WEEKLY REPORT Leaderboard
690 x 100
Large Banner - 1, 2, 3
450 x 100
Small Banner
200 X 200
DEALER NEWS Large Banner - 1, 2, 3, 4
420 x 90
Small Banner - 1, 2, 3, 4
200 x 200
DAILY NEWS Large Banner
590 x 100
Medium Banner
290 x 100
PRO DEALER BUSINESS Large Banner - 1, 2, 3, 4
680 x 120
HR ADVISOR Large Banner - 1, 2, 3, 4
680 x 120
DealerTech IQ Large Banner - 1, 2, 3, 4
16 DIGITAL AD SPECS
680 x 120
Access the people who matter most, in an environment designed for real conversations and meaningful connections.
CONFERENCE & EVENTS WHERE THE INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER For over three decades, the Hardlines Conference has been the premier gathering for Canada’s hardware and building supply leaders. It’s the only national event where retailers, buying groups, suppliers, and industry experts connect to share insights and explore what’s next. Two days of high-level presentations, expert panels, and invaluable networking opportunities. This is where strategic partnerships are formed and the industry’s future is shaped.
The Outstanding Retailer Awards (ORAs) Celebrating the best in Canadian home improvement retail with categories spanning hardware stores, building centres, large-format retailers, and pro dealers.
17 CONFERENCE & EVENTS
2027 CONFERENCE DATE AND LOCATION
Fairmont Chateau Whistler , Whistler, British Columbia October 19 & 20, 2027 hardlinesconference.ca
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Position your brand front and centre at the most influential event in Canada’s home improvement sector: the Hardlines Conference. Sponsorship provides extended visibility before, during, and after the event. Reach out for a full list of sponsorship perks. PACKAGE
PRICE
INCLUDES
ORA Sponsor
$15,995
• Present an Outstanding Retailer Award • Full-page ad in HHIQ • 2 tickets to conference & gala • Company logo on ALL event media platforms
Meal or Coffee Sponsor
$11,995
• On-site signage • 2 tickets to conference & gala • Logo in program, supporting sponsorship assets
Supporting Sponsor
$5,995
• 1 ticket to conference & gala • Corporate logo on all applicable event signage
For more info on the Hardlines Conference, visit hardlinesconference.ca
18 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP YOUR EDGE STARTS HERE
Hardlines Premium Membership isn’t just a subscription; it’s your competitive edge. Members get insider access to the most trusted intelligence in Canada’s home improvement industry, along with exclusive benefits that pay for themselves. What’s Included: Hardlines Weekly Report Every Monday morning, get the latest news, trend analysis, and insights that help you make smarter decisions. Breaking News Alerts Be first to know about major developments in the industry, delivered straight to your inbox.
MAKE SURE YOUR TEAM HAS THE INSIGHTS AND ADVANTAGES THEY NEED TO STAY AHEAD. Sign up for Hardlines Premium Membership today and start saving on reports, events, and advertising opportunities while staying connected to the people and information that matter most. Contact: jillian@hardlines.ca Or visit hardlines.ca to get started.
19 PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP
HHIQ (Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly) One print issue per office, every quarter. Additional copies at a discounted price.
Classified Ads One free 250-word ad with logo per year (2-week run), plus 15% off additional listings. Exclusive Discounts Save 20% on tickets to the Hardlines Conference and Outstanding Retailer Awards Gala. PRO Dealer One print issue per office, every quarter. Additional copies at a discounted price.
MEMBERSHIP PRICING SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE
PRICE
1–3 people
$545
4–6 people
$725
7–10 people
$875
Total Annual Savings: up to $2,206. Membership packages for up to 100 people available upon request. Contact Jill for more information.
905-330-3061
hardlines.ca