HARDLINES CONFERENCE PUTS FOCUS ON THE EXPERIENCE

Dealers and vendors from across Canada converged on the Kingbridge Conference Centre & Hotel in King City, Ont., recently for the 24th Annual Hardlines Conference. Under the theme, “It’s all about the experience”, the conference drew an outstanding lineup of speakers from both within and outside the industry.

On the dealer side, Home Hardware Chair Christine Hand spoke to her own experience using her family’s cross-generational expertise to gain a digital edge. And Joe Franquinha, from Crest Hardware in Brooklyn, NY, spoke about how his business re-evaluated its practices to contend with online giants.

Looking at the big picture, Peter Norman of Altus Group spoke candidly and accessibly about the broad trends of the economy, while Hardlines’ Michael McLarney addressed the state of the industry, with a focus on customer experience and specialization.

Capping off the event were Fred Pennell of Princess Auto, who shared some of the secrets of his company’s success in expanding and updating, and True Value CEO John Hartmann on the banner’s new equity structure and how it allows retailers to invest in their businesses.

Outside of the conference room, Pub Night sponsored by RONA and an Industry Cocktail Reception put on by Home Hardware kept the fun and networking opportunities going.