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That being said, retail has faced some unique challenges this year.

Heading into 2020, we didn’t anticipate this global pandemic that may leave a permanent mark on both our industry and society in general. But like all the challenges you’ve faced before, home improvement retailers stepped up and worked tirelessly to support their communities and ensure residents had the supplies they need to get through. We highlight some of your stories and a few of the best practices that have emerged on page 34.

Of course, one of the weirdest things of living through a pandemic is that regular life goes on despite how much the world has changed. Retailers—like everyone else—may be in survival mode, but they must be prepared to hit the ground running once “normal life” begins to resume. Our cover feature on Canada’s top retailers on page 22 highlights the major themes and trends that influenced business in 2019.

Executive changes to our major retail banners figured large in the trends that have influenced the industry over the last 18 months. And, as it turns out, the changes to its leadership team have helped distribution giant Orgill prepare for the challenges of the pandemic. Our President Michael standard when it comes to giving back to the community. Retailers don’t think twice about helping when it’s in their power to do so. And we’ve seen that spirit endure through this crisis, and we know that it will remain a constant long after the threat from the novel coronavirus has passed.

McLarney spoke with two executives from the Memphis-based company and you can read more about how they’re focusing on their Canadian business now on page 32.

Even before we were struck with a pandemic, stories of helping, generosity and community have been widespread in this industry. Our Endcap on page 50 features one such story. This year, for International Women’s Day, 20 women from the Lowe’s Canada network participated in a Habitat for Humanity build in Montreal. One of the employees interviewed about her experience says she didn’t think twice about signing up.

For the 25 years this company has been reporting on the industry, that’s been the

On behalf of the HHIQ team, we hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and well through this crisis. We look forward to resuming business as usual when this eventually passes, and returning to reporting on all the stories of connection and caring that unite not just your communities, but the industry as a whole.