Home Hardware, the Canadian franchise hardware store network, says it is determined to remain Canadian in the face of growing U.S. domination of the hardware market. CEO Terry Davis was on Bloomberg TV Canada saying that the St. Jacob-based firm will maintain its independence no matter what. These are brave words and welcome in the aftermath of the takeover of Rona Hardware by Lowes.
FUTURE OF SUNNYBROOK HARDWARE
Locally, there is really no substitute for the small hardware store which normally carries an amazing minutia of bolts and bits that are seldom found at Canadian Tire. But it is a tough business. Time has seen the disappearance of the Home Hardware on Bayview Ave (Tru Value remains) and the end of hardware retailing on Mt. Pleasant Rd. The Home Hardware in Sunnybrook Plaza is very good. Where will it go beyond the end of business at the plaza when redevelopment begins? There are apparently a few years left for businesses at the plaza. Maybe as many as four. By far the best Home Hardware store within driving distance is Dickson Home Hardware at 2028 Avenue Rd., near Dunblaine Ave. It is a double store with a lower level full of metal components that is a repairman’s happy hunting ground..
HOME HARDWARE CULTURE
In his interview, Mr. Davis said that Rona had wanted to buy out Home Hardware. “They have a different culture than we do. They used to have the very same culture we did, before they went public. It’s just a whole different business model, different culture, culture change, and no, we’re not for sale.”
