The Toolbox
Western Retail Lumber Association
WRLA Toolbox: March 6, 2014|
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Winnipeg, Manitoba - Register Now Course and Travel Rebates available! "Stan’s way of estimating is unbelievable; it really is simple and very accurate." "A great course! I look forward to using my knowledge"
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Leduc, Alberta - |
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Making a Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
In preparation for a new selling season, take time to do some maintenance of your store—from your customers’ perspective. Be your own "mystery shopper" by pretending you are a customer visiting the store for the first time. Make a list of what you notice that doesn’t work for you, then prioritize the list based on necessity and budget to create a master to-do list for each department. It’s also a great idea to ask friends or family to perform this type of audit for you, so you’ll get a true sense of how a customer sees your store.
Give yourself enough time to finish each item on your list, factoring in customer service and stocking. If your store is large enough, give department managers their own lists and encourage a little friendly competition. Reward the department that finishes its list first to your standards with a pizza party or other treat.
The following checklist can be used any time you are preparing your store for a new season:
- Dust shelves, sweep floors, re-paint walls and replace lights. Start to prep seasonal areas to make the transition from holiday merchandise to outdoor living and lawn and garden.
- Make sure there are no sharp items, loose cords or boxes protruding from shelves.
- Check shelf labels and price stickers to be sure they are neat, clean, complete and current.
- Check displays for empty packages and items that are in the wrong place. Empty packages should be removed and inventory checked.
- Check displays for shopworn or torn packaging and remove it. Customers view damaged packaging as old or damaged goods, which contributes to a perception that the store is not current in its product selection.
- Make sure displays are full and organized. Review inventory order quantities and make sure displays are never empty. Assemble bulky items such as grills, mowers and hose reels, place them on the sales floor and dust them regularly.
- Don’t forget to pay attention to your backroom, where clutter has a tendency to accumulate. When your spring merchandise comes in, you want to make sure there’s room to unload it and organize it before placing on the sales floor.
WRLA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NRHA
The goal of the North American Retail Hardware Association is to help independent hardware and home improvement retailers become better and more profitable merchants through a wide array of educational and training programs, financial management resources, and human resource tools that are all available online. WRLA members get unlimited access to a full range of training and management services when they join NRHA through the WRLA.
Visit www.wrla.org or CLICK HERE for more information about NRHA.
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"This partnership with Enercorp is aligned with CGC's strategy to grow and specify our building envelope product offerings. The business relationship combines CGC's manufacturing capabilities, quality and customer service with Enercorp market knowledge and specification expertise," said CGC Director, Industrial Products and Specialty Substrates, Mark Hemphill. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox-v6.asp?aid=256238&issueID=32905 to view the full article online. |
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Over 225 Castle members and staff representing an incredible 105 Castle Building Centre locations from across Canada flocked to Orlando this past week to experience the Hardlines buying power of Orgill. The Orgill market took over the Orange County Convention Center as thousands of independent hardware retailers gathered to see the latest and greatest that Orgill had to offer. Orgill continues to gain momentum as the Canadian Independent’s "One-Stop Hardware Solution" and continue to expand their Canadian Compliant offering with over 50,000 Canadian compliant skus and continued growth within their Canadian customer support services commitment. Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/pdf/Press_Release_-_Castle_Building_Centres_Group_Ltd__-_March_3_2014.pdf to view the full article online. |
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Lafarge Canada Inc. (Eastern Canada), Canada's largest provider of solutions to the construction and development industry, announced today the launch of its new corporate social responsibility platform. The new initiative, called Deep Roots - Part of our communities: past, present, and future, supports Lafarge's global Sustainability Ambitions for 2020, will demonstrate and reinforce Lafarge Canada's commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work, and raise our families. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox-v6.asp?aid=256240&issueID=32905 to view the full article online. |
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Located in Chilliwack, BC, new Kenroc Building Materials Co Ltd. branch located in Redcliff, AB, and Beaver Metal Cladding Ltd. located in Grande Prairie, AB. Country West Supply owners Richard Reddicopp and Angie Wiens have been involved in the lumber and agricultural industry for several years. Servicing the Chilliwack and surrounding area, this is the place to go for all your agricultural needs. Kenroc Building Materials Co Ltd. just added their 13th location with the acquisition of Medicine Hat Drywall Supplies. Kenroc Building Materials has been in business for over 45 years and are pleased to be able to serve Southern Alberta from Medicine Hat. Beaver Metal Cladding Ltd located in Grande Prairie, AB, is a new venture for owner Martin Janzen. With a background in construction, Martin brings with him knowledge of the Ag commercial and residential industry that will benefit his customers with any project. |
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Support your association and broadcast your business to hundreds of decision-makers in the lumber industry. Advertising opportunities are still available in several WRLA publications.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wrl/articles/toolbox-v6.asp?aid=256236&issueID=32905 to view the full article online. |
 Stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and events with our engaging new communication channel. Have you watched the latest episode on our WRLA TV channel? Don't wait to take full advantage of this terrific media channel, one of the many benefits of your WRLA membership! Check it out here!  |
