Retail Innovation will be Honoured with New Home Improvement Award

Print this Article | Send to Colleague

TORONTO, August 27, 2012 — The demands of retail require constant change and innovation on the part of dealers. To recognize this innovation among Canada’s hardware and home improvement dealers, HARDLINES has developed a new Award to honour excellence in retail innovation: the Mark Robichaud Award for Retail Innovation.

The Award has been named in honour of one of the home improvement industry’s pioneers. Marc Robichaud was the owner of UJ Robichaud TIM-BR Mart, a fifth-generation family business in Meteghan Centre, Nova Scotia. He died on January 10, 2012, after a brief battle with lymphoma at the age of 36.  In his too-short career, Marc established himself as a true innovator, mastering online sales, using social media, and pioneering "green" retail practices. His life was active beyond his business, as well. Besides serving as treasurer of the Clare Chamber of Commerce for two years, he was fiercely proud of his Acadian heritage, and was an avid fan of Cape Breton music and step dancing.

"Marc Robichaud was one the most innovative dealers I’ve ever met," says Tim Urquhart, President and CEO of TIM-BR MARTS Ltd., the buying group of which Marc was a member. His death was felt by dealers and vendors across the country.

A dealer in Canada who has demonstrated imagination, originality, and innovative practices in the operation of their store and the growth of their business will be selected to receive the first-ever Mark Robichaud Award for Retail Innovation. The Award will be presented at the 17th Annual Hardlines Conference, Oct. 25, 2012 at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel.

For more information and details of the Award process, contact: Michael McLarney, Editor of HARDLINES, Canada’s information service for the retail home improvement industry; 416-489-3396 or mike@hardlines.ca.