TruServ Canada Wins Newsmaker Award for new TRU Banner

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TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2012 — Yet, this is exactly what TruServ Canada did when it launched the TRU banner for Canada. Under new ownership by RONA, Winnipeg-based TruServ Canada made the move to celebrate its Canadian heritage and flexible service to independent dealers and began a process of developing a banner — and a store program — that would be distinctly home grown in every way.

A series of focus groups and discussions with those very dealers helped TruServ Canada pinpoint the values and priorities that today’s dealer stands for. Then, with the combined resources of RONA and TruServ Canada’s marketing teams behind it, the company re-emerged with the TRU banner, suitable for hardware, building centre, and country and garden retailers.

Bill Morrison (left), President of TruServ Canada and Vice President, Wholesale for RONA inc., accepts the Newsmaker of the Year Award from the Award’s sponsor, Sonya Ruff-Jarvis, of the National Hardware Show.

But it didn’t stop there. TRU was supported by new websites for each retail format, plus a range of support services for all independent dealers, ranging from affordable flyer programs to enhanced, customized online services.

On top of all this, TruServ Canada has maintained — and reinforced — its role as a general hardware wholesaler for independents of all stripes, regardless of their affiliation.

For putting its finger firmly on the pulse of today’s independent retailer, and for creating a fresh new banner program and range of services to satisfy that independent, TruServ Canada has earned this year’s Hardlines Newsmaker of the Year Award. This Award is sponsored by the National Hardware Show.

The Hardlines Newsmaker of the Year Award was presented at the 17th Annual Hardlines Conference, Oct. 25, 2012. The Award was sponsored by the National Hardware Show. For more information, contact: Michael McLarney, Editor of HARDLINES; 416-489-3396 or mike@hardlines.ca