Lowe’s Canada, one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers operating or servicing over 450 corporate and affiliated stores under various banners, celebrates the recognition received by two of its Ontario stores at the 2022 Outstanding Retailer Awards (ORAs) gala. Organized by Hardlines, a home improvement retail industry news and information service, this competition recognizes the best players in the home improvement and hardware industries in Canada. This year, RONA Fort Erie won the Marc Robichaud Community Leader award and Lowe’s Pickering was named Best Large Surface Retailer.

“Standing out in today’s market, especially in a changing economic environment, is a challenge. These stores made a difference for consumers through outstanding customer service and exemplary community involvement, among other things,” said Tony Cioffi, President at Lowe’s Canada. “I would like to thank all our associates at RONA Fort Erie and Lowe’s Pickering and congratulate them on receiving these recognitions from our industry.”

With a history spanning over 36 years, the RONA Fort Erie affiliated store is actively contributing to building strong communities, one of Lowe’s Canada’s top priorities. The store’s associates regularly host fundraising campaigns and several charity events in support of local Fort Erie charities. Store Manager, Jeff Hill, and his entire team have developed a strong relationship with the community they serve.

“This award recognizes a retailer’s involvement in their local community, and the team at RONA Fort Erie displayed this in spades. The store gives, without hesitation, to a range of good causes, including Heart & Stroke Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Meals on Wheels. But the attitude behind that giving reflects a sense of selflessness and caring that stood out prominently for the judges,” says Michael McLarney, President, Hardlines Inc.

“At RONA Fort Erie, being helpful is part of our DNA, and we want to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community. We take a lot of pride in providing added value to our customers with our service in the store, but also by being involved in different community-related activities because ‘We love Fort Erie’,” says Jeff Hill, Store Manager. “It’s our way of telling people in our community that they matter to us.”

The Lowe’s Pickering store opened in October 2010 and features 104,000 sq. ft. of retail and contractor space, including a 10,000-sq.-ft. Garden Centre. The store employs over 70 associates who are committed to providing the best possible experience from the moment customers walk into the store.

“Store Manager, Angelo Tzogas, is passionate about the store and its staff, which makes him a natural leader. He and his team have proven that a big box store can make a difference at a very personal level, both with customers and with associates,” says Michael McLarney, President, Hardlines Inc.

“Our number one goal is to make Lowe’s Pickering the best home-improvement store for customers and the best place to work for our associates. Here, customer service is our top priority,” said Angelo Tzogas, Store Manager. “We are all very proud of our success and honoured to receive this recognition.”

About the Outstanding Retailer Awards

Launched in 1992, the Hardlines Outstanding Retailer Awards are the industry’s only national awards program dedicated to celebrating the achievements of hardware and building supply dealers in Canada. In its 30-year history, the program has honoured more than 150 retailers.

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