Sights set on tradesmen

Rona (Canada) has developed a new concept geared to trade customers for Réno Dépôt, the large-format sales channel acquired in 2003, according to Hardlines, the Canadian news service. The superstores are to become somewhat smaller, and the product assortment is to be geared to building contractors and experienced DIYers. The first of these new stores, which are approx. 7 300 m² in size, has already been inaugurated in Remouski, east of Montreal. Rona expects a multiplier effect where franchising is concerned, by reason of the smaller store format.