RONA transitioning stores to new banner

RONA Inc., one of Canada's largest home improvement retailers and the former Lowe’s Canada, announced that it will begin converting the banners of its stores.

Lowe’s Canada stores will be transitioned to the Rona banner, which has served Canadian home improvement customers since 1939.

The conversions will start at the end of July 2023 and will take place over several months, the Boucherville, Quebec-based retailer said.  

In February, RONA announced that it had “re-established itself” as an independent industry player following its acquisition from Lowe’s by private equity firm Sycamore Partners.

Valued at $400 million, the deal put an end to Lowe’s international ventures.

The first 10 Lowe’s stores to be converted are all located in Ontario. All Lowe’s stores that will be converted, will bear the new RONA+ banner. Eventually, all Lowe's stores will be converted to the new banner, RONA said. 

"This is an important step in our vision for the future of RONA," explained Catherine Laporte, vice president of marketing at RONA. "With these conversions, we are making a significant investment and renewing our commitment to the RONA brand.”

Laporte noted that the new RONA+ banner is the first step in a wider plan “aimed at redefining how Canadians shop for home improvement, creating new opportunities to improve how we serve them."

RONA said its priority during this transition is to provide the best possible experience for home improvement, DIY, and contractor customers. 

All converted stores will remain open during the conversions, guarantees offered by Lowe's will be honored, gift cards will still be accepted and private brands will remain.

The retailer also said plans to maintain a commitment to Canadian vendors and its affiliated dealer network.

RONA’s retail network currently operates or services about 425 corporate and affiliated dealer stores under the Lowe's, RONA, Réno-Dépôt, and Dick's Lumber banners. 

"This news is positive for all our stakeholders, including RONA's employees, affiliated dealers, vendors, customers and the communities in which RONA's operates," added Laporte. "For close to 85 years now, RONA has been a household name standing for great service, exciting product and brand assortments, good value, and a strong sense of community.”

“We want to build on that and create momentum for this beloved Canadian-operated brand,” Laporte added.