Handyman Home Hardware Named Top Home Hardware Store in Canada

    Christine Hand becomes the first Dealer-Owner to earn the award twice

    CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, NL, April 24 /CNW/ - Handyman Home Hardware was
presented last week with Home Hardware's top honour, the Walter J. Hachborn
Store of the Year Award. Handyman Home Hardware, located at 130 Conception Bay
Hwy, Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, was selected from among more than
1,000 locations across Canada for achieving the highest standards in
retailing, merchandising, staff performance and overall quality of store.
    To receive the Walter J. Hachborn Award, the store must demonstrate
excellence in staff performance and customer service; interior presentation
including clear signing, tidiness, and merchandise presentation and displays;
exterior presentation including cleanliness; staff training and participation
in dealer network initiatives. Handyman Home Hardware is the first store in
Home Hardware's history to be presented with the Walter J. Hachborn Award
twice.
    "Handyman Home Hardware embodies everything the award stands for," said
Paul Straus, Vice President and CEO of Home Hardware, at the recent awards
presentation. "The Walter J. Hachborn Award represents a total team effort and
shows the value of dedicated people working together to serve their
communities."
    Handyman Home Hardware staff takes pride in developing strong customer
relationships from providing a friendly, welcoming shopping environment to
ensuring customers find exactly what they need for their home improvement
project. Staff members are always ready to go above and beyond to offer home
improvement advice or find specialty items.
    "The entire team strives to provide a great customer experience," says
Hand. "The people who work in the store also live in the community and are
proud to be able to help customers who are their family, friends and
acquaintances. At our store, our customers and staff know each other by name."
    Handyman Home Hardware is proud to be a member of the Conception Bay
South community, by providing great products, selection and expertise. The
store sponsors community organizations and actively participates in volunteer
based initiatives.

    Home Hardware Stores Limited is Canada's largest independent hardware,
lumber and building materials and furniture retailer with more than
1,000 stores across Canada, under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre,
Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners. Dealers have access
to 100,000 quality brand name and private label products and the company has
annual retail sales of $4.6 billion. The cooperative was founded on January 1,
1964 by 128 independent hardware Dealers.

For further information: Christine Hand at Handyman Home Hardware at
[phone] or Claire Trainor at Home Hardware Stores Limited at (519)
664-2252 x6676