Geoff McLarney

The latest edition of Hardlines HR Advisor hits inboxes today. In this issue, we dive into one pro-oriented business’s internship program, myths about temporary foreign workers, and maintaining life-work balance. HR Advisor is monthly and it’s free: click here to sign up today!

Lowe’s Cos. said today its Q3 earnings declined to US$1.62 billion, or $2.88 per share, from $1.7 billion ($2.99) a year earlier. Total sales rose to $20.81 billion from $20.17 billion. Same-store sales growth came to 0.4 percent.

The Home Depot reported Q3 earnings of US$3.6 billion, or $3.62 per share, compared to $3.65 billion ($3.67) a year earlier. Revenues rose to $41.35 billion from $40.22 billion, beating a forecast of $41.15 billion. Comp sales were up 0.2 percent, with a 0.1 percent increase in the U.S.

Investment in building construction fell by 1.1 percent percent in September to $22.4 billion, StatCan reports. Spending on residential builds was down $263.1 million to $15.6 billion for the month. That was largely due to the multi-family component, but spending on single-family residences edged down, too, by 0.6 percent, dragged primarily by Alberta and Ontario.

Walmart Inc. reports that its Q3 earnings edged down 0.2 percent, coming in at US$6.7 billion, but rose by 8.0 percent to $0.62 per share on an adjusted basis. Revenues for the quarter climbed 5.8 percent to $179.5 billion. In Canada, net sales of $6.1 billion were up 5.1 percent, with comp sales growth of 5.0 percent.

The Canadian Home Products Trade Association held its annual cocktail at the Casino de Montréal last week. The event returned after a hiatus in 2024. Hardlines was on the scene as vendors joined with friends of the association for an evening of camaraderie set against the backdrop of the casino, which occupies the site of the former Palais des civilisations built for Expo 67.

MediaCorp has named West Fraser Timber Co. to Canada’s list of Top 100 Employers for 2026. The publisher cited West Fraser’s outreach to “the next generation of foresters with summer jobs, internships and apprenticeships.” In the regional distinctions for Greater Toronto, Saint-Gobain ( team members pictured ) was recognized for its competitive pay, tuition support, and focus on employee wellness. Ipex received accolades for its scholarship opportunities for the children of employees.

Castle Building Centres Group is seeking a new vice-president of supply chain, who will report directly to the CEO and president. This highly motivated individual will be responsible for leading all procurement activities throughout the organization with the mission of supporting its business strategy by developing and managing its supply chain. For more details, check out our Classifieds page!

Retail sales decreased 0.2 percent to $69.4 billion in October, StatCan reports. Sales were down in four of nine subsectors, most significantly at food and beverage retailers. Sales in LBM and garden categories amounted to $3.93 billion, up 0.6 percent from September and 2.0 percent from a year earlier.

The value of investment in building construction edged down 0.5 percent in October to $22.3 billion, StatCan reports. Spending in the residential sector fell by $125.8 million to $15.5 billion. Investment in single-family home construction decreased $180.1 million to $7.0 billion, with the largest declines in Ontario (-$131.8 million) and Alberta (-$48.9 million).