Home Hardware is expanding its dealer-owned network in Quebec with the addition of Matériaux Miron Plus, a 90-year-old family business that says it chose the Canadian retailer to support future growth while preserving its independence.
The Salaberry-de-Valleyfield business will operate as a Home Building Centre, gaining access to the company’s buying power, distribution network and national programs while remaining locally owned and managed.
Home Hardware says the move reflects its strategy of attracting established independent retailers rather than simply adding new locations.
Company executives say the dealer-owned model gives local businesses the scale, operational support and purchasing power of a national organization while allowing owners to continue making decisions based on the needs of their communities.
For Matériaux Miron Plus, which has become a leading supplier to professional contractors and builders in the region, the partnership is intended to strengthen its position without changing the identity that has defined the business for three generations.
The announcement comes as Home Hardware looks to deepen its presence in Quebec and invest in businesses serving both homeowners and professional contractors amid shifting economic conditions.
The company says Canadians are placing greater value on trusted advice, reliable product availability and local expertise as they renovate and repair their homes, while contractors are seeking dependable supply and competitive pricing. Home Hardware says supporting independent dealers with expanded resources, while keeping them locally owned, remains central to its long-term growth strategy.
“As we looked at the different options available to support the future growth of our building materials business, Home Hardware gave us the greatest confidence in its programs, strategic direction and Dealer-Owned structure,” said Christian Miron, Dealer-Owner of Matériaux Miron Plus. “Joining the Home Hardware network allows us to continue providing the quality products, expert advice and service our customers have come to expect while becoming part of a community of passionate Dealers who are committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience and helping drive Quebec’s construction industry forward.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Matériaux Miron Plus to the Home network,” said Eric Kingsley, Regional Director, Quebec Retail Operations, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “Their decision to join Home Hardware reflects the strength of our programs and support model for independent building materials Dealers in the Quebec marketplace. With a 90-year history of serving its community, Matériaux Miron Plus has built an outstanding reputation, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth and success in the years ahead.”
Home Hardware was founded just over 60 years ago in St. Jacobs, Ontario and is the country’s largest Dealer-Owned and operated home improvement retailer with nearly 1,000 stores.
In an interview with Retail Insider, John Pierce, Chief Retail Operations Officer, Home Hardware Stores Limited, discussed the latest developments with the retailer.
Question: What made Matériaux Miron Plus such a strong fit for the Home Hardware network, and why was it important to bring this long-established Quebec business into the organization?
Answer: Matériaux Miron Plus has built a strong reputation over the past 90 years by putting customers, service and community first. With a focus on serving professional contractors, builders, and tradespeople, the business has become a trusted source for the products, expertise and support needed to keep projects moving. Bringing Matériaux Miron Plus into the Home Hardware network was an opportunity to partner with an established, respected independent business that shares our belief that local ownership and strong relationships are at the heart of great service.
The significance of this announcement is that a long-established Dealer like Matériaux Miron Plus made a deliberate choice to join Home Hardware. These decisions are made carefully, and we believe Home Hardware is uniquely positioned to support independent Dealers with the scale, expertise and resources to help them succeed.
We’re proud to welcome them into the Home network and look forward to supporting their continued success for years to come.
Q: Home Hardware is Canada’s largest dealer-owned home improvement retailer. How does the dealer-owned model benefit both independent business owners and the communities they serve?
A: For over 60 years, our Dealer-owned model has been what sets us apart. Every one of our stores is independently owned and operated by a Dealer with a deep understanding of their community. That means decisions are made locally, relationships with customers are built over time, and the success of the business stays rooted in the community. At the same time, Dealers have the backing of a national organization that helps them compete and grow while remaining proudly independent.
With access to national buying power, industry expertise, and operational support, Dealers have the resources to succeed while maintaining the flexibility to meet the unique needs of their local customers. This balance remains a powerful advantage for our Dealers.
Q: With nearly 1,000 stores across Canada, what is Home Hardware’s current store count, and how has the network grown over the past year?
A: Home Hardware is the country’s largest independent home improvement retailer. Our store count changes regularly as we evaluate opportunities, strengthen our network by welcoming new Dealers, and continue partnering with well-established retailers like Matériaux Miron Plus.
Q: Quebec continues to be an important market for the company. What opportunities do you see for further growth and attracting more independent dealers in the province?
A: Quebec is an important market for Home Hardware because of its size, strong network of independent businesses, and volume of building activity. We see significant opportunities to continue growing our presence by partnering with independent business owners such as Christian Miron and his partners, who share our commitment to customer service.
Q: The home improvement industry has faced changing economic conditions in recent years. What trends are you seeing among Canadian homeowners and professional contractors, and how is Home Hardware adapting to meet those needs?
A: Even as economic conditions continue to evolve, one thing hasn’t changed: Canadians want to trust that they’re getting quality products and expert advice. Many homeowners are being more thoughtful about how they spend, often choosing to repair, renovate, or tackle projects in stages, while professional contractors are looking for reliable product availability, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable support to help keep projects on schedule.
Our stores provide the personalized service and practical expertise customers rely on, whether someone is planning a weekend DIY project, managing a larger renovation, operating a professional contracting business, or building homes single and multi-family homes.
Home Hardware continues to adapt by ensuring Dealers have access to the products, programs, and support they need to serve these changing customer expectations.
Q: As Home Hardware continues to expand, what are the company’s key priorities over the next few years, and what can customers and independent dealers expect from the brand moving forward?
A: As Home Hardware continues to grow, our priorities remain focused on strengthening the Dealer-owned model that has been the foundation of our success. Our goal is to continue supporting independent Dealers with the tools, resources, and capabilities they need to grow their businesses.
This means continued investment in the areas that help them compete and succeed, including our distribution network, product assortment, technology, marketing support, and business services. Home is uniquely positioned to help Dealers succeed in both hardlines and building materials, serving both retail consumers and Pros. As Dealers increasingly pursue growth across both areas, our model will continue to be a key advantage.
Q: Home Hardware says nearly 98 per cent of Canadians live within 30 kilometres of one of its stores. How important is maintaining a strong presence in smaller and rural communities?
A: Home Hardware was built on serving communities of every size, and that’s still central to who we are today. Maintaining a strong presence in smaller and rural communities is important because in many of these communities, the local Home Hardware is more than a home improvement store – it’s an important resource for homeowners, farmers, tradespeople, and local businesses.
Whether it’s supporting Canadian farmers through our extensive farm and ranch assortment or providing the products and building materials needed to help address Canada’s housing needs, Home Hardware is uniquely positioned to support the communities we serve.
The transition of a store like Matériaux Miron Plus is a great example of how independent, community-focused businesses can continue serving their customers while benefiting from the support of a larger network.
Q: What does joining the Home Hardware network mean for existing customers of Matériaux Miron Plus—what changes will they notice, and what will remain the same?
A: Joining the Home Hardware network gives Matériaux Miron Plus access to Home Hardware’s buying power, distribution network, product assortment, and business support, while continuing to make decisions based on the needs of the local community. For customers, that means many of the things they value most will remain the same – the knowledgeable service, trusted relationships, and local expertise they’ve always relied on. What they’ll notice is an even stronger offering, with access to a broader range of products, national programs, and the resources of the Home Hardware network.
Q: This year marks the 90th anniversary of Matériaux Miron Plus. How does preserving the identity of long-standing family businesses fit into Home Hardware’;s overall strategy?
A: Businesses like Matériaux Miron Plus are exactly what Home Hardware was built for. The strength of our network comes from independent businesses that have earned the trust of their communities over generations. Our role isn’t to change what made them successful; it’s to support that success and help ensure it continues for many years to come.
Q: Can you share your long-term vision for the Home Hardware network in Canada? Is there a target number of stores you’d like to reach over the next several years?
A: As Canada’s largest independent home improvement destination, we remain focused on strengthening our network by investing in our independent Dealers and ensuring they have what they need to succeed and continue serving Canadians for the long-term.
Our focus is not simply on adding locations, but on partnering with the right independent businesses (like Matériaux Miron Plus) who share our commitment to customers, communities and the Dealer-owned model.
We also know there’s an important role for our industry to play in addressing Canada’s housing needs and supporting the skilled trades that keep our communities growing. By working alongside our Dealers, we’re ensuring PRO Contractors have access to the products, expertise and local support they need to build more homes, strengthen the skilled trades workforce, and invest in the places they call home.
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