October 2015

October 2015 Articles

Perspective:
Dollar Disparity

This is the fifth year in which we’ve devoted almost an entire issue of Hearth & Home to Canada, its economy, and the hearth, patio and barbecue industries north of the border.

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The beauty and tranquility of Moraine Lake in Banff, Alberta, belies the economic turmoil that province faces from the collapse of the price of oil worldwide, and the thousands of resulting layoffs in the Canadian oil industry.

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Strong or Suffering?

By Bill Sendelback

The Canadian Hearth Business: It depends on where you live and what you’re selling.

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Earning the Business

By Bill Sendelback

In a very quiet manner, Sherwood Industries has built a substantial business selling wood, gas and pellet appliances; sales have increased over 50 percent in the past two years.

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A Family Affair

By Bill Sendelback

With 10 stores in the Toronto, Ontario area, the Malcolm family has created a retail dynasty.

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Tough Being a Canadian Retailer

By Lisa Readie Mayer

The Canadian Barbecue Business: Unit sales may be flat and traffic down, but dollar sales are up, and the future looks bright.

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Praise the Lord & Pass the Pellets

By Lisa Readie Mayer

With a strong line of pellet grills, and now kamado grills as well, Dansons Inc. is experiencing “staggering annual growth.”

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Feeling the Pinch

By Tom Lassiter

The Canadian Patio Business: Patio furnishings retailers in Canada are getting squeezed by the disparity in U.S.-Canadian currencies; they view the 2016 selling season with great concern.

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Small Is Beautiful

By Tom Lassiter

Laurence Estrada considers his company – E9lifeStyle – both a niche player and a hidden gem.

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2015 Barbecue Mid-year Snapshot

Apparently wet weather and barbecuing just don’t mix very well.

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2015 August Business Climate

In early September, Hearth & Home faxed a survey to 2,500 specialty retailers of hearth, barbecue and patio products, asking them to compare August 2015 sales to August 2014. The accompanying charts and selected comments are from the 220 useable returns.

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