Big Changes in the IHL Showroom Ensure the Customer is #1

With Spring comes rebirth and change: this theme is certainly in concert with the changes we have been experiencing here at the IHL Showroom and retail store over the last 9 months. Although in operation since 1985, IHL has only resided at 127B Aviva Park Drive for 7 years, and after much thought and careful planning, the redesign of our 10,000 square foot Showroom is one which we know will help us serve you better, and more efficiently, than ever.   

Our IHL Showroom: before

I’m sure you’ve noticed big changes in the layout of our store since Summer 2011: this was the beginning of our store redesign- all done with you, our valued customer, and your best interests in mind.

As with any project of this size, there have been several stages and phases. To start, of course, we had to do a lot of research and planning. There were a few months of back and forth brainstorming, but when it came down to it, Joe Martino, CEO, knew what he wanted to accomplish.

Though the physical changes began just last summer, the research, planning, and redesign discussions began well before then. Our IHL Hardware Investor flyer has dramatically increased its circulation over the years and has successfully brought in new clientele. With the influx of customers, we began to notice that our Showroom needed a serious makeover. A major problem we encountered was that we would advertise a product in the flyer and many customers would walk in and not be able to find it… what’s the point in that? With a lot of teamwork and some internal restructuring, we are working to ensure this won’t be an issue any longer!

The redesign project hopes to accomplish several other goals and objectives, namely:

The ability to better highlight opportunities for savings and sales: IHL has the Construction Industry’s Best Deals, and we think everyone should benefit from all of the great products- and great prices- that we offer!

With this, we realized a need for better signage and flow: we want to make your shopping experience at IHL as easy and informative as possible. The changes to our Showroom will only serve to help you locate the products you want, and need.

As you know, our staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable. We wanted to emphasize this, and, as part of the redesign, we now have dedicated floor staff to answer your questions and get you what you need. Paul and Slawek, our floor associates, have combined industry experience of over 20 years, and are in-store- and always on-floor- to help!

After the research and planning stage came Phase Two: construction. Last year, we began with the removal of the old racking system, construction of a new checkout center, and the allocation of space for the suppliers in the most demand. Security, as in any retail business, is an important issue to consider, so the decision to move the sales counter closer to the door was an easy one. A positive side effect of this move is that this new location makes it easier for us to greet you as you come through the door!

Most recently, within the last month, we have built an elevated platform at the east end of our store to showcase our major power tool suppliers like Dewalt, Bosch, Makita and Milwaukee. Now the brands you know and trust are displayed in a way you can’t miss!

Before our elevated platform

After! 

Next, we will be working on implementing the proper signage: aisle signs and hanging banners will ensure that your favourite store is easy to navigate, and the construction supplies you need are easy to find. Alongside this, new item racks will be introduced in order to feature a consistent design throughout the Showroom. The old Showroom was half occupied by tall racks, towering nearly to the roof: it had a real “warehouse” sort of feel to it. Now, with our new design, you can see the whole store, from one end to the other, without heavy and bulky storage racks impeding your view.

 The old Showroom's towering shelves

The New Showroom so far: looking good!

The IHL Showroom redesign project is set to be complete by the end of 2012. After that, we will be focused on perfecting our ecommerce store, www.ihlcanada.com: the only way to access the Construction Industry’s Best Deals 24/7!    

So, if you haven’t already, stop by soon and check out the evolution of our Showroom; we’re certain you’ll be impressed with the changes implemented so far, and the changes that are yet to come. See you there!

Caulk is Cheap, and other Quick March Break Renovation Tips

As you may know, March Break is just around the corner. If you do know this, chances are you have kids, and if you have kids, chances are you may be taking a few days off to be home with them. A few days off from work is the perfect chance to start- and finish- a quick home renovation!

Renovations can often feel like a daunting chore. If you’re not in the market for a full-on home reno,  but want to make your home look and feel like a more modern version of its old self, a weekend or a few days can be the perfect time frame for a quick spruce-up of any room.

Changing the floor of a room can make a phenomenal difference on how you look at a room (and even how much time you spend in it). IHL has knee pads, gloves, nail pullers, tape measures, and whatever else you may need for pulling up that old carpet, or lifting that scuffed and worn floor. Out with the old and in with the new!

Are you thinking about updating the laundry room or back porch, but working on a budget? Have a look on Craigslist for secondhand cabinetry. Make them your own by sanding them down, painting, and adding new hardware.

Get rid of brown and brittle, mildew-y caulk in your bathroom or kitchen in a flash. You’ve heard that talk is cheap, and luckily, so is caulk (okay, okay, I didn't make that up, but it's funny, right?). Recaulking your kitchen or bathroom takes only a few hours, and will instantly brighten the room, even on a shoestring budget.

Don’t just focus on the inside of the home this March Break. Spring will be here before we know it, so why not take advantage of our mild winter, and clean up the yard? This Garant rake will do the trick, as will this Erie wheelbarrow. These items will surely come in handy in the warm, landscaping months ahead!

Eager to get started, but unsure about how to use a certain tool, or what you may need to get the job done? Come into our store and chat with one of our helpful and knowledgeable staff: we’re here to help!  

Even if you’re not taking any time off work next week, you still have the weekend: so get a head start on spring and start those home renos and spring cleaning! Search the web for ideas on how to make a quick DIY renovation work for you and your home. Sites like thisoldhouse.com can offer plenty of tips and tricks for your one or two day renos, and, as always, all of us at IHL are here to help you get the job done!

Happy renos everyone!

Toolio's Top 10 Specials: on Now until March 13th !

Hi everyone,

Toolio here. It's been a while, so I thought I should update you all with some of the amazing deals we are currently offering.

My Top 10 Deals are back and in full swing! This time around we have plenty of amazing offers, with a little something for everyone. These deals are only available until March 13th, so don't delay! Here are a few of Toolio's Top 10 Specials:

Keep everything you need handy, and get the job done (at a great price!) with:

As we can see by the weather this week, winter isn't over just yet! Keep dry AND warm with these Baffin insulated rubber boots:

I know you've had your eye on this Milwaukee Compact Lithium Ion Impact Driver Kit... now's your chance to save!

But that's not all: take a look at the rest of the great deals we are offering, and don't forget: you can shop with us in-store, or 24/7 on the web, at www.IHLCANADA.com!