St. Jacobs, ON, September 12th, 2011 - Think you're seeing red? That's because Waterloo Region will see the friendly invasion of more than 10,000 Home Hardware Dealers and vendors from coast-to-coast, as they begin arriving this weekend for the company's 2011 Fall Market and pre-Market Conference, running from September 17th - 20th.

The semi-annual Home Hardware Markets are designed to provide a forum for Dealer-Owners and staff to network with their peers across the country, sharing best practices and resources. Markets also serve as an opportunity for seasonal product purchasing and learning about upcoming trends. With 4,500 vendor representatives on hand to demonstrate products and take orders, Dealers can explore and purchase a multitude of new products for the 2012 spring season.

The theme for this year's market is Together Towards Tomorrow. "This theme captures the essence of the independent, yet team-minded approach that drives Home Hardware to success year after year," said Paul Straus, President and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Limited. "Our unique business model allows each Dealer to reap the benefits of his or her individual success as well as the collective success of our company. We all win when our company succeeds."

In addition to several experts, ranging from Canadian celebrity chef Anna Olson, to Gardening Expert, Mark Cullen, a model Home Hardware store, featuring the latest in design, signage, display and merchandising techniques will also be available to inspire Dealers.

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND **NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Highlights of the 2011 Fall Market include:

• Anna Olson, Pastry Chef and Star of Food Network Canada's Sugar and Fresh - Home Hardware's Kitchen Expert will host a seminar at the pre-Market conference and will be on hand throughout the Market for tips and training.
• Mark Cullen, Canada's Best Known Gardening Expert - Home Hardware's Garden Expert will be hosting a seminar and garden centre tour during the Market.
• Scott Stratten, President and Author of Un-Marketing - An expert in viral, social and authentic marketing, Scott will be addressing Dealers on Saturday, September 17th at 12:00 p.m.
• General Rick Hillier, Former Chief of the Defense Staff for Canadian Forces - General Hillier will be addressing Dealers with leadership lessons which can serve to guide leaders in every part of our society on Monday, September 19th at 8:00 a.m.
• Beauti-Tone Paint Plant Tours - Scheduled tours for Dealers to the Burford plant will depart St. Jacobs on Monday, September 19th at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday, September 20th at 9:30 a.m. Sign up before as space is limited. Closed-toed shoes required.
• Bus Tours to Area Stores - Dealers will visit local Home stores to learn fresh ideas and share best practices on Saturday, September 17th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Other Highlights
• Latest Products and Trends - This presentation will kick off the Fall Market on Sunday, September 18th at 8:00 a.m.
• Aron Gampel, Vice-President & Deputy Chief Economist, Scotia Economics - Mr. Gampel will provide Dealers with insights into the current Canadian economy and what that means for their business on Sunday, September 18th at 9:30 a.m.

The Fall Market follows Home's pre-Market conference, which will be held at the Waterloo Inn on Saturday, September 17th. The Conference allows Dealer-Owners and staff to learn from industry experts at more than 50 seminars. Close to 500 people will be in attendance at this one-day event.

About Home Hardware Stores Limited

100% Canadian owned and operated, Home Hardware Stores Limited has a presence in every Canadian province and territory and is the country's largest independent, Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials and furniture cooperative. Founded on January 1, 1964 by 122 independent hardware Dealers, the cooperative now includes more than 1,080 stores, under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners, with annual collective retail sales of more than $5 billion. Home Hardware's independent Dealer-Owners, recognized by the North American Retail Hardware Association as Canada's best-trained Dealer group, have access to 100,000 quality brand name and private label products, a world-class distribution system and draw upon the power of Home Hardware's network to provide their local communities with top quality products and services at competitive prices.

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For more information please contact Lindsey Dietrich at 519-664-2252 ext. 6676 or lindsey.dietrich@homehardware.ca.