Two RONA Dealers in Ontario Recognized at the Outstanding Retailer Awards


BOUCHERVILLE, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 29, 2013) -

Editors' Note: There are photos associated with this press release.

RONA Inc. (TSX:RON)(TSX:RON.PR.A), is proud to underline the recognition given to Ontario dealer-owners Eric Norenberg of Kemptville RONA Building Centre, and to Chad Sonnenburg of RONA Elliot Lake and RONA Massey at the 2013 Outstanding Retailer Awards Gala Dinner on October 23. The event was held during the 18th Annual Hardlines Conference in Toronto.

"Dealer-owners across Canada represent a significant part of our operations and priorities. Over the past 74 years, they have helped build an outstanding enterprise across Canada. Today, we take pride in sharing their successes, and we will continue to support them," said RONA's President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Sawyer.

Kemptville RONA Building Centre received the Outstanding Retailer Award for the Best Building Supply/Home Centre in the over 25,000 square foot category. The Kemptville RONA store was recognized for its exceptional customer service, knowledgeable staff and continued support in its community.

"The Kemptville RONA team understands that successful retailing is about more than just selling products," said Michael McLarney, Editor of Hardlines, while presenting the awards to Eric Norenberg, owner of the store, and Chris Sargeant, Store Manager.

In addition, Chad Sonnenburg, owner of a RONA store in Elliot Lake and another in Massey won the Best Young Retailer of the Year Award. He was recognized for building and expanding his business while maintaining exceptional customer service and supporting his community. "At 30, Chad was buying his second store while many young people are thinking about their first house at that age," added Mr. McLarney.

The Outstanding Retailer Awards are presented by Hardlines Inc. They have been recognizing and honouring excellence in the home improvement retailing industry across Canada for more than two decades.

About RONA

RONA is a Canadian distributor and a retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. The Corporation operates a network of close to 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate retail stores of various sizes and formats under different banners, and a network of 14 hardware and construction materials distribution centres. With close to 28,000 employees, the RONA store network generates consolidated sales of $4.9 billion. Data as at June 30, 2013. For more information, visit rona.ca.

To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following addresses:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20131029-Kemptvilleover800.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20131029-SonnenbergYoung800.jpg

Contact Information:

Media
Valerie Lamarre
Senior Advisor
Communications and Public Affairs
514-599-5900, ext. 5271
valerie.lamarre@rona.ca

Financial Community
Stephane Milot
Vice-President
Finance and Investor Relations
514-599-5951
stephane.milot@rona.ca

Kemptville RONA Building Centre, Outstanding Retailer Award: The Kemptville RONA Building Centre received the Outstanding Retailer Award for the Best Building Supply/Home Centre in the over 25,000 square foot category. In the picture, Beverly Allen, Publisher of Hardlines, Sébastien Plourde, President of Super Remover and sponsor of the Award, Eric Norenberg, Owner of Kemptville RONA Building Centre and his Store Manager, Chris Sargeant. Chad Sonnenburg, Best Young Retailer of the Year Award: Chad Sonnenburg, Owner of a RONA store in Elliot Lake and another in Massey won the Best Young Retailer of the Year Award. In the picture, is Robert Boulanger, Senior Key Account Manager from Techniseal and sponsor of the Award, Chad Sonnenburg and his wife Amy, Beverly Allen, Publisher of Hardlines which hosts the Outstanding Retailer Awards and Lee Harney, Director of Market Development in Ontario, from RONA.