Getting recognized by their industry

Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre earns independent spirit award

Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre store owners Joanne and Rob Lawrie recently received a 2021 outstanding retailer award on behalf of the Annapolis Royal store.

The award was handed out at the 25th annual Hardlines Conference and Gala that took place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., and virtually online. Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre received the independent spirit award.

“We are extremely honoured to receive this industry award, and proud to serve our communities with essential products and support,” said Joanne Lawrie, dealer-owner, Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre.

“Our staff are the heart and soul of our business and through their hard work and dedication, our customers know they can count on us for all of their home improvement projects, big and small.”

Handed out by Hardlines Inc., the outstanding retailer awards honour Canada’s best home improvement retailing stores.

Of the eight awards, the independent spirit award recognizes a store that embodies a spirit of entrepreneurism and connection with both staff and community that represents the very best of what hardware and home improvement stores can be for their communities.

“Rob and Joanne Lawrie have their lives tied closely to the business, both personally and professionally,” said Michael McLarney, president of Hardlines Inc.

“They have proved that a strong collaborative team that is treated well and paid fairly will give back in spades. Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre is a store that is both well-patronized, and loved, by its community.”

Award recipients are selected by a panel of industry experts who judged nominations from retailers across Canada on a range of criteria, including sales performance, retailing innovation and community involvement.

Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre also recently received a proud of my home achievement award for Best Home Hardware Building Centre – Atlantic Region.

Rob’s parents, Beth and Robin Lawrie, built Annapolis Home Hardware in 1982. Rob met Joanne in 1994, they married in 1996 and three years later bought Annapolis Home Hardware from Rob’s parents.

The company employs 35 people with 24 of those, or 68 per cent of their workforce, being full-time employees. Many of the staff have been with the company for more than 10 years.