Changes are coming to Lowes' Cambridge location sometime this year, but not immediately as the company transitions its Lowes branded stores back to RONA.
The move back to RONA comes after US-based Lowe’s Companies, Inc. announced last November it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Canadian retail business to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in retail, consumer and distribution-related investments.
In February, RONA inc. announced it had re-established itself as an independent company and that "over time" Lowe’s stores in Canada will be converted to the RONA banner.
The move would happen, it said, in "a seamless manner for both DIY customers and contractors."
All RONA inc. banners will still offer Lowe’s private brands, provide compelling financing plans to customers, and honour warranties and gift cards issued by Lowe’s stores in Canada.
Based in Boucherville, Quebec, Lowe’s Canadian retail business operates or services approximately 450 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores in a number of complementary formats under different banners, which include, Lowe’s, RONA, Réno-Dépôt and Dick’s Lumber.
Reached by CambridgeToday, RONA's media relations officer Valérie Gonzalo stated in an email that "everything will remain business as usual" in Cambridge for the time being.
"The Lowe’s Cambridge store remains open and will continue to offer the right home improvement products, with great service and value, to their communities," she said. "Over time, Lowe’s stores in Canada will be converted to the RONA banner in a seamless manner for both DIY customers and contractors.
A statement on the company's website outlines what customers need to know about the conversion from Lowes back to the "strong Canadian brand that has been serving customers for over 80 years."
The company says it will continue to carry the national and private brands it's known for, honour all service agreements and warranties, and honour all gift cards.
"The conversion of the Lowe’s stores will have no impact on you," it says.