"The Bullet", October 2021

Oct 22, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Oct 27, 2021

This is the latest version of "The Bullet", our Staff Newsletter. A reminder that this newsletter is published for Staff eyes only.

From The Floor

David Yule reminds staff that must we remain vigilant and wear masks at all times.

Although the local numbers have been declining and things are looking positive overall, we just had a serious brush with Covid when one of our own tested positive recently. They are out of quarantine now and never did display any symptoms, thankfully, but it's a stark reminder that we can't let our guard down.

The Garden Centre is now closed after a good season. There was very little left this year, so waste was minimal.

We will be selling Live Christmas Trees again this year, located in the Garden Centre once again. We'll have the same types again this year: Fraser Fir; Balsam Fir and Scotch Pine. We're also expecting some great looking decorative planters from Sheridan Nurseries this year, due to arrive in November.

Artificial Trees and Snowblowers have hit the floor, and Christmas Decor, Decorations & Gifts are now being added to the centre floor display.

Mike's Inventory Review

As most of you are aware, it's almost time to begin our 2021 Fall Inventory. Mike would like to start the department cycle counting by November 1st.

He asks that all departments tidy the shelves in their departments and make sure all sku's are where they belong. Its also important to make sure the shelf labels match the product, especially in our paint department with the recent rebranding process.

Straightening up the warehouse in each department is crucial. This includes making sure your shelves on the sales floor are fully stocked to reduce the amount of stock in the warehouse. In addition, please make sure that all stock in the warehouse that wont fit on the shelving is separated and marked as best as possible to help with the counting process.

In the coming weeks, Mike will discuss how he would like to complete this process. For those of you who have recently joined our team, he will go over the process and procedure with each of you.

This process is extremely important to maintain our inventory within the store and provide our customers with accurate quantities of our in-stock items. Mike looks forward to working with all of you to achieve our 2021 inventory goals, and asks for the cooperation from everyone to complete this task.

Product Showcase

The Radley tool line has performed very well for us, and for Home Hardware in general. Home has now added the Benchmark and CAT lines, completing the "Good, Better, Best" trifecta of tools carried by most Home Hardware stores.

Don Armstrong has been doing a terrific job reorganizing the section in Hardware, and has created a new home for the three brands in Isle 3. They're also featured in the Holiday Guide, starting on page 28.

From The Warehouse

The folks in the Store Warehouse wish to remind staff that if Donna is here, it means there is a truck that day. "If Donna's here, the truck is near!"

Head Office has recently added more staff to a 'Truck Delivery Support Team'. There will be a posting above the timeclock with the most recent update regarding our expected truck day. Our order placed on October 19th, is currently on track for a split load, due Thursday or Friday (28th/29th).

Saugeen Shores "Get Stuffed" Scarecrow Challenge Tour & Food Drive

As you may have noticed, we have a scarecrow display at the store's sign out front. We decided to participate in the Chantry Island Chambettes' Get Stuffed Scarecrow Challenge & Food Drive. Peter & Brian thought it would be fun to have a couple of "pumpkin bum" scarecrows, and Jeff suggested we incorporate the vintage Chevy truck, too.

They built the sign guy using ABS pipe so he'd be solid enough to (hopefully) withstand the weather. The one at the back of the truck is a traditional scarecrow: no frame, just stuffing and pumpkins for a bum, like the sign guy.

One of the main aspects of the challenge is the Food Drive for Local Food Banks. Participants are asked to include a collection box for donations of non-perishable food item donations for the local food banks. Ours is in the front lobby, so feel free to bring in canned or packaged food items for the cause.

The Chambettes will be at the store on Saturday from 9am - 1pm and Sunday from 9 - 12 with a table set up outside to sell (by donation) the Scarecrow Challenge Tour Maps (which we're on).

Getting To Know You

This month's profile is of Governor John Castles.

My name is John Castles, and I have worked at Port Elgin Home Hardware for the last 6 years. I was initially hired to work in the Plumbing Department, but ended up in Flooring, where I order Centura and Schluter inventory, as well as doing general flooring sales.

I grew up in London, England, where as a kid, I boxed, played soccer and cricket. I worked for 23 years at New Holland Tractors in Basildon, Essex, becoming the Warehouse Team Leader there for 18 years. I am also a Qualified Plumber, after going to night school for 5 years in order to qualify. Points make all the difference when trying to emigrate to another country, and Canada is no exception. I moved here in 2011 on my birthday, June 1st.

I have worked at Home Depot, and even drove a school bus for a year before starting here. I have two children: Flynn, my son, who works in the yard and is currently at Laurier University; and Sammy, my daughter, who works for a charity in the UK.