Lowe’s Canada Newmarket has long been a trusted destination for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. Known for its wide range of tools, building materials, and home improvement products, the store has helped residents make their homes more comfortable and beautiful.

Located in Newmarket approximately 45 kilometres north of Toronto the store serves a welcoming community that attracts both residents and visitors. The area is ideal for families, young professionals, and seniors alike.

About Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a U.S.-based home improvement retailer headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Key Facts About Lowe’s

• Operates more than 2,181 stores across North America (as of October 28, 2022)

• Second-largest hardware retailer in the U.S.

• Ranked globally behind The Home Depot but ahead of chains like Menards, Leroy Merlin, B&Q, and OBI

• Known for affordable pricing and a wide product range

Lowe’s Entry into Canada

Lowe’s officially entered the Canadian market in 2007, opening its first three stores in:

• Hamilton, Ontario

• Brampton, Ontario

• Brantford, Ontario

The company later expanded into several Canadian cities, including Newmarket.

Lowe’s Canada Newmarket Location

• Address: 71 Bryne Drive, Newmarket, ON, Canada

The expansion began in Ontario before spreading to other provinces.

The Attempted and Final Acquisition of Rona Inc.

Failed Attempt in 2012

In 2012, Lowe’s attempted to acquire Rona Inc., a major Quebec-based hardware chain. The deal was rejected due to concerns that operations might move to the U.S.

Successful Acquisition in 2016

• Purchase price: CDN $3.2 billion

• Approved by regulators and shareholders

• Rona’s headquarters remained in Boucherville, Quebec

• Sylvain Prud’homme continued to lead Canadian operations

Some Rona locations were rebranded under the Lowe’s banner after the acquisition.

Expansion Across Canada

Lowe’s continued growing its Canadian presence with new store openings and acquisitions.

Major Expansion Highlights

• First store outside the U.S. opened in Hamilton, Ontario

• Additional stores opened in Toronto, East Gwillimbury, Brampton, and Maple (Vaughan) in 2008

• Expansion into Western Canada, starting with Calgary, Alberta

• Stores later opened in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan

• By 2018, Lowe’s operated 62 stores across Canada

Each Canadian store required an average investment of $20.5 million.

Leadership and Strategic Moves

• Sylvain Prud’homme became CEO of Lowe’s Canada in 2013

• Previously worked with Loblaw Companies and Walmart Canada

• In 2015, Lowe’s Canada acquired leases for 13 former Target Canada stores and an Ontario distribution centre for $151 million

Sale to Sycamore Partners and the End of Lowe’s Canada

In November 2022, Lowe’s announced it would sell its Canadian operations to Sycamore Partners for $400 million.

Key Milestones

• Sale completed on February 3, 2023

• Lowe’s Canadian brand phased out

• Stores rebranded as RONA+

• Lowe’s Canada website (lowes.ca) shut down

• All online traffic redirected to rona.ca

RONA+ Opening in Newmarket

In July 2023, Lowe’s Canada stores including the Newmarket location began transitioning to the RONA+ brand.

What RONA+ Represents

• Continuation of trusted brands and products

• Competitive pricing similar to Lowe’s

• Improved customer experience

• Easier and more efficient shopping

This rebranding reflects a commitment to modernization while maintaining familiarity for customers.

Impact on Employees and Store Operations

After acquiring Rona:

• Most employees were retained

• Key executives remained in leadership roles

• Some Rona Home & Garden stores adopted the Lowe’s branding before later transitioning to RONA+

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why did Lowe’s sell its Canadian business?
To streamline operations and focus on core North American markets.

Q2. When did Sycamore Partners acquire Lowe’s Canada?
The sale was finalized on February 3, 2023.

Q3. What happened to lowes.ca?
The website was shut down, and all online operations moved to rona.ca.

Q4. Did the customer experience change?
Customers still receive the same trusted products, well-known brands, and competitive pricing now under the RONA+ brand.

Q5. What did the 2016 Rona acquisition mean?
It strengthened Lowe’s presence in Canada and allowed it to leverage Rona’s strong local footprint.

Conclusion

Lowe’s Canada Newmarket has undergone a major transformation from a U.S.-based home improvement brand to becoming part of the RONA+ network. While the Lowe’s name is no longer present, its legacy continues through familiar products, trusted brands, and competitive pricing.

For Newmarket residents, RONA+ represents the next chapter in home improvement shopping combining experience, accessibility, and value under a Canadian-focused brand.