RONA Kelowna becomes RONA+ and Mara Lumber Rutland becomes RONA Highway 33

In a record-fast 12 weeks, the big-box Rona Home & Garden in Kelowna has been renovated into a next-generation, stylish, on-trend Rona+ store.

The major makeover created swaths of specialized departments for do-it-yourself shoppers and new PRO departments for professional contractors to shop for tools, supplies and materials.

That includes expanded and modernized kitchen and bath departments with more displays and more demonstrations.

There were also revamps of the tools, millwork, plumbing, flooring and seasonal departments to make them more shopper-friendly and on-trend with current technology and decor.

Speaking of the seasonal department, the one in Kelowna will be the first in Canada to have a Scotts Shop in Shop.

Scotts is the brand of lawn and garden supplies such as fertilizer, grass seed, mulch and weed and insect control that will be in place in time for the spring gardening season.

“I am extremely proud of our team’s hard work to convert this store in a record time of twelve weeks," said RONA senior vice-president Sylvain Proulx.

"This location has been serving the residents of Kelowna and its surroundings for over 25 years, and the tradition will continue under the RONA+ banner. We are convinced that this transformation will generate positive results in British Columbia,”

The rebrand to RONA+ is for the largest and highest-profile stores in the chain of 425 locations across the country.

RONA+ hallmarks are modern spaces, wide selection and lower prices.

When Revy Home & Garden first opened in 1995 at 1711 Springfield Rd., it was Kelowna's biggest store at 130,000 square feet.

Quebec-based RONA acquired Revy in 2011 and changed the name and expanded the home improvement concept.

While contractors and do-it-yourselfers can certain shop RONA+ for the tool, supplies and materials needed for any construction, renovation, repair or maintenance project the overall 'home improvement' and 'home' concept means you can also buy everything from patio furniture, barbecues, bedding and house plants to cleaning supplies, Christmas trees and decorations, bird seed and work clothes.

Mara becomes RONA

Meanwhile, at 470 Highway 33 West in Rutland, the Mara Lumber Home Building Centre has become Rona Highway 33.

“We’re always looking for ways to increase our retail presence and provide the best service and offering to entrepreneurs and DYIers," said Tony Russo, who owns and operates the store with his wife, Kathy.

"That is why we chose to join RONA. They are the right partners for us to keep growing our store and bring the best experience to Kelowna residents.”

The 15,000-square-foot store will soon add another 6,000 square feet for appliance sales, kitchen and bath showroom, a larger seasonal section and home decor.

The lumber and building materials areas both indoors and in the outdoor yard will also be expanded.

A PRO counter will also be added for contractors.

There's been a lumber and home improvement store in the location for more than 45 years and the Russos took over in 2007.

They were also recently joined a few years ago in the business by their daughter, Gabrielle, and her husband, Dan.

“(We're) proud to contribute to the region’s vitality by supporting our customers in their various renovation projects," added Russo.

"It’s incredibly rewarding to get to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbours and help them create the homes of their dreams. Running this store has become such a big part of our life."