New format, new DC highlight Bestbuy’s marquee event
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Bestbuy Distributors is planning for growth, marked by the opening of a new distribution centre in the Montreal area and rolling out a fresh format for its annual Buy & Sell event this year
The company hosted the five-day gathering at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, splitting the schedule to give western shareholders two days for vendor meetings and eastern members the last two. Everyone came together midweek for a gala dinner and awards night.
Nick Brunet, president of Bestbuy Distributors, told attendees during the dinner that the change was needed as the group grows and ensure members and vendors get adequate time to have quality meetings together.
“Our core is our shareholders,” he said, noting that the company doesn’t report to stock exchanges or outside investors. “Success lies in the pocket of our shareholders.”
Brunet said the company is on track to double in size by 2027 and is already looking ahead to 2030. “That next level and next plateau is greater than doubling the size of our business,” he said, adding that data-driven decisions will be key.
“We’re using data to drive decisions. Using data, we can make decisions that are predictive and not reactive,” Brunet explained, pushing a plan for the company and its members to be able to say they know the answer, rather than they think they do.
The gala also featured a presentation from Federated Auto Parts CEO Sue Godschalk, which Bestbuy joined as a member earlier this year. She highlighted the group’s reach and programs. Brunet noted that new membership with Federated has already generated more business than with their previous group.
“We’re winning out there … it’s not over yet. There’s so much more to do, a lot more hard work to do,” Brunet said.
Awards were handed out. This year’s winners were:
- Rising Star Award: US Motorworks
- Marketing Partner Award: Dorman
- Bestbuy Partner Award: Mevotech
- Cornerstone Award: Dayco
- Horace J. Pratt Award: ProMax
There were also milestones recognized:
- Auto Parts Authority, and Sako Auto Parts, five years
- Ameen’s Auto Parts, 10 years
- Kobrex and A&A Discount Auto Parts, 15 years
- Den-Paul Distributors, 25 years
- Halton Automtoive and Central Transport & Refrigeration, 40 years
Entertainment for the evening came from the Painchaud Family Music.
Shareholders and vendors were able to tour Bestbuy’s new distribution centre in the St. Leonard area of Montreal. The company said the new facility strengthens logistics in Quebec and Eastern Canada, improving speed and efficiency. It also expands Bestbuy’s national footprint to three DCs across the country, including Mississauga and Edmonton.
“Opening in St. Leonard is a big step forward for us,” Brunet said in a statement. “It improves our reach and responsiveness in Quebec while supporting our mission to deliver timely and dependable service to our shareholders and customers across the country.”
Check out our videos from the warehouse tour and gala night, as well as photo galleries from both below.
Bestbuy Buy & Sell 2025
Bestbuy Montreal Warehouse Tour
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