Bestbuy Distributors Marks Major Moves In 2008

Bestbuy Distributors Limited, a member-owned WD based in Mississauga, Ont., has announced that it is well positioned for 2009 after initiating a number of significant changes last year.

In early 2008, Bestbuy introduced a new Western Distribution Centre, the former Lloyd Industries fee warehouse in Edmonton, Alta. This DC operates as a fee warehouse for a number of key supplier lines, and is also the warehouse for Bestbuy’s Western Canada members.

In 2008, Bestbuy also introduced its Associate Member Program, whereby jobbers can become Bestbuy associates and purchase directly from either the Mississauga or Edmonton distribution centres. This opens a new market for Bestbuy and also provides another option for jobbers across Canada.

To get the word out about these and other Bestbuy developments, during the summer of 2008, Bestbuy also hired two sales representatives, one each for Eastern and Western Canada. Bernard Lefebvre is the business development representative responsible for Eastern Canada and is based in Montreal. Charlie Pickard is serving in this role for Western Canada and is based in Edmonton.

The new representatives’ focus will be providing support and assistance to existing Bestbuy members, expanding the associate program to jobbers and generating new Bestbuy members.

These efforts are already paying dividends, most notably with the signing of Patterson Parts Supply in Edson, Alta., as a member.

At Bestbuy’s 2008 annual meeting, Howie MacKenzie, owner of Rafuse Autoparts in Bridgewater, N. S., assumed the position of chairman of the board and CEO of the company. Bestbuy’s three vice-presidents oversee Bestbuy’s regular operations, and report to the chairman who provides oversight and guidance.