For five decades, RONA has been a leader in home improvement in Elora and Fergus. Centrally located in Centre Wellington for fifty years the store, formerly known as Drimmies, has undergone transformations, evolving to meet the dynamic needs of its patrons.
Co-owner Charles Westrik has dedicated the past 12 years to serving the community at RONA and has focused on maintaining a full assortment of building supplies for projects and renovations of all sizes.
Aerial Image from 1970’s
The 6,000 square foot store carries parts and supplies to accommodate many projects, including rough plumbing, electrical, seasonal items along with tools and hardware. While not all plumbing or electrical fixtures are in-store, Westrik noted any fixtures a customer may need can be ordered quickly, noting they order on Saturdays for Wednesday arrivals through RONA.
In an ever-evolving hardware industry, RONA has remained resilient, adapting to changing customer expectations and technological advancements. As online shopping gains prominence, the store has embraced digital platforms, offering an extensive online portal which facilitates seamless order fulfillment.
Inside RONA Elora
Despite the shift towards e-commerce, RONA continues to prioritize customer satisfaction, highlighting the importance of personalized service and community engagement.
Providing exceptional customer service in a competitive market is something that differentiates their store. Customers return again and again because of the level of service provided. Meeting a customer’s expectations is something that Westrik has taken great pride in over the years.
“We have a great crew right now – very good at customer service and very knowledgeable. We are proficient at getting whatever we don’t have in stock for the customer,” Westrik said.
With a focus on meeting both retail and professional needs, RONA-Elora has cultivated a reputation for excellence, supported by its good product selection.
Lumber Yard
Beyond its commercial endeavors, RONA remains deeply invested in community initiatives, hosting events like birdhouse building for families while supporting local causes including Groves Memorial Hospital, the Fergus Fall Fair and the Elora Rocks to name a few.
Moreover, they embrace sustainable practices, such as paint recycling, demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship. The store accepts used paint, which it ships to a factory that creates the “Boomerang” brand of paint, which they sell in-store.
RONA serves local communities and their projects. Their team is dedicated to helping homeowners and businesses make their construction and DIY improvement projects a reality by offering a wide selection of quality, brand name products and a service experience that stands at the forefront of retail.
Westrik commented, “We have lots of customers, but no special relationships, everybody’s special.”
Lumber Warehouse
“Everybody’s welcome – we welcome all customers, both retail and contractor.”
From its humble beginnings to its enduring presence in communities across Canada, RONA’s story exemplifies the timeless values of integrity, and customer service. As the lumber industry evolves, the team at RONA-Elora remain steadfast in their mission to help residents of Wellington County to transform their houses into homes, one project at a time.
Visit rona.ca for more information or to place an order.
RONA Elora Building Supplies
306 Wellington Rd. 18, Elora
519-846-5381
Open Monday to Friday 7:30am – 6pm Saturday 8am – 5pm (Closed Sunday)
