Halford Hide expands from local trader to global retailer

Source: Exec Canada

Date :08/05/2008 04:49:41

For Halford Hide, simplicity has been the secret to success. Its core values have stood the test of time, allowing expansion from local trader to global retailer – and the trend’s set to continue.

Written by Ben O’Hanlon and Produced by John Bilodeau

Since it was established in 1927, Halford Hide & Leather Co. has supplied the world with leather and craft products, based on its simple, yet effective, core values of good service, quality and dependability. The company offers catalogue and in-store retail from Edmonton, AB and Calgary, AB. An extensive line of products includes leather and leather crafting goods, butcher supplies and trapping (animal control) supplies.

“These are not everyday items so we’re not in competition with the likes of Walmart,” says Jeff McNish, CEO of Halford Hide, “Competition is still strong, but we carry very unique, top end, good quality products. If you provide the best stuff at a fair price then you tend to have loyal clients – it’s a simple principle but it seems to work.”

Jeff has an impressive history at Halford, spanning the last 30 years. He began driving trucks and working in the hide warehouse shortly after his father purchased the company in 1976 and has worked his way up – becoming head of a department and eventually buying his father out. Over that time there’s been a shift away from the curing of hides and an increase in the retail side of the business.

The ‘Kiss’ Theory

An increase in customer contact, and therefore an increased focus on customer needs, has gone hand-in-hand with this shift. “Serve the customer like they’ve never been served before!” says Jeff, summarizing the company’s philosophy on dealing with its customers. Providing a personal ‘local shop’ customer experience – something that, he says, has been lost by many of the larger chain retailers…

May 08, 2008