A ceremonial cutting of a two-by-four will help celebrate the opening of Grimsby’s newest store July 23.

RONA, the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products, will open its Grimsby store, located at 359 South Service Rd., at 10 a.m.

Store manager Mike Bell says the new store not only fulfills a need in the Town of Grimsby, but also led to the creation of more than 40 new jobs.

“We’re really excited about the opening,” said Bell. “We have a great team of people in here with experienced RONA people and new people who are from the area.”

The new 52,000 sq. ft. store, which also features a lumber yard, a garden centre and more, replaces the Beamsville store, which recently closed. Of the 12 employees from that store, seven chose to come to the new location. In addition, a slew of new employees were hired to bring the complement to 55.

That team has been working hard the past two and a half months to get things on the shelves and ready for the opening.

RONA, said Bell, will offer more than 23,000 products. The store will feature an 8,700 sq. ft. interior lumber yard, 57,000 sq. ft. outdoor lumberyard and 13,000 sq. ft. garden centre.

“We think there’s a real need for the selection we have and it’s going to allow people to shop locally,” said Bell, noting they are well known for their lumber and building materials.

From plumbing to flooring to complete renovations, Bell said they offer something for everyone.

“We also have the experienced people to really help our customers,” he said, adding even the new employees underwent intensive product and service training.

RONA will also offer service to contractors, provide installed sales, next-day delivery and more.

In addition to grand opening and weekly specials, RONA will be offering a number of special giveaways during its first week. Today the first 750 customers receive a RONA tape measure. RONA gift cards, valued at $5, will be given away Saturday to the first 500 customers and RONA work gloves will be given to the first 500 customers on Sunday.

Bell said the store has been welcomed to the community and they are looking forward to opening the doors.

 “We can’t wait,” he said. “We want to welcome all of our customers — new and old.”