Mega Group Celebrates Continued Success at Convention

Mega Group, the co-operatively owned buying and marketing group for furniture, mattress and major appliance retailers, paid tribute to a number of members at its national convention in June.

Wayne Hambly was inducted into the hall of fame during the two-day event, June 14-15, held at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver hotel.

Hambly is the former owner of Hambly’s BrandSource Home Furnishings in Charlottetown. He served as Mega’s board chair for more than a decade at a time when the company experienced many challenges, changes and achievements.

Benoit Simard, Mega’s CEO from 2008-2019, also received this highly deserved distinction. This year marked the first time Mega has paid tribute to one of the builders of the company.

Simard’s contribution to the group started as a store owner in Rivière-du-Loup, Que., and evolved progressively with him joining the Mega team in various capacities, all the way up to the helm.

The first recipients of the Ovation Award were also celebrated. The award recognizes individuals for their resilience and contributions to their business and community. It was presented to Nina Johal and Mindy Sandhu from Sisters Sleep Gallery and Stereo Warehouse.

Mega president and CEO Chris West opened the convention with a welcoming speech, in which he praised the team’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the business of all group members.

Attendees also heard from RBC economist Nathan Janzen, who provided an instructive perspective on the Canadian economy and its impact on retail in the second half of 2024.

Kevin Leier and Marie-Soleil Calvert, both part of Mega’s executive leadership team, presented an overview of the Mega strategy for the coming months.

The 2024 Power Up Convention was sponsored by numerous suppliers, among which were platinum sponsors Ashley, Whirlpool, Tempur-Sealy and Phoenix. Each addressed members and shared their exclusive insights into the industry.

An important part of the convention was the opportunity to meet retailers, vendors and Mega staff. The showroom was the biggest to date, with a record number of 58 vendors on-site. The gala was a Casino Royale theme with culinary stations.

Mega will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025, at next year’s convention, June 20-21, in Toronto.