Alain Masse to step down as Cantrex president

Will take executive post at UAP Inc.

Michael Knell -- Furniture Today, December 6, 2010

MONTREAL — Alain Masse will resign as president and general manager of retail buying group Cantrex at the end of the year to become executive vice president of the heavy vehicle parts division of UAP Inc., a Montreal-based auto parts manufacturing and retail conglomerate.

Masse was named president of Cantrex in October 2005 after the retirement of Claude Senechal, who took the job when Sears Canada finalized its acquisition of the multi-sector buying group earlier that year.

Prior to his promotion, Masse was national general manager of consumer electronics, photography and computers for the group. Before joining Cantrex, he was general manager of Data CPS, a Quebec City-based buying group serving independent computer retailers in Canada.

Masse said he's leaving Cantrex on a high note. In a letter to Cantrex employees, suppliers and members, he said, "Thanks to your effort and enthusiasm we have achieved tremendous success. Day after day, we continue to outperform our competitors, thus making Cantrex the benchmark and the number one resource for independent retailers in Canada."

In addition to furniture, bedding and appliances, Cantrex is active in retail sectors including floor covering, home décor, computers, electronics and photography. Its members operate some 1,200 points of sale across Canada.

"This year, despite fierce retail competition and difficult economic conditions, Cantrex has significantly surpassed its 2010 targets," Masse said, adding that Cantrex is "in the final stages of diversifying into new industries."

Until his successor is announced, Cantrex's senior management team will report to Peter Kalen, vice president of financial services for Sears Canada.

"We recognize that Alain has played a huge part in helping the members of the Cantrex family to grow significantly," Kalen said in a note to employees. "We at Sears are proud to say that 2010 was an especially strong year for Cantrex and that we look ahead with great enthusiasm."