RONA Launches the Real-time Report

BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - March 28, 2012) -

Editors Note: There are two photos and two videos associated with this press release.

RONA inc. (TSX:RON)(TSX:RON.PR.A), the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, is proud today to announce the unveiling of the Real-time Report. This new platform is intended as an active and evolving communications tool aimed at informing investors, the media, dealers, employees and consumers of new developments at RONA and in the renovation-construction industry.

With its lively and interactive format, the continuously-updated site, now online at realtimereport.rona.ca, enables users to locate all the information found in the Corporation's annual report. Visitors can also view video messages from the management and read a variety of articles on key topics, including the Corporation's strategic orientations, financial results and environmental initiatives.

"The challenge in our industry is to create a new brand experience that combines technology with the ability to respond to the needs of consumers," said Robert Dutton, President and CEO of RONA. "It's a constant effort to be creative and innovative," he added, "a challenge that we're happy to take on."

The creation of the Real-time Report was motivated by a desire to get closer to consumers and others interested in RONA from near and far. It's also part of RONA's 2012 business plan, which includes the launch of a new integrated online platform.

"The advantage of this new platform is that it enables us, in a timely manner, to keep the market informed of our progress with regard to our strategic and financial objectives," said Dominique Boies, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at RONA.

This highly innovative real-time resource, developed in close cooperation with Zoum Armada for the strategy and content side, as well as SIDLEE for the technical side, is part of the process to renew the Corporation's brand image, and is also fully in line with RONA's new policy on paper use.

About RONA

RONA is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. The Corporation operates a network of close to 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate stores of various sizes and formats under several banners, and a network of 17 hardware and construction materials distribution centres which are flexible and perfectly adapted to the diverse needs of its clientele. RONA is also a leader in the specialized plumbing and HVAC market, primarily serving commercial and professional customers with a network of close to 60 sales outlets across the country.

In total, RONA supplies nearly 1,500 sales outlets, of which some 860 are under one of its banners, as well as more than 600 clients, independent dealers, in its distribution network. With more than 30,000 employees working under its family of banners in every region of Canada, the RONA store network generates consolidated sales of $4.8 billion and over $6 billion taking into account the total impact of the retail sales of franchise dealers, affiliates and other independent dealers who buy their supplies at RONA. For more information, please visit www.rona.ca.

www.facebook.com/ronainc

To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120323-Photo_ENG_800.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120326-RONA_Report_800.jpg

To view the videos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://realtimereport.rona.ca/

http://realtimereport.rona.ca/a-solid-foundation-for-growth/