“We pride ourselves on being community builders. We always try to keep our finger on the pulse of what the needs of the community are, and do our best to help.”
There’s clearly no substitute for being out and about within the community for Natasha Ralph, store manager at McMunn and Yates Building Supplies in Portage.
McMunn and Yates Building Supplies in Portage is celebrating 52 years in the business this month. Their official MY Anniversary Sale is happening now to May 10th. In preparation, they’ve restocked all their shelves to ensure variety and quality, and all stock will be discounted. There will also be a fundraising barbecue this Saturday, April 29th in support of PAWS, giveaways, and cake. Not to mention plenty of adoptable pets!
“Our anniversary is a great opportunity to look back and see how far we’ve come, as well as look forward to see what we can accomplish in the future,” Ralph shares.
With over half a century in the industry, Ralph says that the key to their success is the value they put on true relationships with both their customers and their community.
“We really focus on the growth of not just our business, but the businesses that we supply, as well as the communities we conduct our business in.” Ralph continues, “I don’t know if people really know how ‘local’ McMunn & Yates is. Many people view us like other chain retailers because we’re equal in our services and prices. And then they’re surprised to know that we’re Manitoba born and raised!” Ralph adds.
Another contributing factor remains that all McMunn stores are linked.
“We can supply your business from any of our locations across Manitoba, southeastern Saskatchewan, and southwestern Ontario.” Ralph clarifies. “And you can do this without opening multiple accounts, and while keeping one point of contact in your home branch.”
Services specific to the Portage location include boom truck deliveries, kitchen designers, and drafters.
Looking back over the last few years, Ralph is relieved to share that getting supplies is much smoother nowadays.
“Thankfully, supply chains have adjusted, and inventory availability has improved exponentially this year. We still have some suppliers that struggle with raw materials or logistics at times, but we have now a clear expectation for lead time, as opposed to during the pandemic where uncertainty with our suppliers was a daily issue.”
For the last year, McMunn and Yates in Portage has partnered with the PLLC Work Experience Program, which has greatly augmented their amount of entry level employees. Staffing would have otherwise been an issue, but thanks to this program, they’re heading into their busiest season with well-trained, capable employees that are ready to serve their customers and community.
For more information about the upcoming MY Anniversary Sale, April 27th to May 10th, stop by McMunn & Yates Building Supplies at 2712 Saskatchewan Avenue West in Portage la Prairie.