Hardware Merchandising Magazine has named Bishop's Do-It Center one of the best run home improvement stores in Canada. Award judges said they were impressed with the store's sales growth along with its focus on customer service.

Cal Spencer, the store's owner, accepted the award at the annual Canadian Hardware & Building Materials trade show in Toronto, February 2, 2003.

Today's Company

The future has never look brighter. Bishop's management has invested for the future with up-to-date computer systems, and a fleet of trucks and forklifts that are as current as possible.

One of Bishop's outstanding qualities is its reputation for taking "exceptional care" of its customers.

At Bishop's shopping and work are enjoyable because the store has integrated young, eager-to-learn associates with an experienced long-term staff. For the staff, honestly and integrity are part of what they do.

Bishop's is recognized for its role in the community. They donate to goodwill, schools, scholarship funds, sports, organizations, and health care. They believe they "receive back the donations many times over from thankful customers."

Staff of Bishop's Do-It Center
Photo: The Compass

Core Values of Bishop's Do-it Center

1. To provide exceptional customer service - We promise to meet and exceed our customer needs in products, delivery, prices, satisfaction and helpful advise.
2. We strive to provide our staff with an environment to grow to the best of their ability. We do this by sharing information, providing training, respecting everyone's needs, and providing company benefits.
3. We strive to keep shopping working fun. We do this by company sponsored socials and in store promotions all help to meet our goals.
4. We believe that honesty, fairness, and integrity must be an essential part of what we do. This applies whether we are dealing with our customers, staff, suppliers, and the government.
5. We strive to be a good corporate citizens and will continue to contribute to our community whenever the need or situation is present.
   

The Do-It Center Warehouse, Bishop's Road
On the site of the original Sawmill from 1912

Bishop Do-It Center
History

The late John Bishop of Water Street, Bay Roberts, opened his sawmill in May 1912, to cut logs for local house constructions.

During the 1920s-1940s, Mr. Bishop built and expanded his business into a full line of hardware and building supplies. In 1949, he changed his business from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company named John Bishop Ltd.

Mr. Bishop kept operating the business until his death April 21, 1962 at the age of 89. That same year, the Spencer family bought all outstanding shares from Mr. Bishop's estate and continued to operate the business under the John Bishop Ltd. name.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, John Bishop Ltd. grew by expanding its local consumer base to all Conception and Trinity Bays and new product lines were introduced and a warehouse built.

A change in ownership occurred in the early 1970s when George Spencer acquired controlling shares from other members of the Spencer family.

The year 1977, was a milestone year for John Bishop Ltd. The company acquired a Pro Hardware franchise and started a second operation on the main highway, Bay Roberts. The move was timely.

Most retail businesses in Bay Roberts were now moving from the downtown area to the main highway as evidenced by the opening of two malls in 1976. John Bishop Ltd. continued a retail sales operation from two locations until 1987.

April 30, 1987 marked another milestone as Bishop's decided to acquire a Do-It franchise which focused on lumber & building supplies rather than hardware.