With just 31 big-box stores in Canada today, Lowe's has struggled to increase its footprint in this country since arriving in late 2007. At the same time, Rona has suffered weak financial results as it grappled with the recession and a slow recovery. In February, Rona set in motion a turnaround plan, including betting more on smaller stores and e-commerce while closing big-box outlets. But the revival efforts haven't been enough to stop suggestions that Lowe's should buy at least some of Rona as a way for both retailers to bolster their performances.