The Financial Post reports in its Wednesday edition Rona reversed last year's big loss to post a profit in 2014 as the Quebec home renovation retailer enjoyed its first increase in full-year organic sales in eight years. A Canadian Press dispatch to the Post says Rona capped the year by earning $5.4-million in net income in the fourth quarter. Rona was helped by 6-per-cent growth in same-store retail sales from continuing operations and a 9.3-per-cent increase in its distribution business. Chief executive officer Robert Sawyer said the improvements came despite increased competition, reduced housing starts and a slow business environment in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. Rona has closed 11 unprofitable stores in Ontario and Western Canada, deriving more than $110-million in annualized cost savings and eliminating 1,000 front-line and management positions. Irene Nattel of RBC Capital Markets said the larger economic outlook remains a concern, especially in Western Canada. Mr. Sawyer said the company has not seen much negative impact so far from a slowing economy in the West, which accounts for about 30 per cent of sales. Rona closed $1.01 higher Tuesday at $13.93 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.