Fantastic growth rates

The Irish chain Woodie’s DIY achieved sales growth of 19 per cent to € 85.2 mio in the 2001 financial year. The increase still amounted to 16 per cent after adjustment. Woodie’s DIY operates twelve DIY stores in the Irish Republic with a combined retail area of 35 000 m². There are plans for two new outlets to start up this year (at Newbridge and Tralee). The DIY retail chain belongs to the Irish Grafton Group, which is active in the building materials and plumbing business in both Ireland and the UK. The group completed the 2001 financial year with sales increased by 19 per cent to € 988.8 mio. Pre-tax profit rose by 27 per cent to € 67.2 mio and EBITDA was up by 25 per cent to € 101.5 mio.