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The Irish DIY market continues to grow at a vigorous rate. The strong economy forms a firm base for committed DIY retailers, offering further growth possibilities as well
Increased consumer spending and investment are leading to growth of around 5 per cent for the Irish economy again this year. Population growth is also contributing to the economic activity. The building and construction activity is forecast to increase by up to 6 per cent, and further growth is expected for the Irish housing market as well.
At the moment all the country's DIY retailers operate rather traditional stores that are smaller than in the UK because of traditional resistance to the large store format. Although the number of DIY stores has risen in recent years, the market still seems to have plenty of potential left, despite increasing competition.
The UK market leader B&Q is present in Ireland, and sales from the company's seven stores there grew by over 40 per cent in the first six months of 2006/2007, reflecting three new store openings in the second half of last year.
B&Q's two domestic Irish competitors, Atlantic and Woodie's, are now together under the same roof: the roof of the Grafton Group, which also has builders' merchant and plumbers' merchant operations in the UK. With overall sales of € 2.629 bn in the 2005 financial year, Grafton is now a major force in the building and construction industry.
In recent years the Irish DIY market has changed, in that DIY stores are now to be found beyond the core Dublin area. Woodie's has been pioneering this development, until the retailer now has 23 outlets spread all over the country, after two new openings in the first six months of 2006. Atlantic is the second-placed retailer with 16 stores. The Grafton Group has announced sales growth of 15 per cent to € 147 mio for its DIY business. Homebase, the UK group with nine stores in the Republic of Ireland, also sees opportunities for further growth in the future.
In the assessment of Michael Chadwick, executive chairman of the Grafton Group, the trading conditions are promising: “It is a buoyant market which continues to provide a very favourable trading environment.”
At the moment all the country's DIY retailers operate rather traditional stores that are smaller than in the UK because of traditional resistance to the large store format. Although the number of DIY stores has risen in recent years, the market still seems to have plenty of potential left, despite increasing competition.
The UK market leader B&Q is present in Ireland, and sales from the company's seven stores there grew by over 40 per cent in the first six months of 2006/2007, reflecting three new store openings in the second half of last year.
B&Q's two domestic Irish competitors, Atlantic and Woodie's, are now together under the same roof: the roof of the Grafton Group, which also has builders' merchant and plumbers' merchant operations in the UK. With overall sales of € 2.629 bn in the 2005 financial year, Grafton is now a major force in the building and construction industry.
In recent years the Irish DIY market has changed, in that DIY stores are now to be found beyond the core Dublin area. Woodie's has been pioneering this development, until the retailer now has 23 outlets spread all over the country, after two new openings in the first six months of 2006. Atlantic is the second-placed retailer with 16 stores. The Grafton Group has announced sales growth of 15 per cent to € 147 mio for its DIY business. Homebase, the UK group with nine stores in the Republic of Ireland, also sees opportunities for further growth in the future.
In the assessment of Michael Chadwick, executive chairman of the Grafton Group, the trading conditions are promising: “It is a buoyant market which continues to provide a very favourable trading environment.”
