search.noResults

search.searching

note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
RANGE REVIEW: HARDWARE


customers via social media, regularly posting images of the shop and its customers, tweeting jokes or pictures of quirky and comical doodles, or even detailing its weekly Hardware Special promotion, which is highlighted by a hanging chalkboard in the hardware section of the bar. “You can get a pint of Heineken and a tube of WD40 for €8 at the moment,” says Mr Butler. Of the chalkboard, he adds: “People love it


and want their photo taken with it. It’s a good attention-grabbing thing to have and there are some good bargains up there, no doubt.” Mary’s is active across all social media platforms, capitalising on the public’s willingness to interact with the business, sharing their own experiences or hoping to stay up to date with what’s happening in the bar and shop. “Instagram is the most successful platform for engaging


people visually”, explained Press Up senior marketing executive Colm O’Leary, whilst “Twitter is very useful for actually providing news and informing people.”


A place to linger With garden centres maximising their profits through the introduction of eateries and even Bunnings getting in on the act, with its crowd- drawing Sausage Sizzles and cafes in every store, it is little wonder that the formula of bar-meets-hardware store is proving such a success. And this partnership provides benefits on both sides of the business. People may stay for another drink to soak up the atmosphere of the unusual bar and have a look around or, indeed, grab a quick beverage or bite to eat as they pick up their hardware items. Either way, it makes people want to spend more time there. Mr Butler explains: “Some of the older guys remember that these places used to exist all over the place and then you’ve got the younger fellows coming in and it’s new to them but people love the concept… They want to hang on a little bit


longer. It’s such a curious place to look around... There’s a lot going on.”


And, what is the hardware shopper’s tipple of choice? “Some of the young fellers are more likely to have a pint, while the older guys might have a sneaky coke and have a look around. They would generally go for a Guinness or a Heineken – something quick. They’ll sit over a pint and a sandwich and pick up their Gorilla tape and wood glue and head off.”


After speaking to Ronan, I was enthused by his energy and humour – if not also ever so slightly jealous that I don’t work somewhere like Mary’s. It sounds as though the team have a lot of fun with what they do and, this obviously translates over to the customers who spend time there. “It is a very fun place to work,” he says. “Between the confectionary and the little bits and pieces of groceries and the hardware that we sell, we’ve also got an amazing whisky selection, and do a good Guinness. We have live music every week too. It’s all set up in a really nice way and I get to have a bit of craic with the customers.”


The December issue - our last issue of the year - rounds up the year’s biggest headlines and stories to hit the DIY and garden sector in 2017.


It also takes a look back at some of the most exciting new product launches seen in DIY Week throughout 2017, in our popular annual feature, A Year of Great Products.


A valuable chance to review your ranges and make sure you are stocking some of the year’s best sellers and biggest innovations.


Don’t miss it! Suppliers, send your product news to Margaret Poole - mpoole@datateam.co.uk 22 DIY WEEK 10 NOVEMBER 2017 www.diyweek.net


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32