COMMENT Keep them wanting more Editor, Fiona Garcia: fgarcia@datateam.co.uk


“Give your customers the


opportunity to stay a bit longer”


Talking to Mary’s Bar & Shop for this issue’s hardware special made me think about getting shoppers to linger for longer in store. I‘m not suggesting you all start setting up bars in the middle of your shop – although I’m sure the DIY Week team would be interested in paying a visit if you did – but what reason can you give to make people want to spend that bit more time in your store? With Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get people in the mood to shop and a great excuse to host some festive events or creative some extra interest. Whether it’s a preview evening for customers to see your new ranges, a workshop for DIY Christmas decorations, or even just having some mince pies and festive treats on the counter – give customers something to smile about, an opportunity to stay a bit longer and a reason to remember you and want to come back. My local high street hosts an event every December called Magical Molesey. All of the retailers get involved, staying open late for anyone wanting to pop in or simply to stand out and greet passing shoppers. The pavements are packed and the atmosphere is buzzing. Everyone does something: the independent discount shop creates a grotto with its Christmas lights and has storytelling for children. Even the estate agents and solicitors get in on the act, handing out warm mulled wine and business cards. It’s a chance to engage with your local customers outside of the usual bustle of day-to-day life and do something a bit different. Our Retailer of the Year, Broad Street DIY has created phenomenal


interest with its Ladies DIY Nights and actually has waiting lists for people who want to attend. Of course, if you’re already on the case with this and doing something you think we’d be interested in, get in touch or even enter the DIY Week Awards yourself.


PEOPLE NEWS


Axminster named Power Tool Supplier of the Year for the second year running


East Devon firm Axminster Tools & Machinery was awarded the title ‘Power Tool Supplier of the Year’ at the recent ‘On the Tools gala dinner and awards. It is the second time the company has picked up the accolade. The event took place at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, hosted by ‘On the Tools’ – which describes itself as the largest online construction community in the UK.


Construction workers


throughout the country nominated their favourite brands and companies for this year’s awards. A panel of judges then considered the nominations and narrowed them down to a shortlist of the best companies. The shortlisted companies then went forward to the final stage,


4 DIY WEEK 10 NOVEMBER 2017 Farplants promotes sales manager


Andy Merrick, previously the garden centre sales manager for West Sussex plant wholesaler, Farplants, has been appointed to head of sales to continue the company’s growth plans. Since joining in 1999, Mr Merrick has progressed within sales and account management to manage the sales team and provide support to Farplants’


garden retailing customers. He is looking forward to supporting customers in his new role, he said: “During my 18 years with Farplants, I have been given fantastic support and the opportunity to work with amazing garden retailers. I am proud to be a part of the Farplants family; they have the same strong focus on development for their people, as they do for their plants.”


Smart Garden Products expands team


with the outcome being decided by votes from the general public. On the shortlist and competing against Axminster this year were Cromwell Tools, ECA Toolfast, ITS and Toolstop. Delighted with coming out on top, Axminster declared that it “would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone out there who voted” for the company.


This month, due to the continued growth of their rapidly-expanding export business, Smart Garden Products welcomed two new employees to its award- winning team based in Abingdon.


Following her recent promotion,


Elvire Beugin was delighted to recruit Silvia Staudenmaier and Sabrina Laloui. Coming from a diverse range of backgrounds, they will be able to utilise their valuable experience to help promote and support the Smart business in continental Europe. Smart Garden Products


www.diyweek.net


managing sirector Jonathan Stobart said of the recent recruitment drive: “We are always looking for talented individuals


and I am delighted to welcome Silvia and Sabrina who are joining the business at a really exciting time of growth and opportunity”.


Editor: Fiona Garcia


Assistant Editor: Kiran Grewal Acting news editor: Susan Deane Art editor: Paul Forster


Publishing director: Paul Ryder


Publication manager: Joanne Bamber Senior sales executive: Sallie Payne


Product news co-ordinator: Margaret Poole


Production controller: Gemma Zweck Subscriptions: Curwood CMS Ltd Subscription rate (UK):


01622 699 161 fgarcia@datateam.co.uk 01622 699 155 kgrewal@datateam.co.uk 01622 687 031 sdeane@datateam.co.uk 01622 607 962 pforster@datateam.co.uk 01622 699 105 pryder@datateam.co.uk 01253 870780 jbamber@datateam.co.uk 01622 687 031 spayne@datateam.co.uk


01622 699151 mpoole@datateam.co.uk 01622 681 366 gzweck@datateam.co.uk 01580 883844 datateam@c-cms.com One year £128, two years £217


Subscription rate (outside UK, air mail): One year £163, two years £287


Published by Datateam Business Media Ltd, 15a London Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8LY. Phone: 01622 687031. Fax: 01622 757646. www.datateam.co.uk


© 2015 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances, Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


Founded in 1874


No 5,826 10 November 2017 www.diyweek.net


We are proud to sponsor the Rainy Day Trust


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