Woodie’s plans for growth

Woodie’s, the Irish DIY superstore operator, is planning further expansion. The current total of 14 stores in Ireland, seven of which are in Dublin, could be increased to 25, said chief executive Ray Colman at an event held within the framework of this year’s National Hardware Show in Chicago. Although the Irish market with its volume of $ 400 mio (€ 410 mio) is relatively small, the proportion of property owners is high at 82 per cent. Last year alone saw the building of 52 000 new owner-occupied homes. Recently Woodie’s has also entered the garden centre business.