Bunnings continues to rely on its physical store network

Michael Schneider, CEO of Bunnings, was John Herbert’s latest interviewee on the Global DIY-Network.

Michael Schneider, CEO of Bunnings, was John Herbert's latest interviewee on the Global DIY-Network. Schneider emphasised in the interview the importance ascribed by the company to the culture created within Bunnings. The strong connection with the communities and regions in which the stores are located is no strategic accident: Bunnings regards its physical store network as its strength.

Although most businesses in Australia have remained open during the pandemic, Bunnings created the new "drive & collect" format for this exceptional situation. This format for contactless shopping has become "enormously popular", according to Schneider. Online business still does not have the status in Australia that it has in many other countries, however, and accounts for only two per cent of Bunnings' sales. Schneider made it clear that Bunnings continues to rely primarily on its physical stores.

The trend driven by Covid-19, which Schneider calls "reconnection with the home", has also been experienced by Bunnings, and Schneider expects it to continue. "I'm optimistic," said the Bunnings CEO.