This issue features new Spring launches from leading hand and power tools manufacturers and suppliers introducing their new products which are set to grow sales in 2025. Also how the trade customer wants convenience when purchasing tools.
Stafford’s launch new Spring 2025 Catalogue
Stafford’s are delighted to launch their new Spring 2025 catalogue. This season’s catalogue is packed with brilliant offers and great ideas, which are sure to increase your category sales in the coming 2025 season! Their Spring stock is arriving early, they have some great offers available right now. Be sure to contact your sales representative for full details or make an appointment to visit their extensive new showroom at Bellefield, Enniscorthy, County Wexford Y21 E0F5.
If you’re in the gardening business look no further than Stafford’s for your Gardening Line-Up for 2025. Their extensive Range of Truper and John Deere Brands covers a comprehensive program of Garden Tools, Wheelbarrows, Watering Hose Range including a new four ply extra heavy-duty professional Hose and a new extended range of Lay-Flat Hoses and other Gardening Implements. Lookout for Protool Sprayers, Hose Fittings, Garden Tools alongside their traditional Garden Offering. Stafford’s are supporting you for over 77 years!
Call them today on 053 936 7246 or email sales@stafford.ie.
SKIL Power Tools bring unprecedented sales
International Tool Industries (ITI) is the sole distributor of the SKIL Power Tool brand in Ireland and has been growing sales of this product range year on year. SKIL Power Tools currently celebrates 100 years of power tool manufacturing and was one of the first to introduce the circular saw, commonly known as the SKIL saw, a product that has been used on construction sites for decades.
SKIL Power Tools have developed their own cordless battery platform, offering a broad range of DIY and professional construction tools, supported by an excellent affordable garden range of cordless products, consisting of a battery platform ranging from 2.0AH to 5.00AH batteries. SKIL as a company have taken a very detailed approach to the market and the demands from the professional trades’ person. They have introduced the professional XP range of cordless tools, a more robust and longer run time battery, supporting a brushless motor.
SKIL having total confidence in their products and offer a five-year guarantee on most models and up to three years on their range of batteries. Their focus is always on keeping the end user in mind, offering 100% total customer satisfaction.
ITI General Manager Don O’Toole is pleased to say that “SKIL Power Tools have brought unprecedented sales to the company and it complements our other power tool brands we sell, in a very competitive market. Our sales team are completely focused on delivering the best results possible with this iconic brand now and into the future”.
International Tool Industries launched the new Professional XP range at The Hardware Show in the RDS Dublin earlier in the year, where visitors showed great interest in the new design and the improved performance levels offered by this quality tool, so much so, the orders were plentiful from new and existing customers.
As Christmas approaches, SKIL Power Tools are the perfect gift idea for the professional and DIY users. For more information visit www.internationaltoolindustries.com
The trades want convenience
As we all know the visit to the hardware or builders’ merchant store is often time pressed, with the tradesperson needing to get to site to start or continue work, so it’s important to consider convenience.
Andy King, Trend Tool Technology’s Training & Standards Manager offers his thoughts: “Ideally, they would want to visit as few stores as possible – so, reduce the chance of them shopping elsewhere by ensuring that you carry the appropriate range and become the one-stop solution.“
Is it just about range and price? Partly, but not solely.
Don’t assume that preferable means cheapest. Trades are well-informed and know which products are appropriate to the level of finish and speed they require. So, make sure you offer products at different price points to capture different requirements on longevity and quality.
It’s not safe to assume that cheapest is the best first choice, or that discounting always drives sales – so before promoting price, consider the ability of your customers to trade up and down your range. Customers are less sensitive to price than they are to availability and appropriateness for the task in hand. Have a look at your local competition. How much competition is there? What ranges do they offer? Are you competing on range and availability? What nearby stores sell complementary products? What do your customers tell you about them?
They want information
Make the choice easy. Time-pressed customers want to spend as little time finding the products and ensuring job-suitability as possible.
One way of helping is with in store communications. Because the purchase journey doesn’t start and end in the store, and neither should your communication.
Website content is of considerable importance, even if you are not an online retailer – customers browse your website while at home, on site and in store.
Don’t underestimate the value of your customer database. Ensure that you are using emails (in a GDPR compliant way) to reach your customers with new, interesting and essential products and to remind them you are there.
If you are active on social media, again use it as a platform to show that you carry the tools to complete the job. For all content including both hardcopy and digital ensure you are getting your suppliers to provide specific and suitable content and information which suits your chosen digital platform.
In-store displays
Effective in-store execution is essential for sales conversion – and tools and accessories suppliers including Trend should be able to help out. Starting with signposting around the store – pointing people in the direction of the products.
Many brands have strong brand identities. So, try to merchandise products within their brand space. Not only does it make the store look neater, but it allows people to pick and choose between brands and price points very quickly as well as being easier to navigate when customers are looking for a specific product.
Many suppliers create visual buying guides which help the customer choose the appropriate specified tool or accessory very quickly. Ask your supplier for these.
Many accessories need to be compatible for the particular tool being used by the customer. Ensure that compatibility information is available and being displayed in the clearest way. Some offer QR codes directly linking to online compatibility databases – ask for these from you supplier and use them whenever possible. QR codes can also be to enable customers to browse product details online.
Use counter tops to display handy must-have accessories, but don’t crowd the space. Too much choice means a difficulty in making a selection. Try having products on weekly rotation.
Keep shelves well stocked and tidy – leaving no gaps. If you fill any gaps, customers will know you’ve carefully selected the range and care that it’s in stock.
Using in store video screens – large or small. Most suppliers will have video content, and it is a great way to grab attention and explain product features very clearly – especially during busy periods when counter staff are serving, or to help boost their knowledge.
Use dwell/waiting areas to showcase new products or those which help complete the task – this is especially useful around collection points.
Many retailers keep larger or more valuable items out of view, so how do your customers know that you stock items which are not on display? Use pictures of larger items which are available on request – it saves space on the shop floor, reduces the risk of theft or damage and allows you to display a larger range.
Hopefully its clear from this summary that generating extra sales is often a passive pursuit which doesn’t require hard selling. Most success will come from knowing the customer and from providing clear information at every point which the customer interacts with your store and its range. The key is to engage with your brand supplier – they should be able to provide you not only with impartial advice on the range, but also how best to execute on-line, instore and in print.
For further information visit www.trend-uk.com
Dargan Tools are official distributors of BIHUI products
For over forty years, Dargan Tools has been a steadfast name in the Irish hardware market, delivering high-quality solutions for the Hardware, DIY, and Builders Merchant sectors. In a move that further strengthens their commitment to supporting industry professionals, they are proud to announce their role as the official distributor of BIHUI products in Ireland.
Founded in 2009, BIHUI has established itself as a specialist in tools for professional construction and tiling installers. Renowned for its innovative approach, BIHUI focuses on developing tools essential for the safe handling, transportation, and cutting of large-format tiles, as well as the precise installation of ceramic and porcelain tiles. BIHUI’s range includes hundreds of specialised products that are essential for today’s tile installation demands, from suction cups and lifting solutions to premium cutting systems.
What sets BIHUI apart is its dedication to quality and practicality. By collaborating closely with industry professionals, BIHUI ensures its products are solution-orientated, offering installers reliable tools that make tasks easier and safer. This commitment to user-friendly innovation aligns perfectly with Dargan Tools’ values, making BIHUI an ideal addition to their portfolio. Together, Dargan Tools and BIHUI are excited to meet the needs of tiling professionals across Ireland, delivering unmatched quality and support to help the trade achieve excellence.
“Professional tilers are well aware of the quality and reputation of the BIHUI brand, but until now, they faced challenges in sourcing it locally,” says Niall Dargan, CEO of Dargan Tools. “With Dargan Tools as the official distributor, hardware stores and builders’ merchants across Ireland can now access BIHUI’s sought-after range, connecting directly with these professionals and meeting the demand for high-quality tiling tools and equipment.”
For further information please phone (059) 9142855 or email sales@dargantools.com or visit www.dargantools.com
