Hardware Africa 2014 2014 | Page 97

OUTDOOR EFEKTO Since 1973 Efekto has been helping gardeners to create beautiful and balanced gardens. The company’s range of fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides adhere stringently to government safety regulations, and this, combined with the broad spectrum of products offered and proven reliability over the decades has ensured the Efekto brand a place in every garden shed. With the recent re-introduction of an improved range of Garden accessories the company has become a one stop shop for garden products Its innovations and market know-how has made Efekto and Wonder, two of the leading home and garden pesticide and nutrition product brands in South Africa where it has a large market share in their categories. Because of the company’s position in the industry and its strength and depth in distribution, sales and merchandising it has formed strong partnerships with allied brands to distribute and represent their products under its umbrella. Q&A Q. What trends have been identified for hardware stores to focus on? Kirchhoff’s: Hardware stores seem to be looking at broadening their current range to give customers more varieties to choose from and to appeal to another market that supports them currently. Vegetable and herb seed sales continue to grow as consumers are feeling the economic pinch. Business is tough, but they are willing to try something new. At Kirchhoff’s, we are finding our birding range of products and our hand tools are selling well with hardware stores, the bright colours and compact size make these ideal for ladies and children. Finally, a distinct move by consumers to Environmentally friendly products especially in pesticides and fertilizers has been noticed. Efekto: There is a big trend globally to “grow your own”, and this is also evident in South Africa where food gardening is a growing trend. Space is not a limiting factor to growing your own vegetables as many veggies can be grown in containers or in small spaces. The key to Continued page 100 HARDWARE AFRICA 2014 97