Timber iQ December 2018 - January 2019 // Issue: 41 | Page 11

NEWS
Leroy Merlin launches
first African store
French home improvement retailer Leroy Merlin has
opened its first store on the African continent.
F
Customers are spoilt for choice as they can shop from
various departments ranging from construction,
bathroom, kitchen, home décor and more.
orming part of ADEO, Leroy Merlin is the third largest home
improvement retailer worldwide with a presence in 14 countries
– France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Romania, Ukraine,
Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Cyprus, China and now South Africa.
Situated at Stoneridge Centre, Greenstone Hill in Edenvale,
Gauteng, the first African store boasts a total surface area of
17 000m² which offers the South African DIY retail market the widest
selection of construction, home improvement, home decor products
and tools, coupled with more than 50 000 references in large
quantities and ample stock availability.
Customers can shop from various departments ranging from
construction, bathroom, kitchen, home decor, garden, hardware,
electrical, carpentry, plumbing, tools, fix&fasten, storage and lighting.
Products range from locally produced brands and products, to
internationally sourced items, 40% of which are imported from
Europe. The store also offers a drive through service.
Besides its unique offering, customers will experience a modern
store with showrooms to inspire and infographics to better
understand how to choose and install products. Leroy Merlin also
offers services like free wood cutting. The store has also built great
partnerships with Kandua that recommends qualified contractors for
various projects, as well as Coastal Hire for all tool hiring
requirements.
Leroy Merlin has been active in the community and as of
15 months ago, created a Workshop Fan Group of enthusiastic DIYers
that gather together a few times a week to create and share their
passion with one another.
"Besides its unique offering, customers
will experience a modern store with
showrooms to inspire and infographics
to better understand how to choose and
install products."
The modern store is home to several appealing
showrooms to inspire customers.
www.timberiq.co.za
Due to the incredible success of these workshops and requests from
fans, Leroy Merlin will host daily workshops.
“Leroy Merlin really believes in the potential of the country and
other stores are already in preparation,” says Cédric Sennepin, Leroy
Merlin South Africa country leader.
He continues, “I really think that our new concept we call ‘phygital’
– the best of physical and the best of digital – will offer a unique
experience that South African customers deserve and when I see the
energy and the pleasure our team members show towards their work,
I am very confident that we will succeed.”
// DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019
9