HardwareMagazine Jan 26

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

On the Record Bathrooms have become one of the most expressive and personalised spaces in the home.

See page 12

Leader Spring is hot on our heels

PUBLISHED BY Ocean Publishing, 14 Upper Fitzwilliam St., Dublin 2 Tel: 01 678 5165 PUBLISHER Patrick Aylward EDITOR Martin Foran Editorial Email: martin@hardwareand homestylenews.ie NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Dermot Casey Email: dermot@hardwareand homestylenews.ie DESIGN/PRODUCTION Catherine Doyle AD PRODUCTION Audrey Fitzgerald PRINTED BY WG Baird Ltd., Antrim

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this journal is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors, omissions or discrepancies. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

This is a suitable time to take stock

Welcome to the first issue of the new year. We’re straddling the last period of 2025 with our coverage here. So, as is often the case, we are recapping and also looking to the future.

This is a suitable time to take stock of course. The first weeks of the new year give pause for thought as we assess the year gone by and prepare for the months to come.

On that note spring is hot on our heels! And there is much to look forward to at this time of year. Nowhere is this perhaps more apparent as in The Room Outside with Liam Kelly, our retail gardening guru.

Here, it’s time to look at trends for the coming season in garden retail and he takes a somewhat cautious look ahead at what might be worth bearing in mind to keep those tills ringing in 2026.

Elsewhere there is much positivity – with several awards featured across our coverage.

First off, Retail Excellence Ireland announced the winners of each of the 22 categories at the Elavon Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2025. Windyridge Garden Centre was revealed here as National Retailer of the Year – continuing our gardening theme.

We also see how United Hardware celebrated excellence at the 2025 ‘United in Excellence Awards’ – here, Ferdia Homevalue, Ardee, Co. Louth was named United in Excellence Store of The Year 2025.

We also saw a major Paint Retailer Award for Smyths Homevalue, Enniscorthy! The outlet was celebrated for its exceptional customer support and best-in-class paint offering.

This came in a busy period for Smyths who had recently opened Wexford’s Second DID Essentials Zone And to cap it off – Smyths have now been unveiled as our gia store for 2026 and will accompany us to Chicago in March!

Elsewhere, as we say, it’s business as usual!

Martin Foran, Editor

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 1

Turning bathroom dreams into reality...

designer bathroomware

www.armera.co.uk 016286711

Contents 12

17

4 News Stories from the trade and the wider economy

12 On The Record

The topic is bathrooms – one of the most expressive and personalized spaces in the home

14 Homefront More ‘Inspiring Retail From Around The World’ – this time we head to France. Also, consumer opportunities and pain points and the gia top window awards!

20 Smyths Homevalue, Enniscorthy – a gia store for 2026 Introducing our gia store for 2026 – consistent development and a finger on the pulse!

14

22 Elevon Retail Excellence Ireland Awards

Windyridge named as National Retailer of The Year

24 Combilift In Focus

Combilifts’s innovative material handling solutions

26 United Hardware Awards

Ferdia Homevalue named ‘United in Excellence Store of the Year’

20

28 The Room Outside

28

Seasonal advice and top tips from our retail gardening guru, Liam Kelly

32 Products & Services

What’s caught our eye this time out?

40 The Final Say

Rounding it all off on a positive note – as always!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 3

NEWS Shelbourne fans voted on Tolka Park upgrades as part of Chadwicks’ renewed sponsorship of the club Chadwicks, leading builders’ merchants and proud sponsors of Shelbourne Football Club, recently asked fans to vote for improvements they want to see in the club’s home ground, Tolka Park, for the 2026 season.

Extended

Chadwicks also extended their partnership of Shelbourne FC for a further two years, continuing as the club’s front of

jersey sponsor.

In 2025 Chadwicks renovated the home dressing rooms into state-of-the-art facilities and have committed a further €50,000 in building supports for improvements in 2026.

Improvements

Fans voted for the improvements to the stadium in 2026 by voting on the Shelbourne FC website with options to choose from including: • Family zone – The development of a new family zone – a relaxed child-friendly space with refreshments, in the soon-to-be open family stand.

• Tolka Park turnstiles and entrances: Improvement to the turnstile areas and supporter entrances into Tolka Park to enhance the fan experience on arrival to the grounds.

Chadwicks, leading builders’ merchants and proud sponsors of Shelbourne Football Club

Ferdia Homevalue, Ardee, Co. Louth named United in Excellence Store of The Year 2025 United Hardware celebrates excellence at 2025 ‘United in Excellence Awards’ United Hardware honoured outstanding achievement and innovation at its 6th annual ‘United in Excellence Awards’ ceremony, held at The Galmont Hotel, Galway, following the group’s flagship conference. We have a full report later in this issue.

Guests

We heard how the event brought together over 250 guests and showcased the remarkable standards and dedication of United Hardware members nationwide.

A highlight of the evening was the cheque presentation of over €60,000 to Barretstown, United Hardware’s national charity partner, supporting life-changing programmes for children and families affected by serious illness.

Title

The title of United in Excellence Store Of The Year 2025 was awarded to Ferdia Homevalue, Ardee, Co. Louth, recognised for its exceptional customer service, store presentation and commitment to the local community.

Ferdia Homevalue stood out among more than 200 stores, setting a new benchmark for excellence across the network.

Paul Candon, Group CEO of United Hardware, commented: ‘The United in Excellence Awards are about celebrating the drive, commitment and ingenuity that our members bring to Irish retail.’

Read more about the event and Ferdia’s achievement later in this issue!

4 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

NEWS Success for Windyridge Nurseries and Garden Centre Retail Excellence Ireland, the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, announced the winners of 22 categories at the Elavon Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2025.

Ceremony

Over 500 executives from the retail industry attended the ceremony at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny.

Dún Laoghaire-based Windyridge Nurseries & Garden Centre won National Retailer of the Year and was commended by the judges as a welcoming retail environment, with helpful staff and a high level of focus on the customer experience.

See our report in this issue.

A busy year for Smyths – now our new gia store!

The United Hardware Store Awards brought together members, suppliers and partners for a flagship celebration of excellence across the Homevalue network.

National

Among the major awards presented, the overall national award for Best Paint Store was proudly presented to Smyth’s Homevalue Enniscorthy, celebrated for its exceptional customer support and best-in-class paint offering.

This comes in a busy year for Smyths who recently opened Wexford’s Second DID Essentials Zone The launch followed just weeks after the DID Essentials opening at Wallace’s Homevalue in Wellingtonbridge, marking a period of strong progress for County Wexford and further strengthening the partnership between Homevalue and DID Electrical.

Three generations

The opening featured an official ribbon cutting attended by three generations of the Kavanagh family, reflecting the store’s long-standing heritage and deep community roots.

The family highlighted how the addition of DID Essentials enhances their offering while staying true to the values that have shaped the business for decades The new zone features a curated selection of leading appliance and tech brands including Ninja, Shark, Kenwood, Whirlpool, Eufy, LG and Samsung.

Positive

Customer feedback has been extremely positive, with shoppers welcoming the convenience of purchasing quality home appliances alongside their regular DIY and hardware needs But that’s not all. Smyths is now unveiled as our gia store for 2026 and will join us in Chicago!

We’ll have more coverage on this over our next issues!

6 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

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Nobody does Décor better…

Stores Nationwide | www.albany.ie

NEWS Chadwicks Group appoints Eimear O’Reilly as HR Director Chadwicks Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Eimear O’Reilly as HR Director of Chadwicks Group.

Strategy

As HR Director and as a member of the organisation’s senior leadership team, Eimear will lead the company’s people strategy.

In the role, Eimear will shape and deliver a forward-looking strategy that supports the company’s ongoing transformation and growth ambitions.

She will lead initiatives to enhance the employee experience, strengthen talent pipelines and build organisational capability, ensuring Chadwicks Group is equipped to meet the evolving needs of its colleagues, customers and wider market.

Extensive

Eimear brings over 20 years of extensive experience in Human Resources, organisational development and people strategy across a wide range of sectors, including financial services, insurance and mobile technology.

Her career spans leadership roles with well-known brands such as Allianz Ireland Insurance, Bank of Scotland, AIB, Meteor Mobile and Vodafone, as well as senior positions in global operational and engineering environments.

Most recently, Eimear served as HR Director with Allied Universal, following a successful five-and-a-half-year tenure with Hilti Fastening Systems.

Throughout her career she has delivered significant achievements in organisational development, talent management, employee engagement and change leadership.

She is also a qualified business coach, an experienced mediator, and currently serves as a Director of Positive2Work Skillnet Ireland, contributing to national workforce development initiatives.

‘Her deep experience across HR, organisational development and people management will play a crucial role as we continue to invest in our colleagues and shape the future of the business.

‘Eimear’s strategic insight and strong focus on developing high-performing teams align closely with our ambition to deliver an exceptional customer experience and support our growth plans across Ireland.’

Delighted

Speaking on the appointment, Patrick Atkinson, CEO, Chadwicks Group, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Eimear to the senior leadership team at Chadwicks Group.

Irish economy sustains momentum despite turbulent year

Ibec Publishes Latest Economic Outlook, forecasting domestic demand growth of 2.8% in 2026.

Ibec’s latest Economic Outlook forecast domestic demand growth of 2.8% in 2026, following a 3.4% growth rate in 2025.

Sustained

The Outlook at the tail end of 2025, noted that the Irish economy continued to show sustained momentum through the end of 2025, driven by positive momentum in the global economy, and that 78% of Irish exports to the US had, so far, remained exempt from tariffs.

Meanwhile, GDP grew from 2.6% in 2024 to 11.6% in 2025, largely due to the frontloading of pharmaceutical goods in the early part of the year to avoid potential US tariffs.

Whilst this moderated somewhat throughout the summer, a further spike in September – ahead of expected Section 232 tariffs at the time – left total Irish goods exports up 28% (€46 bn) on the first nine months of 2024, with a 66% increase in BioPharma exports in the first eight months

of 2025 driving the numbers.

Labour market

The Outlook also highlighted ‘consistent signs of a slowdown in the labour market, though it is starting from a historically high base’.

Despite this cooling, strong population growth, coupled with wage growth and moderate inflation, continues to point towards ongoing growth in both household incomes and consumer spending in 2026 it said.

Gerard Brady, chief economist and Head of National Policy, said: ‘We are now seeing that Technology – especially AI and Geopolitics are driving economics in a material way, which leads to greater uncertainty and makes business planning more difficult.

Defined

‘Since President Trump’s April tariff announcement, most of 2025 has been defined by a volatile trading environment.

8 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

‘Despite this, over the last number of months we have seen renewed momentum in investment decisions, particularly with a US-EU trade deal in place.

‘While elements like Section 232 remain to be fully resolved, especially for Ireland, the economy, while likely to slow next year, remains extremely resilient.

Impact

‘In terms of the global economy, the full impact of tariffs on inflation and the trade is still expected to hit next year, as the passthrough takes time to materialise through supply chains ‘On the other hand, the full impact of US tax cuts, associated with the “Big Beautiful Act” and the global interest rate cuts enacted throughout the current year won’t fully impact the real economy until 2026 and into 2027.

‘A major story which is helping to drive global growth in 2025 and will develop further in 2026 is the AI investment boom.’

NEWS Combilift’s COMBi-SPI Secures R&D Innovation of the Year at 2025 Plant & Civil Engineer Awards Combilift, a global leader in material handling solutions, has been named joint winner of the R&D Innovation of the Year Award at the Plant & Civil Engineer Awards for the groundbreaking Combi-SPI (SelfPropelled Inloader).

Commitment

This recognition underscores Combilift’s ongoing commitment to innovation, highlighting its development of a customengineered solution for transporting heavy, oversized, and fragile loads – particularly within the concrete industry.

Renowned for its customer-centric approach, Combilift embarked on the COMBi-SPI project in collaboration with Spaansen, a leading precast concrete manufacturer from the Netherlands, in April 2022.

The goal was to address the challenges associated with transporting Inloader pallets using traditional systems, while meeting the specific needs of the precast concrete sector.

The COMBi-SPI, a fully electric, selfpropelled vehicle, was praised for its ability to transport oversized precast concrete elements and large wall panels within production yards and construction sites.

Capable of safely handling up to 30-tonne Inloader pallets, it offers enhanced visibility, agility, and precision, delivering a safer, more efficient alternative

to conventional truck-and-trailer systems.

Recognition

The R&D Innovation of the Year Award, sponsored by Scania Road Trucks, was presented in recognition of Combilift’s visionary engineering and customer-driven design.

The judges praised: ‘Combilift’s development of the COMBi-SPI exemplifies visionary engineering and a deep understanding of industry needs. It showcases the spirit of R&D excellence.’

‘This project showcases Combilift’s commitment to innovation and customerdriven design,’ said Josh Moffett – Heavy Equipment Manager at Combilift.

‘We’ve leveraged decades of expertise in specialised transport machinery to develop a state-of-the-art solution that meets the evolving needs of the concrete and glass industries.’

About Combilift

Combilift is the world’s largest manufacturer of multi-directional, sideloading, and articulated forklifts, with over 100,000 machines operating across 85 countries.

Widely recognised for its innovative material handling solutions, the Irishbased manufacturer continues to set benchmarks in safety, design, and operational efficiency in the materials handling sector.

Combilift re-qualifies for Deloitte Best Managed Companies Award – 13 years of excellence Combilift , once again, has been recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies

by Deloitte, marking their 13th consecutive year receiving this prestigious accolade.

Recognition

This recognition is not only a reflection of Combilift’s consistent year-on-year growth, but also highlights its ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and strategic vision.

The rigorous requalification process assesses companies across four key pillars: strategy, culture & commitment, capabilities & innovation and governance & financials.

Requalifying means continuously proving their ability to lead in each of these areas in a dynamic global market.

Benchmark

‘The renowned Deloitte international brand Best Managed Companies programme sets a high benchmark, and requalifying for the 13th time reinforces our position as a serious global business,’ said Martin McVicar.

‘While we’re known for manufacturing innovative world-class material handling solutions, this recognition also speaks to how we run our business – from our lean operations and customer-focused R&D to our world-class production facility in Monaghan.’

This accolade strengthens Combilift’s brand not just as an industry leader in materials handling equipment, but as a model for sustainable growth and management on the global stage.

About Combilift

Left to Right: Combilift Team – Stephen Thornton, Combi-SPI Lead Design Engineer; Josh Moffett, Heavy Equipment Manager at Combilift; Maria Sanchez, Combilift PRO & Ian McNeill of sponsor, Scania Road Trucks.

Combilift is the largest global manufacturer of multi-directional, Side-loading and articulated forklifts and a leader in heavy goods handling. Operating in over 85 countries, Combilift designs and builds offthe-shelf and customised material handling equipment that maximises space, safety, and efficiency.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 9

WHERE THE INDUSTRY CONNECTS AROUND INNOVATION AND INSPIRATION The Inspired Home Show 2026 will feature over 2,000 unique brands showcasing more than 300,000 products to attendees from 115 countries. Special destinations that debuted last year will be expanded including the Pet Products and Candle Pavilions as well as the Travel Gear & Luggage Expo. New for 2026 is the SPLiCE Licensing Hub featuring well-known licensors looking for retail and product partnerships. Each of these areas give retailers expanded opportunities while complementing our existing and more traditional housewares categories.

The biggest news though is that the Show day pattern will shift to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday rather than beginning over the weekend. Reaction has been overwhelmingly positive from both retailers and exhibitors as we embrace the cultural shift with the younger generation placing a higher value on a more “life - work” balance.

The industry will gather in Chicago, March 10-12, and you are invited to visit The Inspired Home Show where you will find the latest product designs and innovations to meet your customers’ needs!

— DEREK MILLER, President & CEO, International Housewares Association

Register for your FREE entrance badge at TheInspiredHomeShow.com With any questions, please contact the IHA UK Office: PR Direct Limited, Mark Chapman, Tel: +44 7915 063255, ihauk@prdirect.net

© 2025 International Housewares Association. All Rights Reserved.

NEWS AIB Ireland Construction PMI® New orders return to growth at end of 2025 While construction activity in Ireland continued to decrease in December, other indicators from the latest AIB Ireland Construction PMI® painted a more upbeat picture of the sector at the end of 2025.

New orders increased for the first time in five months, and companies expanded their employment, purchasing activity and usage of sub-contractors in response.

Meanwhile, business confidence improved to the highest since January last year.

Below

The headline seasonally adjusted AIB Ireland Construction Total Activity Index posted below the 50.0 no-change mark for the eighth month running in December, signalling a further reduction in total construction output as 2025 drew to a close.

That said, the reading was up to 48.4 in December from 46.7 in November and pointed to the slowest fall in activity since June 2025.

Activity was down in all three categories of construction covered by the survey, albeit with rates of reduction easing in each case.

The slowest fall in activity was in residential, where the decline was the softest in seven months.

Delayed

Some panellists reported that project start dates had been delayed, thereby leading to the drop in activity.

On the other hand, some respondents had raised their activity in line with improving customer demand.

In fact, new orders returned to growth in December, increasing for the first time in five months as client demand picked up at the end of 2025.

Construction firms were also increasingly confident that activity will pick up over the coming year, with sentiment rising to an 11-month high in December.

Boosted

Increasing customer enquiries boosted confidence in the outlook for 2026.

The rise in new orders and optimistic

outlook for the next 12 months encouraged construction firms to expand both their staffing levels and purchasing activity during December.

Both increased for the second consecutive month, albeit at modest rates.

Meanwhile, firms posted a renewed rise in their usage of sub-contractors, the first in six months.

The expansion in usage of subcontractors contributed to a further reduction in their availability.

Firms also faced further delays in securing purchased inputs, with suppliers’ delivery times lengthening again in December.

Comment

Comment Commenting on the survey results, John Fahey, AIB Senior Economist, said: ‘The AIB Irish Construction PMI survey for December showed a further fall in building activity levels at the end of 2025.

‘The headline index was below the key breakeven level of 50 for an eighth consecutive month.

‘However, the December reading of 48.4 represented an improvement compared to 46.7 in November, implying a less severe pace of contraction heading into the New Year.

‘From a sectoral perspective, the survey indicated that the weakness in activity remained broad-based in December, albeit the pace of contraction eased across all three sub-sectors.

‘In this context, the best performing of the three was the residential sector.

Homebuilding activity declined for an eighth month in-a row, although the pace of contraction was the mildest since May. ‘Commercial activity contracted for a second successive month. Meanwhile, civil engineering remained the weakest of the three sub-sectors.

Encouraging

‘Assessing some of the other main components, the December survey indicated some encouraging signs for the sector.

‘The new orders index, which is viewed as a leading indicator, registered expansion for the first time in five months, with panellists noting improved demand and a scaling up of projects.

‘Against this backdrop, there was an increase in employment levels in the sector for the second month running. Meanwhile, optimism amongst construction firms, on the prospect for increasing activity levels over the coming 12 months strengthened to its highest level in nearly a year.’

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 11

ON THE RECORD

From luxurious upgrades like underfloor heating and rainfall showers to solving everyday frustrations such as poor layout and limited storage, Irish homeowners are investing in bathrooms that strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. So says Zoe McGrath, Category Manager at Chadwicks who joins us this time out On The Record!

Big changes in the smallest room!

HH: Hi Zoe and welcome to On The Record! Could you outline for us the significance of the bathroom in Irish homes: In Irish homes, bathrooms are no longer seen as just functional spaces; they’ve become one of the most expressive and personal rooms.

Research we recently conducted of 750 homeowners and 100 tradespeople in Ireland, examines the growing popularity of the ‘boujee bathroom’.

Over half (56%) of homeowners in Ireland consider their bathroom a style statement, and for many, it’s also a retreat: 2-in-5 (40%) admit they escape there for peace and quiet.

For tradespeople, this means demand for high-quality bathroom design.

And installation is stronger than ever, with homeowners prepared to invest significantly to achieve their dream bathroom.

HH: The ‘boujee bathroom’ – can you tell us what this means and what sorts of items might be included under this heading? The ‘boujee bathroom’ is about bringing luxury and personality into the home.

Inspired by social media and hospitality spaces, homeowners are looking for features that elevate the everyday.

HH: What are some other big trends you are seeing of late?

• Modern and minimalist styles: Modern bathrooms are the most popular theme for homeowners (48%), followed by minimalist designs at 24%.

• Regular refreshes: Over a quarter of homeowners update their bathroom every three to five years, creating ongoing demand for trades.

• Storage solutions: With 33% citing lack of storage as a gripe, built-in cabinetry and clever shelving are strong growth areas.

• Bolder design choices: From darker palettes to patterned tiles, homeowners are moving away from plain, all-white spaces.

• Sustainability: Water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient heating are increasingly sought after.

According to our survey, the top luxury items on Irish homeowners’ wishlists include underfloor heating (35%), rainfall showers (27%), and heated towel rails (26%).

Freestanding baths, statement tiles, and mood lighting are also part of this look.

For the trades, this trend translates into more complex installations, with clients expecting a professional finish that delivers both style and comfort.

HH: If someone doesn’t have a budget for a full makeover are there any tips for partial makeovers which can have an impact?

Yes, smaller projects can deliver a big difference.

The most common upgrades reported by homeowners were painting (45%), fitting new fixtures (40%), and retiling (36%).

Some common ways that customers are upgrading fixtures include replacing sinks with vanity units and changing from a standard shower to a dual shower – the showers that have a handset and a rainfall showerhead.

Tradespeople can also recommend updating brassware, and lighting.

For example, fitting LED and illuminated mirrors to achieve an instant lift.

Adding storage is another cost-effective improvement that homeowners really value.

These partial makeovers are ideal opportunities for trades to showcase their expertise while helping clients stay on budget.

12 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

ON THE RECORD

HH: What are some of the biggest ‘bugbears’ for people that you have seen in your research?

The biggest turn-offs in other bathrooms are dirty tiles (47%), toilets that don’t flush properly (43%), and clutter (28%).

In their own homes, a lack of underfloor heating (35%) and insufficient storage (33%) top the list of frustrations.

These are all areas where professional input from tradespeople is crucial, from expert plumbing and heating installations to layout redesigns that maximise space and storage.

HH: And finally, when it comes to the ‘trades’ (plumbing, heating, lighting, electrics etc.) what are the common jobs that are being done out there by

professionals in the bathrooms of Ireland?

Our research found the most requested jobs are adding or updating features (46%), retiling (39%), and replumbing (34%).

Plumbing remains the area of greatest investment for homeowners, with 44% saying it’s where they’ve spent the most.

Luxury upgrades are also keeping trades busy, with underfloor heating the number one installation, followed closely by rainfall showers and heated towel rails.

Importantly, 87% of tradespeople say they would tell a client if a bathroom layout or design wasn’t working, which shows just how much homeowners rely on the expertise of professionals to get these projects right.

Over half of Irish homeowners consider their bathroom a style statement Chadwicks reveals Ireland’s current bathroom trends and charts the rise of the ‘boujee bathroom’ More than half (56%) of homeowners view their bathroom as a style statement, and 41% admit to judging the layout, design, and colour schemes of other people’s bathrooms.

That’s according to research from Chadwicks.

The Chadwicks study, which surveyed 750 homeowners and 100 tradespeople, examines the growing popularity of the ‘boujee bathroom’ with homeowners investing in making their bathroom a stylish and luxurious space.

As well as being a space to show off their style creds, the bathroom is somewhat of a silent sanctuary for many, as 40% of people polled admit to retreating to their bathroom for peace and quiet from their partner!

Beautifying budgets

Given the trend for luxe bathrooms, it’s perhaps no surprise that Irish homeowners are willing to invest significantly to achieve their ideal bathroom.

Over 2-in-5 (41%) have invested up to €5,000 in the past five years, while 30% have spent even more.

The most common upgrades include painting (45%), installing new fixtures like toilets, sinks, and showers (40%), and retiling (36%).

Creating a stylish bathroom sanctuary often starts with choosing a theme.

Modern styles (48%) are currently the most popular, followed by minimalist designs (24%). Over a quarter (26%) keep up with trends by updating their décor every three to five years.

For those seeking a ‘boujee’ bathroom makeover, underfloor heating (35%), rainfall showers (27%), and heated towel racks (26%) top the list of most wanted features.

Tradespeople polled also say underfloor heating is the luxury feature they install most often.

Bathroom Bugbears

While many homeowners have high end bathroom design tastes, the research reveals that common frustrations persist.

In other people’s bathrooms, the biggest turn-offs are dirty tiles (47%), toilets that won’t flush (43%), and clutter (28%).

Even in their own homes, design gripes remain, with a lack of underfloor heating (35%) and insufficient storage (33%) topping the list.

Enter The Experts

While Irish homeowners have bold ideas for their bathrooms, they’re turning to the experts for advice and execution.

According to the findings: • The most requested jobs are adding or updating features (46%), retiling (39%), and replumbing (34%) • Plumbing is the area where homeowners invest the most (44%) • 87% of tradespeople say they would tell a client if the layout or design wasn’t working

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 13

HOMEFRONT When Sylvie Scott opened a tiny homewares boutique 32 years ago, she had no idea that Album de Famille would evolve into one of France’s most admired retail experiences and be named one of the best home goods retailers in the world. Story by Michelle Hespe

Heart and history take Album de Famille to new heights Album de Famille was one of five retailers around the world named as a IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Global Honoree for Retail Excellence at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago.

The gia program is sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA).

Breathtaking

Album de Famille has three stores, including a breathtakingly beautiful 19th-century villa once owned by the Dior family that has been meticulously restored and transformed into a global innovator in retailing.

Behind those villa doors is a decadeslong journey of intuition, resilience and business-building rooted in dreams, heart and history.

‘Thirty years ago, I could never have imagined that Album de Famille would become what it is today,’ Sylvie says. ’At the time, there were no décor or furniture boutiques – just traditional furniture and tableware stores.’

‘Today, a blend of financial discipline and artistic soul is what makes Album de Famille work, and I cannot thank her enough.’

Leaving behind her career in finance, Sylvie launched a tiny 25-square-meter shop.

From the beginning, she relied on her intuition to grow the concept of Album de Famille.

‘I never copied anyone else. I studied the market and customer needs, always aiming for originality,’ she says.

‘However, while working in that little

Career

Back then, Sylvie was 18 years old, and at the beginning of a career in finance.

However, when a friend who owned a décor store offered her a summer job, she took the offer and it quite literally changed the trajectory of her life.

‘She saw my instinct for colour and my creativity and helped me to believe in it,’ Sylvie says.

14 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

store, I quickly realized that to truly inspire my customers, I needed larger spaces and theatrical settings.’

Saving the Dior Villa and launching a dream

Not willing to compromise, Sylvie searched for the right place for ten long years.

‘I wanted somewhere with history that was also extraordinary,’ she explains.

‘Somewhere where our staff and I could showcase our expertise and create an unforgettable customer experience.’

In May 2023, Sylvie found a magnificent

HOMEFRONT de Famille operates as an innovative high-end brand for discerning clients, offering a complete home and garden décor experience with four artisan trades as pillars: upholstery, tailoring, colour consulting and interior design.

‘Everyone wears many hats – we're not just retailers,’ Sylvie says.

‘We’re interior designers, artisans.

We’re creators. Our business is a full, living concept with a boutique, interior and exterior projects, artisan services and tailored customer care.

‘And our team is everything.’

The team prides itself on hosting cocktail evenings and private events, creating a close-knit community with 30 to 40 guests at a time, with special experiences such as seafood grilled on barbecues by renowned chefs.

‘Our customers are our best ambassadors,’ Sylvie says.

Brand and spirit, and becoming a gia winner

For Sylvie, being awarded a gia was a deeply personal victory.

‘It was a moment of pride after 32 years of passionate work,’ she says.

‘The greatest reward is setting an example for my children – showing them that hard work pays off.

‘It’s also a huge tribute to the Album de Famille team, and to the amazing customers who’ve become our community.

‘Winning the gia has truly elevated our brand and spirit.’

Magical property in Granville, in the Normandy region of northwestern France.

Built in 1890, Maison du Calvaire was rich in history and potential, and was the former home of Lucien Dior, from the Dior fashion and perfumery empire.

Saved

‘When we found it, the house was on the verge of collapse,’ Sylvie says. ‘Developers wanted to tear it down and build apartments, and instead, we saved what we now call the Dior House.’

It was love at first sight: 440 square meters of incredible woodwork, original floor tiles, soaring 3.5-meter ceilings and a grand staircase.

There were gardens on both sides, and it

was across from the train station, making it an ideal destination.

‘It was made for us!’ Sylvie says.

Opened

A deal was struck, paperwork was done, renovations began and five months later, in April 2024, the new showroom opened.

‘The Dior House is our dream realized,’ Sylvie says.

‘We kept the spirit alive, using Christian Dior’s colour codes for the terraces, walls, paint and awnings.

‘It’s magical. We brought a sleeping beauty back to life.’

Extraordinary

The gia expert jury loved that no detail ever goes unnoticed at Album de Famille, and that the staff bring endless other elements to Sylvie’s dream, turning retail into a magical experience.

They agreed that there is a fairytale-like story behind the store’s unique location and that it feels like a castle.

‘Being an appointment-only destination, it offers clients a complete, immersive experience,’ they said.

For instance, the dedicated team of four at Granville prepare the terraces every morning to welcome clients with coffee and pastries, co-creating personalized spaces indoors and in the gardens.

They draft beautiful project proposals with text and photography, managing logistics, delivery and the styling of homes.

Within this extraordinary space, Album NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 15

HOMEFRONT An honour

Sylvie adds that running a small business for 32 years has also been an honour.

But that it has also meant being good at many things: managing, organizing, creating, selling, leading.

‘I love the challenges of running a business,” she says.

‘Leaving finance behind was the best decision of my life, and finding and saving the Dior Villa was the perfect high note for me.’

Legacy

After working so long on her dream, Sylvie would like to leave a legacy, and she hopes that one day, her grandchildren will be proud of their ‘nona’, and that Album de Famille will still be thriving fifty years from now.

To learn more about Album de Famille, visit lavilla-albumdefamille.fr.

Advice

Listen

‘They also take time to listen – really listen, and keep the showroom alive, inspiring and ever-changing,’ Sylvie explains.

‘They also review daily figures and work on fine-tuning our business strategy.’

This business strategy is based upon three pillars that Sylvie stands by every day and puts Album de Famille in a league of its own: Team Spirit, Integrity and Excellence.

And having started from a tiny store and building up to what her business is today, Sylvie has some sage advice for future entrepreneurs.

‘Before you start, really think about the meaning you want your life to have,’ she says.

‘Build a strong project and know your market. Secure the right financing and surround yourself with experience.

‘Be prepared to make sacrifices, and master yourself and your stress levels.

Anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.’

Connections, and a perfect high note

Personal connection is something that everyone at Album de Famille works hard to achieve.

‘Many of our project clients become friends,’ Sylvie says.

‘First, they trust us with one room, then their whole home and then their gardens.

‘Slowly, they collect candles, teas, tableware and linen from us too.

‘I’ve even been invited to some of our clients’ homes for weekends and dinners, and this is a huge honour.’

Special

Sylvie is sure that these special connections means that the future of retail is human.

‘People crave connection, not just digital transactions,’ she says.

‘That’s why we create magical spaces.

Places that feel like home.

‘Coffee and croissants at sunrise, aperitifs at sunset. It’s about building emotion and memory, not just selling.’

16 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) is the world’s leading awards program honouring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in home goods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors or participating contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection. fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/ gia-Retailing.

For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to preregister for the 2026 Show, taking place in Chicago on 10-12 March 2026, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

HOMEFRONT Top window awards – latest global honorees announced!

The Inspired Home Show® and the International Housewares Association (IHA), the global sponsors and organisers of the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) program announced the Global Honorees for the gia Top Window Awards.

this year.’

The gia Top Window Awards is a special program under the gia umbrella.

As with the general gia Retail Awards, the Top Window competition is structured on a two-tier level – national and global.

Presentation

Publications

The announcement took place during the 2025 Visual Merchandising & Display Trends: Big Themes Driving Innovation presentation by gia expert juror Denise Foley.

The latest Global Honorees are: Small Company Category • Potters Cookshop, United Kingdom Large Company Category • Krawany, Austria

‘For more than 25 years, IHA is very proud to have honoured the very best in home + housewares retailing through the gia Awards.

‘The most recent gia Top Window Awards competition had entries from 15 countries, and it is incredibly encouraging to see the creativity and passion that retailers are placing into their window displays,’ said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO.

Look forward

‘We look forward to hosting the gia Top Window Award Global Honorees at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March, along with more than 30 additional retailers from around the world that were selected as winners in the national gia competitions

Co-sponsoring the country-specific gia Top Window programs with IHA are housewares trade publications worldwide who sponsor national gia programs in their respective countries, nominating the best windows for the global competition.

The global jury, consisting of the four gia Expert Jurors – Denise Foley, Scott Kohno, Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen and Wolfgang Gruschwitz – evaluated home and housewares windows from around the world based on: • • •

Originality and Creativity (theme, concept, special effects) Merchandise Presentation Professionalism: Execution and Technical Aspects (lighting, attention to detail, signage, copy)

Chicago

The two gia Top Window Global Honorees of 2025 will be invited to The Inspired Home Show 2026 in Chicago and honoured at a festive awards dinner on Tuesday, March 10, together with the other gia winners of 2025-2026.

The gia program was created by IHA and The Inspired Home Show to foster

Small Company Category: Potters Cookshop, United Kingdom

innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing throughout the world.

Since the launch of gia in 2000, there have been close to 600 gia retail award winners, from 57 countries on six

Large Company Category: Krawany, Austria continents.

For more information about the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) program, the co-sponsors or participating in 20262027, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@ inspiredconnection.fi.

Additional information on the gia program is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/giaRetailing.

More information

The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held Tuesday – Thursday, March 10-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2026 Show and to register for a free Show entrance badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

The International Housewares Association (IHA) is the 87-year-old voice of the home and housewares industry, dedicated to bringing buyers and sellers together. IHA hosts the world’s premier exposition of products for the home, The Inspired Home Show, in Chicago every March. The not-for-profit, fullservice Association also offers member companies a wide range of services.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 17

HOMEFRONT Home and living survey revealed consumer opportunities and pain points While marketers have leaned heavily into crossgenerational consumer research, there’s still merit in the housewares industry examining distinct generational traits when it comes to daily living and wellness goals, said Tom Mirabile, principal and founder of Springboard Futures.

Collaboration

Mirabile unveiled the results of the Home and Living Survey, a research collaboration between IHA and Springboard.

The survey reveals consumers’ everyday realities, priorities and pain points from a generational perspective, exploring how these factors impact product choices and purchase decisions.

‘The reason we say “perspectives” is because we don’t act on realities; we act on perceptions.

‘So, a lot of the things we buy, the choices we make, the things we want to own, are a result of the generation we’re born to,’ said Mirabile.

Focused

The survey primarily focused on four generations that make up about 20% of the population each: Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers.

It revealed important generational differences, as well as opportunities within these groups when it comes to meal preparation and consumption, health and wellness, and purchase intent.

Key takeaways by generation

Generation Z: While Gen Z encompasses those 13-28-years-old, the survey excluded those under 18.

A total of 75% of this generation rents. They are digital natives who demand authenticity, transparency and responsibility from brands, leaders and influencers, according to Mirabile.

They are highly invested in mental health and well-being, and the generation most interested in emotional wellness (56%).

They’re attuned to climate change and think globally.

Socially responsible

‘If you aren’t socially responsible, they don’t even consider you as a brand,’ said Mirabile.

‘Make recycling easy for them. Make it buyable.

18 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

HOMEFRONT Sustainability is table stakes right now.

‘Produce locally; look at all aspects of production (transportation), not just materials.’

Millennials

This optimistic, collaborative, but restless generation includes those aged 29-44.

They prioritize experiences like travel and personal growth over material growth, said Mirabile.

These digital pioneers ‘mentor the mentors’, leading the way for older generations with tech.

They prefer access over ownership and struggle with economic pressures like student debt.

But surprisingly, even more of their debt can be attributed to the experiences they invest in, like travel, according to Mirabile.

‘Not only do things have to be a great experience for Millennials, but they also have to provide added value,’ he said, citing the need for thoughtfully designed, multifunctional products, especially for urban dwellers.

adopt technology.

Baby Boomers

This competitive and driven generation is also idealistic. These 61–79-year-olds have the most savings and wealth per capita of the four generations.

They’re defined by optimism, ownership and affluence.

‘In their youth, they were very idealistic; now they’re moving towards nostalgia.

‘So, you see that in products now,’ Mirabile said. ‘They really value face-to-face communication, and so wherever you can, bring that in.’

•

Meal prep time consistent every day of the week: Another surprising finding is that respondents spend the same or less amount of time preparing meals during the weekend as they do during the week. ‘We’ve built an audience of people who know how to cook and enjoy it,’ Mirabile said. This puts to rest the myth that people are spending more time on the weekends preparing homemade meals and instead are focusing more of their time and energy on other things, like friends and family.

•

Meal clean-up is the worst part of cooking at home: The top consumer pain point for home cooking is aftermeal clean-up (51%), with the time it takes (47%) being cited as the number one reason it’s so unpopular. Mirabile said there’s opportunity for the industry to create products that help with this dreaded task, and that we are starting to see more brands address this need.

Meal trends

Mirabile also highlighted other important housewares industry trends, including: •

Gen X

This generation, now 45-60 years old is self-reliant.

Nearly 70% own a home. They lost a lot of their personal savings in the 2008 recession and are skeptical but resourceful.

These latchkey kids don’t expect a lot of stability; they’re the generation with the most disposable income and the most debt, which is one reason why they (63%) plan to cook more meals at home.

They embrace alternative lifestyles, are early adopters of technology and were a bridge generation that helped Boomers

•

•

Cooking at home remains popular: The home cooking habit established during the pandemic will continue with most surveyed (58%) hoping to do it even more in the coming year, as people see it as affordable (61%) and healthier (59%) than eating out.

But the generational differences are pronounced, with Millennials and Gen Z (69%) saying they plan to cook more at home than Baby Boomers (35%).

Another group looking to cook more at home: males (65%), especially in cities.

More homemade snacks: One surprising finding was that a sizable group of respondents reported that weekday snacks were either semi-homemade (33%) or mainly homemade (30%). ‘Consumers are taking snacks back because they are

expensive,’ Mirabile said, especially for Gen Z and Millennials. Those generations also desire healthier snacks with less packaging.

People taking food from home on-the-go: While most people prepare food at home to consume at work (49%), many also make food to take and consume on their commute (39%), at school (38%) and at outdoor leisure/sports/events (37%). Mirabile said there’s an opportunity for the industry to create more takeaway food for these occasions.

The International Housewares Association is the voice of the housewares industry. The notfor-profit, full-service association sponsors the world’s premier exposition of products for the home, The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market (TheInspiredHomeShow.com) which celebrates its 126th show in 2026, and offers its member companies a wide range of services.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 19

SMYTHS

Proudly announcing Smyths Homevalue, Enniscorthy as our latest gia store!

The story of Smyth’s Homevalue, Enniscorthy, is one of consistent development and a firm finger on the pulse of changing demands over four decades and more by the Kavanagh family.

Delighted

Now, Smyths, we are delighted to announce, has been selected by Hardware & Homestyle for the gia event in Chicago in 2026.

The store will represent us alongside those from a host of countries around the world.

It all takes place as part of the Inspired Home Show, with a special gala evening during that event in Chicago in the second week of March.

Of course, we’ll be there too – and we will have plenty of information in our next issue which is of course, our Yearbook.

Dermot & Betty Kavanagh, Smyths, Enniscorthy, our gia store for 2026.

Extended

Dermot Kavanagh recalls: ‘My parents, bought the store which was “Peter Smith’s” in 1979. It was a small hardware store, which, over the years, we extended.’

The latter part of this statement – as we will discover – might well be classed as an understatement!

In 1990 Jack and Anna Kavanagh sold the store to Dermot and his wife Betty who now run the operation along with their son Jack.

Betty, who had been employed in a local bank, moved to work alongside Dermot fulltime.

Together, Dermot and Betty would become the welcoming faces of what was already on its way to becoming a hugely popular ‘destination’ store for the local area and beyond.

Development

There followed a period of constant reinvention and development at Smyths; a trend which would continue over the next three decades and more.

We’ll have a lengthier profile of Smyth’s Homevalue – as well as updates on this year’s gia and Inspired Home Show – in our Yearbook issue!

20 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

RETAIL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

National winners of Elavon Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2025 announced Windyridge Garden Centre named as National Retailer of the Year Retail Excellence Ireland, the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, announced the winners of each of the 22 categories at the Elavon Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2025.

Over 500 executives from the retail industry attended the ceremony at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny.

Commended

Dún Laoghaire-based Windyridge Nurseries & Garden Centre won National Retailer of the Year and was commended by the judges as a welcoming retail environment, with helpful staff and a high level of focus on the customer experience.

Whelehans Wines in Dublin won the Independent Store of the Year Award. The judges were impressed by the excellent

knowledge of staff and focus on making the retail process an enjoyable occasion.

Ecommerce continues to serve as an avenue for every retailer to attract new customers and showcase their offerings to the world. The Nude Wine Co from Co. Kildare was named as Small Online Retailer of the Year, Michael Murphy Home Furnishing, Co. Kildare was named Medium Online Retailer of the Year, while McElhinneys Co. Donegal was named as Large Online Retailer of the Year. Kilkenny Design, Co. Cork, won Ecommerce Team of the Year.

CEO

Speaking following the announcement, Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, said:

Staff of Windyridge Garden Centre with their National Retailer of the Year award.

22 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

‘I’m thrilled to celebrate the winners of the Elavon Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2025. Once again, the calibre of entries this year has been outstanding, and our judging panel faced an exceptionally tough task in selecting the final winners.

‘Our awards night remains a highlight of the Irish retail calendar, providing a moment to recognise the creativity, innovation, and resilience that define our industry. As retailers continue to face the rising costs of doing business in Ireland with determination, the energy we’ve seen throughout the sector give us every reason to look ahead to 2026 with optimism.’

Over the moon

Accepting the award, Paul Harvey, co-owner of Windyridge Garden Centre,

RETAIL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

said: ‘We’re absolutely over the moon with this award, but the real credit goes to our fantastic team.

‘They’re the heart of Windyridge.

Every day they show up with positivity, passion, and a genuine love for helping our customers, and it shows.

‘As a family-run business for 63 years, we’ve always believed in constantly improving and finding new ways to make the garden centre even better.

‘Our staff live that every single day.

They’re always learning, always trying new ideas, and always pushing to make the experience special for everyone who walks through the door.

‘This award is really for them. We couldn’t be prouder, and we’re looking forward to

celebrating with our customers over the coming weeks.’

•

Biggest

•

Established by Retail Excellence Ireland in 1997, the Awards is the biggest event in the Irish retail industry calendar and aims to promote best practice and encourage high standards in the Irish retail industry.

• •

Full list of winners

•

•

•

• •

National Retailer of the Year: Windyridge Nurseries & Garden Centre, Co. Dublin Unsung Hero of the Year: Caroline O’Connor, Woulfe Wellness, Co. Dublin Rising Star of the Year: Jonathan Orr –

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Sky Ireland, Co. Dublin Manager of the Year: Ericka Hennessy – Three Ireland, Co. Cork Ecommerce Team of the Year: Kilkenny Design, Co. Cork Small Online Retailer of the Year: The Nude Wine Co, Co. Kildare Medium Online Retailer of the Year: Michael Murphy Home Furnishing, Co. Kildare Large Online Retailer of the Year: McElhinneys, Co. Donegal Responsible Retailer of the Year: Vision Ireland, Co. Dublin Independent Store of the Year: Whelehans Wines, Co. Dublin Lifestyle Store of the Year: Blarney Woollen Mills, Co. Cork Jewellery Store of the Year: Seoidín, Co. Clare Pet Store of the Year: Petstop Rathmines, Co. Dublin Foodstore of the Year: Barnhill, Co. Dublin Café of the Year: Insomnia Howth, Co. Dublin Furniture Store of the Year: EZ Living Interiors Sandyford, Co. Dublin Pharmacy of the Year: Ryan’s Pharmacy Rathangan, Co. Kildare AGRI - DIY Store of the Year: Atkins Bandon, Co. Cork Garden Centre of the Year: Windyridge Nurseries & Garden Centre, Co. Dublin Electronic & Tech Store of the Year: Three Ireland Dundrum, Co. Dublin Supermarket of the Year: Garvey’s Supervalu Listowel, Co. Kerry Retail Supplier of the Year: CBE, Co. Mayo

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 23

COMBILIFT

Combilift’s innovative material handling solutions: maximising space and safety Every material handling operation presents its own unique set of challenges, but one core issue remains constant: the need to store more, move faster, and work safer within limited space.

Traditional forklifts struggle with handling long loads and require wide aisles, leaving large areas underused.

With the right material-handling equipment, businesses can gain up to 50% more storage capacity without expanding their premises.

Innovative

Combilift’s innovative multidirectional forklifts provide the perfect solution for handling long loads in tight spaces.

Their ability to travel sideways allows operators to move bulky, long loads such as pipes or timber safely and easily through narrow aisles and doorways.

This improves safety by reducing collisions, injuries, and product damage, while maximising floor space.

Confidence

These forklifts also offer key safety features that enhance operator confidence. With excellent visibility and a low centre of gravity, they enable smooth, low-tothe-ground movement of loads, further reducing the risk of tipping or accidents.

The C-Series: One Forklift, Three Solutions Designed to operate seamlessly both

additional square footage. indoors and outdoors, the Combilift C-Series becomes ‘three forklifts in one’.

It combines the capabilities of a Complimentary warehouse counterbalance, sideloader, and reach planning truck into a single versatile machine.

But Combilift’s expertise extends beyond This all-in-one solution reduces fleet size, manufacturing forklifts. As CEO and lowers maintenance and energy costs, and Co-Founder Martin McVicar explains: eliminates the need for time-consuming ‘We have always viewed Combilift as double handling, helping businesses more than just design engineers and forklift new COMBi-CB70E electric forklift is the most compact achieve greater operational efficiency. The 7,000kgmanufacturers. counterbalance truck on the market. It is loaded with a host of features greatly operator comfort, including ‘Spacethat is one of theenhance most valuable assets all-round visibility, a spacious gas-strut suspension Aisle Master: Maximising Storage excellent our customers possess, and if our trucks cab, independent electric traction and our newly developed Auto O Density Swivel Seat which intelligently swivels 15 in the direction of can help them improve storage density, travel. everyone benefits.’

Another standout product from Combilift that has revolutionised storage density is Combilift’s team of experienced the Aisle Master articulated forklift. design engineers offers a complimentary warehouse and yard design service, With its ability to operate in creating customised layouts that maximise extremely narrow aisles, this machine storage space based on the capabilities of is able to replace both reach trucks Combilift equipment. and counterbalance trucks, offering unparalleled versatility in both indoor and By reducing aisle widths and optimising outdoor applications. vertical space, companies can achieve up Unlike other traditional Very Narrow Aisle to 50% more capacity, all while improving workflow and safety in the process.

(VNA) trucks, the Aisle Master operates efficiently on less-than-perfect floors, thanks to its large rubber tires and robust Contact us today design.

Let Combilift help you unlock the full With a lift capacity of up to 3,000 kg and potential of your space. an impressive lift height of up to 15 meters, Explore our wide range of forklifts and the Aisle Master can operate in aisle widths material handling solutions designed to as narrow as 1.6 meters, ensuring optimal enhance the efficiency and safety of your pallet density in the warehouse. operations.

This increased density allows companies For more information and to find out to maximise the use of their available how we can assist your business, visit space, boosting storage capacity and www.combilift.com. productivity without the need for

24 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

UNLOCK EVERY INCH OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE!

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ENHANCE THE SAFETY, STORAGE & EFFICIENCY OF YOUR LOGISTICS WITH COMBILIFT Combilift’s range of multidirectional forklifts, pedestrian reach trucks, straddle carriers and container loaders will allow you to maximize the capacity, improve efficiency and enhance the safety of your facility.

Contact Us Today

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combilift.com WLN A5 rev 11.1.indd 1

31/03/2025 16:41:22

CONTACT US Kilmurray, Trim, Co. Meath, C15 X7VW +353 (0)46 9546007 info@cwp.ie www.CWP.ie

CWP LTD Turning Empty Spaces into Retail Spaces

UNITED HARDWARE CELEBRATES

United Hardware celebrates excellence at 2025 ‘United in Excellence Awards’

Ferdia Homevalue, Ardee, Co. Louth named United in Excellence Store of The Year 2025 United Hardware honoured outstanding achievement and innovation at its 6th annual ‘United in Excellence Awards’ ceremony, held at The Galmont Hotel, Galway, following the group’s flagship conference.

Guests

The event brought together over 250 guests from across the United Hardware network, including store owners, managers, partners and sponsors.

The most recent awards showcased the remarkable standards and dedication of United Hardware members nationwide.

A highlight of the evening was the cheque presentation of over €60,000 to Barretstown, United Hardware’s national charity partner, supporting life-changing programmes for children and families affected by serious illness.

Title

The coveted title of United in Excellence Store Of The Year 2025 was awarded to Ferdia Homevalue, Ardee, Co. Louth, recognised for its exceptional

Ferdia Homevalue, Ardee, Co. Louth named United in Excellence Store of The Year 2025

customer service, store presentation and commitment to the local community.

Ferdia Homevalue stood out among more than 200 stores, setting a new benchmark for excellence across the network.

Paul Candon, Group CEO of United Hardware, commented: ‘The United in Excellence Awards are about celebrating the drive, commitment and ingenuity that our members bring to Irish retail.

‘My thanks also go to our sponsors – Unilin Insulation, International Ply, Dulux Paints, ECC Timber, Glennon Brothers, Grant, Westland, Irish Cement, Einhell, Triton, Wavin, Brett Martin and Mannok and all our partners – whose support helps make these achievements possible.’

Congratulate

Winner Of The Guaranteed Irish Advocate Of The Year Award - Cummins Homevalue

‘I want to congratulate all of this year’s winners and nominees, and especially Ferdia Homevalue for their outstanding achievement.

‘Their dedication to raising standards and serving their community is what sets them apart.

‘Every awardee this year has demonstrated what it means to be a leader in our sector, and together, they are shaping the future of hardware retail in Ireland.

26 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

Winner For The Best Regional Store in Munster Flynn’s Homevalue

UNITED HARDWARE CELEBRATES

Winner For The Best Regional Store in Connacht - T.O’ Higgin’s Homevalue

Range

Awards were presented across a wide range of categories, including paint, customer service, light hardware & DIY, merchanting, heating & plumbing, garden centre, marketing, online presence, and regional store of the year.

Each store was assessed against rigorous criteria, including independent mystery shopper audits, to ensure that only the highest standards were recognised.

2025 National Winners Included:

Overall Award Winners: • Best Regional Store Munster – Flynn’s Homevalue • Best Regional Store Leinster – Ferdia Homevalue • Best Regional Store Connacht – T. O’Higgin’s Homevalue • Best Regional Store Ulster – Donegal Town Hardware Homevalue • Best Garden Centre – Bandon Co-Op Homevalue Kilbrogan

• • • • •

Winner For The Best Marketing Initiative - Irish Building Supply Homevalue

Guaranteed Irish Advocate Of The Year – Cummins Homevalue Best Online Presence – Kean’s Homevalue Best Bathroom Showroom – Green Heat & Bathrooms Best Marketing Initiative – Irish Building Supply Homevalue United In Excellence Store Of The Year – Ferdia Homevalue

Other regional award winners on the night, included: Customer Service Excellence: • Munster – Ronayne’s Homevalue • Leinster – Ferdia Homevalue • Connacht – Sweeney’s Homevalue Achill • Ulster – Gould’s Homevalue • Overall Ireland – Ferdia Homevalue Best Paint Store: • Munster – Broderick’s Hardware • Leinster – Smyth’s Homevalue

Winner For The Best Regional Store in Ulster - Donegal Town Hardware Homevalue

• • •

Enniscorthy Connacht – Kean’s Homevalue Ulster – Donegal Town Hardware Overall Ireland – Smyth’s Homevalue Enniscorthy

Best Light Hardware & DIY Store: • Munster – West Cork Building Supplies Homevalue • Leinster – Wallace’s Homevalue • Connacht – Nicolas O’Conchubhair Homevalue • Ulster – Coyles Homevalue Buncranna • Overall Ireland – Wallace’s Homevalue Best Merchanting Store: • Munster – Flynn’s Homevalue • Leinster – Clane Providers Homevalue • Connacht – Cooney’s Homevalue • Ulster – O’Connor’s Hardware • Overall Ireland – Flynn’s Homevalue Best Heating & Plumbing Store: • Munster – Ger Malone Plumbing & Heating • Leinster – Barretts of Maynooth Homevalue • Connacht – T. O’Higgin’s Homevalue • Ulster – Greenline Plumbing Supplies Cavan • Overall Ireland – Ger Malone Plumbing & Heating The United in Excellence Awards highlight United Hardware’s ongoing commitment to supporting independent retailers, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional value to communities across Ireland.

With over 200 stores nationwide, United Hardware continues to champion the highest standards in Irish retail.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 27

THE ROOM OUTSIDE

Time to look at trends for the coming season in garden retail sales. Our columnist Liam Kelly takes a somewhat cautious look ahead at what might be worth bearing in mind to keep those tills ringing in 2026!

En vogue? – some topical gardening trends for 2026

28 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

THE ROOM OUTSIDE

I

’ve never been one to get too tied up in so-called trend predictions where retail is concerned.

That’s mostly because the vagaries of weather from year to year, a previous year’s one-off fashion, or whatever hot topic is fleetingly on social media tends to have a misleading effect on sales of certain lines to the point where it can be quite difficult to get the same reaction and sales the following year.

This is especially true in recent years where topics come thick and fast, and buzz words drift around before quickly disappearing back from where they came – soon just causing ripples rather than waves in retail.

Barometer

Having said all of that trends and fashions are certainly something you need to be aware of in retail of course, and when looked at as a whole they are a good barometer for what will generally be of interest to customers in these coming few months as the year takes shape and sales of garden related products start to rise.

Trends are also a good way of introducing a bit of variety and difference into the garden retail offering for a new season; something to base new purchasing on and a way of exciting staff as well as NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 29

THE ROOM OUTSIDE

customers with new stock, new stories and new merchandising.

So, at the very least fads should be better seen as a useful means of communication perhaps, more so than an absolute list of the things that you have to get behind for any given season.

With all that in mind, and a little caution thrown in, here are a few trends that are already here or predicted to be here for 2026 and a few ideas on how we can capitalise on them in the garden centre or gardening department.

It is not absolute or a given that these will happen but they are certainly food for thought.

better outdoors than in a semi-shaded area.

This concept can be promoted both in the houseplant area, and can be linked to suitable containers – those on wheels, and hanging planters that work both indoors and out.

Ready-to-eat veg

Over the last few years there has been an increased interest in potted veg such as peppers, tomatoes, etc. which are already in fruit.

To many gardeners these might seem uneconomical given their price but there

are many who love the idea of having a chilli pepper or mini aubergine growing on their windowsill or mini-greenhouse.

This is certainly an area that can be pushed and promoted even more, and also includes citrus plants like small lemons, where the customer gets a kick out of picking their own lemons at their house parties.

Fancy pots, plant support, and appropriate feed tie-in well to this promotion too.

Jungle look

Not terribly new but think big, leafy,

Chaotic gardening

This is the concept of random planting and letting nature take its course, where the plan is that there is no real plan at all and a laissez-faire approach to planting the garden is adopted by the consumer.

Stocking scatter-pack seeds, promoting self-seeding varieties of plants like foxgloves, poppies and certain grasses, plus using your marketing to encourage a somewhat lazy way of gardening is the best way to approach this trend, and it certainly suits a social media tie-in and story!

Crammed spaces

With many customers having smaller gardens or perhaps just balconies – especially near urban retailers – the idea of being able to squeeze as many plants as possible into a given area to the point of overkill is an interesting approach to gardening in small spaces.

This would tie in perfectly with tiered containers and vertical wall hangers where the use of wall space as well as balcony railings can be promoted as well as suitable plants that don’t mind getting cozy with their neighbours – it would work very well with most bedding, which are well suited and used to growing in such spaces.

Inside-out plants

Not all houseplants need to stay all-yearround indoors, and many will benefit from a time outdoors during the warmer part of the year.

There is a fine line with many houseplants anyway as to whether they are more suited to indoors or outdoors.

For example, smaller plants such as Spider Plants and Purple leaved Gynura could work well in hanging pots and bring a touch of the exotic outdoors.

Bigger plants too such as Alocasias, Strelitzias and Yucca will probably do

g The New Introducin N TA SCREE IS V R E B TIM COOLRAIN SAWMILLS LTD. Coolrain, Co. Laois, Ireland. R32 AH67 T: +353 57 85 10062 E: gardenliving@coolrainsawmills.ie www.gardenliving.ie www.coolrainsawmills.ie

30 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

THE ROOM OUTSIDE

tropical looking plants for this one.

Tree ferns, bamboos, Fatsia, hardy banana plants plus some of the showier flowering plants like cannas are all part of the concept.

These are all easy enough to source these days and need to be promoted and merchandised together to make the most of sales.

Once again there is a tie-in with containers, and big ceramic and terracotta items are well suited to these plants both in size and in look.

Some of these require plenty of water and feed so there are lots of linked sales that can be marketed with this look.

Patio fruit

As with the ready-to-eat veg, this is another area that has grown in the last few years and ties in with the lack of space many of those who want to garden have to contend with. Again, sourcing these plants is relatively straightforward and a selection of apples, cherries, pears and other fruit is available from growers and plant distributors, as are smaller varieties of soft fruit.

These can be promoted not just in the fruit area but in more prominent displays in the covered sales area and on hotspots, along with – once again – suitable pots, support, feeds and composts.

Selling sanctuary

The idea of a secluded, peaceful place in the garden is of universal appeal.

And with some clever merchandising this concept can be replicated in the retail environment.

Think seating, arbours, statuary, water

these lists.

Even if as a retailer you don’t completely buy into them, pick three that you get behind and follow those trends.

Some of these can be combined too to create something more saleable and story driven, ideal for a marketing strategy.

And it’s not too late to begin, the season is just beginning.

Liam features and screening – both living and structural. Given adequate space this can be a lucrative sell of high-end lines that look well together, where the display is key to selling the idea of a peaceful retreat constructed in a quiet corner of the garden.

Not an easy sell but certainly an important one if executed correctly.

Organic and sustainability

This has been an ongoing trend for quite a number of years but what has driven sales – and will continue to do so – is that more and more suppliers have bought into the concept and are tailoring their marketing as well as their range to suit the consumer.

This makes life much easier for the retailer as all the ingredients for increased sales are already there, you just need the right customer – of which there are plenty and they are increasing - plus the ability to communicate information to the end user.

This one is really a no-brainer and should already be up and running in every retail store, as the sales and global benefits are huge.

Begin

It’s worth pointing out that trends need to begin somewhere so it may be the case that retailers become the trend setters rather than entities that follow them, and that’s probably another good way at looking at

About Liam

Since establishing Retail Services & Solutions in 2007, Liam has become one of the most effective people within the retail side of Irish horticulture.

His knowledge of the mindset and ethos of those in this sector, combined with his problem-solving ability, experience and hands-on work ethic make him uniquely placed to offer advice and help to those who need it.

Key to his success is his knowledge of purchasing, pricing and sales combined with his understanding of layout, signage and merchandising, and how the interaction of these can lead to increased sales and profits.

086 8221494 - retailsands@gmail.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 31

www.sharp.ie Special Pipe Jointing Compound

Never Hardens!

Uni-White is a Premium All Round Plumber’s Sealant Ideal for Water & Low Pressure Steam KOPPER-KUT 15MM 21MM 27MM

Sharp Straw

The Standard in Professional Plumbing Tools

Engineered Products. Trusted Supply

Visit us at the 2026 Hardware Show. Stand F20

Product News A message from Sharp Distributors For over three decades, Sharp Distributors has been a trusted cornerstone of the Irish hardware and plumbing trade.

Reputation

Based in Dublin and proudly serving merchants and professionals across the country, the company has built its reputation on reliability, technical expertise, and a product range that meets the real demands of the hardware and DIY market.

At the heart of Sharp Distributors’ offering is a comprehensive plumbing portfolio.

From the Uni Range of pipe sealants, lubricants and flax, to pipe tools, plumbing tools and accessories, PTFE tapes, torches and gas, the range is designed to support every stage of installation and maintenance.

Whether the job involves domestic plumbing, commercial fit-outs or industrial applications, Sharp ensures that quality, performance and safety are never compromised.

A standout within this portfolio is the Uni Range, a collection of specialist jointing and sealing solutions that has become an essential part of every plumber’s kit.

Uni-White, the flagship product, is an easily applied, non-toxic pipe jointing compound that never hardens or leaks.

Outstanding

When used in combination with Uniflax, it delivers outstanding joint integrity while still permitting future dismantling – an invaluable feature for maintenance and system upgrades.

For gas and multi-service applications, Uni Gas provides a dependable sealing solution for threaded joints used with natural gas, town gas, bottled gas, potable water, hot water, compressed air and cooling systems.

Its versatility and reliability make it a trusted choice for professionals who require absolute confidence in their installations.

For heating systems, temperature fluctuations and vibration are concerns, Uni-Red offers a shellac-based jointing compound capable of retaining tight seals

under demanding conditions of up to 30 bar.

Ideal for diesel, petrol, fuel oil, steam and a wide range of industrial uses, it demonstrates Sharp Distributors’ commitment to providing purpose-built solutions for specialist environments.

Completing the sealing and assembly range is Uni Pipe Slip, a special anti-friction lubricant used for mounting PVC fittings and joints.

Trouble-free

Designed to perform in wet or damp conditions, it makes assembly smooth and trouble-free while maintaining flexibility over time. Importantly, it also facilitates later disassembly or adjustment and protects rubber gaskets from drying out, extending the life of the installation, with lasting lubrication.

Beyond plumbing consumables, Sharp Distributors also offers the extensive Harden range of tools.

From hand tools and cutting tools to garden equipment, measuring instruments and safety gear, Harden provides everything a hardware store needs to stock its shelves with confidence, backed by guaranteed quality and strong product support.

Sharp Distributors continues to invest in relationships with merchants and tradespeople alike, understanding that service, product knowledge and availability

are just as important as the products themselves.

Display

This commitment will be on full display at the 2026 Hardware Show, taking place at the RDS Simmonscourt on the 15th and 16th of February.

Visitors are invited to stand F20 to meet the team, explore the full range, and speak directly with sales representatives Michael O’Leary and Caroline Kilgallon.

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Caroline as our new sales executive for the Connacht Region.

With a proud history, a forward-looking approach and a product range trusted across Ireland, Sharp Distributors remains a key partner to the hardware and plumbing trade – today and for decades to come.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 33

See GenetiQ in action, at the upcoming Hardware Show!

Know your stock. Know the price.

Make the sale.

Product News Eurosonic Group Ltd partners with Dominic Fleming Electrical Ltd Daewoo Montage.pdf

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14/01/2026

13:06

Eurosonic Group Ltd, provider of branded, and licensed electrical products and homewares, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Dominic Fleming Electrical Ltd., a leading distributor within the Irish market.

Significant

This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding Eurosonic’s reach and delivering enhanced value to customers in Ireland.

‘We are excited to partner with Dominic Fleming Electrical Ltd, whose strong market presence and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our vision,’ said Jim Clawley Managing Director.

‘This partnership will enable us to better serve our customers and accelerate growth throughout Ireland.’

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Dominic Fleming Electrical Ltd., known for their excellent customer service, and product innovation, will distribute Daewoo and Prochef brands throughout Ireland.

This collaboration ensures improved availability, faster delivery, reduced MOQ’s and local support for customers.

‘We are proud to collaborate with Eurosonic Group Ltd, a brand recognised for brand strength, innovation and quality,’ said Cathal Fleming, Director.

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Exceptional

‘Together, we aim to provide exceptional solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.’

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and customer-centricity and sets the stage for future growth and joint initiatives.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 35

Product News At this year’s Hardware Show Builders’ merchants are seeing the impact too

Hybrids take up less shelf space, are easier for counter staff to recommend, and offer excellent value.

According to GfK data, hybrid adhesives and sealants are now one of the fastestgrowing segments in the builders’ merchant market, having doubled in size since 2019.

And that growth shows no sign of slowing down.

So what makes hybrids such a hit?

At this year’s Hardware Show, OB1® will be showcasing its growing range of highperformance hybrid solutions, led by OB1® Multi-Surface Construction Sealant & Adhesive, alongside OB1® Diamond Crystal Clear and OB1® Grip & Grab.

OB1 Multi-Surface is designed to replace multiple products in the van, allowing tradespeople to bond, seal, fill and repair using one high-performance hybrid.

Best features

By combining the best features of silicones, acrylics, polyurethanes and epoxies, it delivers exceptional grab, long-term flexibility, chemical resistance and durability in real site conditions.

It bonds to almost anything, including lead, PVC, timber, glass, mirrors, fibreglass and even wet or underwater surfaces.

OB1 Diamond Crystal Clear is ideal for applications where a clean, invisible finish is essential.

With high UV resistance and no shrinkage, it’s perfectly suited to kitchens, bathrooms, mirrors, glass and detailed finishing work where aesthetics matter just as much as performance.

Fast fixing

Completing the range is OB1 Grip & Grab, the instant-grab adhesive designed for fast fixing without screws or nails.

With high initial tack, it allows trades to secure heavy items such as panels, skirting boards, frames and fixtures quickly and cleanly, speeding up installations and saving valuable time on site.

Across the OB1 range, products are UV, fungal and bacteria resistant, paintable, food-safe and capable of performing in extreme temperatures from -40°C to +120°C.

Thoughts on the market

It’s no surprise the trade is all in. Over the last five years, hybrids have gone from niche to essential.

Across Ireland, tradespeople are using them to seal windows, bond floors, fix roof details, install skirting boards, hang mirrors, secure trims and tackle countless day-today problems – all with one product.

Fewer products in the van, less guesswork on site, and more confidence in the finished job.

36 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

In simple terms, they’re built for realworld conditions. They hold strong in demanding environments, stay flexible where movement is expected, resist weather and UV exposure, and save serious time by covering multiple jobs with a single solution.

They’re also clean and easy to use, reducing waste and mess – something every professional can appreciate.

They work

Bottom line: they work, and that’s exactly why demand keeps climbing.

Tradespeople want solutions that work across multiple applications, perform in tough environments and save time on site.

Merchants want products that are easy to recommend, take up less shelf space and deliver strong value.

Ticking the boxes

Hybrid adhesives tick all those boxes and demand continues to rise.

With established names already well known on site, OB1 stands out as a brand combining versatility, performance and value, making it one to watch as the category continues to grow.

Find out more and see OB1 in action at The Hardware Show, or visit www.ob1original.com Stand Details: C18

THE ORIGINAL

MULTI-SURFACE CONSTRUCTION SEALANT & ADHESIVE BONDS ALL METALS EVEN LEAD PLUS OB1® WORKS IN WATER

PLASTICS INCLUDING PVC & GRP

AND MORE INCLUDING GLASS • MIRROR • POLYSTYRENE FIBREGLASS • WOOD AND IS ACCREDITED BY

HAS VERY LOW VOCS

Available in all good builders merchants

ob1original.com Bostik Industries Limited, Newtown, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland T +353 1 862 4900 | www.bostik.com/ireland

Product News Hybrid adhesives & sealants: Why the trade can’t get enough…

Let’s face it – no one’s got time to mess around with three different tubes when one will do the job.

That’s where hybrid adhesives & sealants come in.

They’re the game-changer that’s been taking over building sites across Ireland and the UK.

What’s the story with these hybrids?

They aren’t your average adhesives or sealants. Hybrids mix the best bits of silicones, acrylics, PUs, and epoxies – giving you serious bonding power, flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance all in one!

You can use them to stick, seal, fill, repair and get the job done – no swapping products, no messing about.

Why the trade is all in…

In the last 5 years, hybrids have exploded onto the scene.

Across Ireland, tradespeople are sealing windows, bonding floors, fixing roofs and much much more – all with one product.

Hybrids are • • • • •

Tough as nails – hold strong in any conditions Flexible – ideal for movement joints Weatherproof and UV-resistant Time-saving – one tube, multiple jobs Clean and easy to use – less waste, less hassle

• Bottom line: they work, and that’s why the demand’s gone through the roof.

Boom in builders’ merchants

Merchants love them too. Less shelf clutter,

easier to recommend and great value.

According to GFK, hybrids are the fastest growing segment in adhesives and sealants in the Builders Merchant market – doubling in size since 2019.

And it’s not slowing down.

Why? Because tradespeople demand stuff that works, and hybrids deliver every time.

And the new name to know: OB1®

Now there’s a new player in town – OB1® Multi-Surface Construction Sealant & Adhesive.

The fastest-growing hybrid in the UK, now hitting the Irish market hard.

What makes it different?

•

Sticks to just about anything – even underwater • Works on lead, PVC, glass, mirrors, fibreglass, timber – you name it • No smell, no shrink, no cracking • Paintable and food-safe • UV, fungal and bacteria resistant • Withstands temps from -40°C to +120°C OB1 offers the ultimate bonding and sealing experience.

Best of all - you will find that OB1 is up to 25% better priced than other big brands!

38 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

And let’s be honest – with the price of construction materials through the roof, finding a product that performs and costs up to 25% less is a serious win.

Every saving counts, whether you’re quoting for a big job or trying to stay profitable on smaller projects.

OB1 lets you cut your costs without cutting corners – and in today’s market, that’s gold.

You’ll find OB1 in most good builder and DIY merchants.

What the trade is saying about OB1: ‘Always got one in the van – solid stuff.’

— Bathroom Fitter ‘Absolutely remarkable bonding strength.’

— Maintenance Engineer ‘No leaks. No failures. Top class.’

— Plumber

Here to stay

Hybrids are here to stay Hybrids are only going one way – UP. Builders Merchants are loving them, and tradespeople are saving time and money every day.

If you’re not stocking or using hybrids yet – it’s time to get on board.

Find out more at www.ob1original.com

Product News Rustins has earned its strong reputation Rustins has earned a strong reputation among DIY enthusiasts, professional decorators, and woodworking specialists for producing high-quality paints, varnishes, stains, and wood-care solutions.

Commitment

With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, the company offers products that are both easy to use and highly reliable.

The advantages of using Rustins paints and wood-care products extend across performance, sustainability, versatility, and long-term value, making them a preferred choice for many projects around the home and workshop.

One of the key benefits of Rustins products is their consistent, dependable performance.

Whether you are refreshing outdoor decking, restoring antique furniture, or applying a durable paint finish to interior surfaces, Rustins formulations are known for their excellent coverage and smooth application.

Quality

Many of their finishes are designed to dry quickly without compromising on quality.

This fast-drying technology saves time, reduces disruption in busy work environments, and makes it easier for DIY users to complete projects efficiently.

Despite the rapid drying, the finishes remain tough, resilient, and smooth, giving surfaces a professional appearance.

Durability is another major advantage.

Rustins wood treatments, varnishes, and exterior coatings are formulated to protect surfaces from moisture, UV rays, and general wear and tear.

For example, their outdoor wood-care products often incorporate weatherresistant and water-repellent properties, allowing timber to withstand harsh climates.

This makes Rustins a trusted brand for garden furniture, sheds, fences, and decking.

Rustins also excels in product versatility.

The company offers solutions for almost every type of wood and application method, including oils, waxes, varnishes, stains, dyes, and specialist finishes.

From Danish oil that enhances natural grain patterns to quick-drying varnishes suitable for doors and skirting boards, Rustins caters to both traditional and modern tastes.

Their wide colour ranges and finish options – such as gloss, satin, and matt— allow users to achieve precisely the aesthetic they envision.

Rustins products are suitable for hardwoods, softwoods, composite materials, and even previously painted surfaces, making them adaptable to varied restoration and decorating needs.

Advantage

Another notable advantage is the brand’s commitment to user-friendly formulations.

Many of Rustins products are low-odour, water-based, and easy to clean up with soap and water.

This makes them ideal for indoor use, especially in homes with children or pets, and reduces the need for harsh solvents.

Water-based options also tend to produce fewer fumes and dry to a clear, non-yellowing finish, preserving the natural look of wood.

Even their solvent-based products

are designed with ease of application in mind, ensuring smooth brushing, minimal streaking, and excellent adhesion.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility play an increasingly important role in purchasing decisions, and Rustins is recognised for its efforts in producing eco-friendly products.

Many items in their range comply with modern environmental regulations, offering lower VOC formulations without sacrificing performance.

This allows users to complete projects with confidence that they are making a more environmentally conscious choice.

Value for money

Finally, Rustins products provide excellent value for money.

Their durability means treated surfaces last longer, requiring fewer recoats over time. The ease of application reduces labour, and the wide variety of available sizes – from small tins for touch-ups to larger containers for major projects – helps users buy exactly what they need.

Whether for homeowners tackling a single project or professionals managing multiple jobs, Rustins offers reliable performance at a competitive price point.

In summary, the advantages of using Rustins paints and wood-care products include superior performance, long-lasting durability, broad versatility, user-friendly formulations, environmental responsibility, and strong overall value.

Trusted

These qualities have made Rustins a trusted name in decorating and woodcare for generations and continue to position the brand as an excellent choice for both DIY and professional applications.

Long-lasting

Indoors, their varnishes and oils create long-lasting protection against scratches, spills, and heat, helping furniture and floors maintain their beauty even in high-traffic environments.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026 • HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE 39

Final Say

Expert opinion by Jeff Haden: If you want to be a better boss, science says stop serving feedback sandwiches Especially if your goal in giving feedback is to actually help employees improve their performance.

I was taught to use a so-called ‘feedback sandwich’ to give constructive feedback: lead with a positive, share the negative, finish with a positive.

The idea was…well, I don’t know what the idea was. I guess to soften the ‘room for improvement’ blow?

All I know is that the feedback sandwich rarely worked.

Especially on me.

Appreciate

Take the time a boss told me, ‘I really appreciate how you always come prepared to the supervisor meetings.

‘But you sometimes run over people with all your facts, and figures, and productivity results.

‘Even so, you’re a valuable member of the team.’

The meat of the sandwich, the, ‘you sometimes run over people with your facts and figures,’ was admittedly true.

But the bread, the two positives, didn’t soften the blow. In fact, the bread made me feel manipulated. And kind of pissed me off.

Feedback

That’s because a sandwich in effect says, ‘I need to give you negative feedback…but first I’ll say something nice so you won’t think I hate you.

‘And then I’ll say something nice so you won’t be mad at me when you leave.’

That’s the problem with the feedback sandwich. The recipients feel manipulated.

And even if, at first they don’t, give it time: since our positive qualities tend to stay consistent, the same bread eventually starts to taste stale.

Likelihood

And as for the likelihood of positive change?

According to research published in Learning and Motivation, the feedback sandwich almost always fails to correct negative or subpar behaviours if only because – as in my case – I focused more on how the feedback was delivered, than on the quality and accuracy of the feedback itself.

The better approach is what the authors of a study published in Management Review

Quarterly call benevolent honesty.

As the researchers write: We propose that a better approach is benevolent honesty, in which communicators focus on delivering negative information truthfully and directly, but also employ additional strategies to ensure that their words actually lead to long-term improvement.

Capable

For example, a professor might emphasize that a student is capable of achieving high standards when giving critical feedback.

Though this strategy might seem intuitive, communicators often fail to make their benevolent intentions clear – they seem to forget (at least in the moment) that (others) do not have access to that same information.

Their findings dovetail nicely with a Journal of Experimental Psychology study that shows including one sentence can make feedback up to 40 percent more effective: ‘I’m giving you these comments because I have very high expectations and I know that you can reach them.’

Signals

According to Culture Code author Daniel Coyle, that phrase contains three distinct signals: 1. You are part of this group.

2. This group is special; we have higher standards here.

3. I believe you can reach those standards.

Instead of a feedback sandwich, the result is more like a relationship sandwich.

No manipulation.

No platitudes.

Not irrelevant compliments.

No false hope.

Just clear, direct feedback, delivered

40 HARDWARE & HOMESTYLE • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER / JANUARY 2026

inside a message of connection, belonging, and trust

Difference

That’s the real difference between a feedback sandwich and benevolent honesty.

The feedback sandwich theoretically helps the feedback giver reduce the likelihood of conflict during a tough conversation. (‘If I throw in a few compliments, maybe he won’t get mad.’)

But how a difficult conversation might feel to the person giving feedback doesn’t matter.

The only thing that matters is whether the feedback helps the recipient improve his or her performance.

And that’s something a feedback sandwich is terrible at producing.

Difficult

The next time you need to have a difficult conversation with an employee, or with anyone, forget the feedback sandwich.

Forget leading and closing with a compliment.

Instead, just be direct and truthful, while showing that you care about that person’s performance or well-being because you care about them: that you want things to be better for them as a result of the conversation.

Not just to be easier for you.

THE CEMENT YOU TRUST

Same great cement now available in both the reliable paper bag and new plastic bag. www.irishcement.ie