Taking place every two years, The Hardware Show 2017 is sold out with over 150 suppliers and manufacturers set to generate sales of over €20m among the 2,000+ builders merchants and DIY store owners registered to attend. 

The show focuses on four key product areas; HOME – GARDEN – BUILD – DIY, mirroring the commercial layout and content of successful merchant stores. 

Speaking at the Show launch, Annemarie Harte, CEO of Hardware Association Ireland says that record interest this year indicates that the economic tide is finally turning for the sector; “We are moving to the RDS this year to accommodate a surge in demand since our last show in 2015 taking in excess of 3,700sqm of space which is our biggest yet. While the mood among DIY retailers and builders merchants remains cautious, there’s a definite air of confidence and renewed positivity this year that is reflected in the types of suppliers and manufacturers exhibiting and the innovative products being showcased. 

“Registrations are way up, and we’re thrilled by the new exhibitors this year – there’s a wealth of new talent and game-changing innovation being introduced to retailers for the first time this year and we’re confident that sales will be up on previous years. We’re excited to open the doors on the 5^th March and we promise excitement and education in equal measure to visitors. There are still tickets available so we encourage everyone in the industry to come along” Harte added. 

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

A key focus this year is education and up-skilling, with a range of practical demonstrations, workshops and presentations aimed at inspiring and educating the Irish hardware and building materials industry.

Highlights include:

–      Google Digital Garage

–      Demonstration Zone

–      Tech Clinic

–      Skills Zone

INNOVATION AWARDS

A key and defining objective of The Hardware Show is to showcase new product innovation to retailers. This year a shortlist of new innovations will be judged by a Dragon’s Den-style panel of industry experts and buyers, led by one of the original stars of Dragons’ Den Bobby Kerr. Kerr will be joined by fellow judges, Peter O’Donovan, (Purchasing Manager – Retail, Glanbia), Denis Cronin, (Head Retail Buyer, Dairygold) Paddy Kingham (Managing Director, Daly Bros N/E Ltd.), and Gary Craven, Regional Manager (ROI), Murdock Builders Merchants. 

Awards are given for Commended, Highly Commended and Winner in each category of Home, Garden, Build and DIY. An overall Winner is also chosen from the winners of the categories. These awards will assist retailers and merchants in sourcing new and innovative products and services for their stores.

Commenting on the Awards, Bobby Kerr said; “I’m thrilled and excited to Chair this year’s Innovation Awards. The trade industry plays a pivotal role in supporting the economy and it’s fantastic to see so many innovators working to help improve and strengthen their industries and I look forward to seeing what they have to offer”.

Limited tickets for The Hardware Show 2017 are still available, to register please visit www.thehardwareshow.ie for more information.