The Sandyford branch is the latest Brooks Timber and Building Supplies store to undergo a complete heating and plumbing refurb.
“We completely overhauled the store interior in just six weeks; including a top class sanitaryware showroom to complement our new doors, floors and landscaping showrooms,” said Branch Manager Carmel Walker.
“Our plan for our sanitary showrooms was to offer a diversity of bathroom styles to cater to all preferences. The Sonas design team working with our own Shop Supervisory team combined to make the whole process quite seamless and we are delighted with the final result. It’s now an extremely attractive area, displaying new bathroom trends and contemporary styling, which is exactly where this market is right now.”
The refurb has been a great success for the store. “Our main customer base is the local construction sector,” said Carmel, “and the feedback we have had from our trade customers has been phenomenal. They recognise that we have created a showroom environment that is far more appealing to the retail market. In other words, they feel far more confident about bringing their clients to view the displays and make their choices for sanitaryware and plumbing etc.”
Carmel, one of the industry’s few female branch managers, has led the team at Sandyford for the past decade – joining Brooks 20 years ago, and along with Ian Greenalgh and John McKenna look forward to welcoming trade and retail customers to enjoy their new showrooms.
The refurbishment of the Sandyford branch is part of Brooks’ major, network-wide investment program to expand their heating, plumbing and renewables division. Already an institution in the Irish construction industry, Brooks has grown its operation by developing its product offering in response to its customers’ needs. And in more recent years they have identified a customer need within the heating and plumbing sector that they are already fulfilling.
With EU regulations requiring Ireland’s new builds and major renovations to comply with Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) rules, the demand for more energy efficient heating and plumbing solutions is on the rise. Brooks recognises this as a niche in the market that they can bolt on to their current business and develop further.
All seven Brooks branches, Bluebell, Sandyford and Glasnevin in the East, Sligo and Galway in the West, Cork in the South and their midlands branch in Tullamore have existing heating and plumbing divisions and it’s the company’s aim to become a leading distributor of heating, plumbing and renewable energy products to the construction industry over the coming years.
Commenting on the investment program, Tiernan McKeogh, National Sales Manager – Heating, Plumbing and Renewables said, “Along with Brooks’ new sanitaryware and bathrooms showrooms, Brooks investment program to grow and further develop their heating and plumbing offering also includes energy efficient oil and gas boilers and a range of renewable energy solutions.”
Business at the Sandyford branch has been brisk during the past year, despite the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 lockdowns. The pace has increased significantly with the lifting of restrictions and as word gets out about the improved showroom experience this upward trend looks set to continue.
Praising the efforts of branch staff members during the refurb period, Carmel extended her thanks to their customers’ support and patience.
Brooks Sandyford
T: 00 353 (0)1 294 0200
www.brooksonline.ie
