DIY Mandela Day
Photo Credit: Bidvine from Pexels

DIY gives us a way to make something our own, and it is a great accomplishment when we complete a project; now, there is a new store in the North of Johannesburg catering to every DIY need.

 

This article was written in partnership with Leroy Merlin

Fourways, South Africa (25 March 2021) – If you have always had a love for DIY projects or you developed a love during the lockdown, you will agree that walking into a store dedicated to DIY projects is like being a kid in a candy store.

The pandemic inspired so many people to take up projects in their homes, from redecorating rooms and revamping the garden to repurposing rooms into offices, schools and gyms. We were told to stay home, and so we made our homes useful to our needs.

The need for DIY related shopping was at an all-time high, so it was no surprise when we learned that a new store was opening for residents of Northern Johannesburg and its surrounds. Leroy Merlin’s newest store will be hosting its grand opening in Fourways on the 26th of March, to the sheer delight of DIYers everywhere!

Leroy Merlin Fourways, the 4th of its kind in Johannesburg and boasts a new layout and extended range of products aimed at the enthusiastic South African DIY market. Leroy Merlin specialises in the widest selection of construction, hardware, kitchen, bathroom, home decor and garden products, 65% of which are locally sourced.

“While necessity may be driving many home-based DIY projects such as revamping spaces to accommodate home offices, kids studying remotely, socially distanced backyards, or personal gyms/studios etc, DIY can also be a healthy way to cope with alleviating some of the stresses of the pandemic,” says Cédric Sennepin, CEO of LEROY MERLIN South Africa.

With the opening of the store comes some other good news. As part of the integration into the community, Leroy Merlin will become home to several small businesses run by local entrepreneurs.

One such entrepreneur is the owner of Zviribho Repair Centre. The small business focuses on tool repairs and will now have a permanent location at the Fourways branch. This opportunity will make a massive impact on the local economy.

Through the stores and the partnerships with smaller businesses, 1000 jobs have been created in the last three years, at all four stores and the headquarters; that’s great news indeed!

“People are at the heart of the Company: customers, potential customers and, of course, our teams throughout the organisation. As we committed when we launched in SA, we are here to grow the market, to create employment, to build opportunities and I am happy to say that we have done so, with partnerships with local small businesses and the employment of 1000 staff,” says Sennepin.

“In addition to our permanent staff complement, LEROY MERLIN currently employs over 44 students across 4 stores and headquarters with the aim of creating future opportunities for those who would otherwise potentially be unemployed when they complete their studies.”

Giving Back to the Community.

While employment opportunities are fantastic, Leroy Merlin is also getting involved in the surrounding community. They are just days away from an incredible upliftment project at the Green Door. Green Door is based in Diepsloot and is an emergency shelter for abused women.

It was founded by Brown Lekekela, who first started as a volunteer trauma counsellor at police stations near him and worked his way up to opening his own shelter.

Brown saw that many violent crimes were not being reported because the police stations were too far from where the survivors lived. He decided to become proactive to become the first friendly face individuals see following an attack, offering comfort and assistance wherever he can.

Leroy Merlin will work to spruce up the shelter. Stay tuned for that inspiring story!

What to Look Forward to.

There will be several services available to the customer base, including tool hire, key cutting, contractor vetting services and a florist. Customers will also be able to have tea or coffee while they shop, thanks to an in-store Mugg & Bean on the Go.

DIY workshops and thrifting second-hand goods are also on the cards when the new store opens. These options allow for upskilling DIY skills and cater to the needs of those who wish to shop second-hand, whether for a price point or environmental purpose.

“We are all about inspirational display areas that are a combination of classic chic, timeless elegance and on-trend design. We also hold workshops to educate and empower our customers in the exciting field of DIY, creating a community of like-minded individuals with LEROY MERLIN at the heart,” comments Claudia Krishna, Brand and Customer Experience Leader.

“The store will also host a second-hand market called “Thrift Your Home Market” where customers can add to their home decor, lighting, gardening, and tools collections by purchasing pre-loved items from other Leroy Merlin customers,” adds Claudia. LEROY MERLIN does not charge any commission on the sale of goods from the “Thrift Your Home Market”.

Leroy Merlin is inviting the public to attend the Fourways store opening on Friday 26 March 2021 from 09h00 for the ribbon cutting, to enjoy opening specials, and to win great prizes. You can find out more about the new store via their website here.

Take a listen to Brent Lindeque’s interview with Cedric Sennepin – CEO of Leroy Merlin South Africa, on the Good Things Guy Jacpod below.


Sources: Leroy Merlin – Supplied
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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