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Ireland's Woodie's is expanding and going digital just as sister businesses in Great Britain continue to struggle, a signal of where garden, DIY and housewares suppliers may find the most receptive buying teams.
Grafton Group plc, owner of Irish DIY and garden retailer Woodie's as well as UK merchants Selco and Leyland SDM, reported group revenue up 6.7% to £1,335.9m in its half year results to 30 June 2026, published this week. But the headline figure masks a widening gap between its Irish and UK operations that BHETA members selling into either business should note when planning range reviews and stock commitments for the rest of the year.
Ireland's growth and a rare new store opening
In its trading update, Grafton said Woodie's delivered "modest growth" in the first half against tough prior-year comparatives that had benefited from favourable spring weather and elevated garden and outdoor living demand in 2025. More notably for suppliers, Woodie's opened a new store in Ennis, Co. Clare in June — the retailer's first new store opening in 17 years — and the group said online sales at Woodie's grew 22.3% in the half, supported by the introduction of a new dropship channel and the launch of next-day delivery in June. The wider Island of Ireland segment, which also includes trade merchant Chadwicks, grew revenue 10.3% with like-for-like sales up 3.4%.
Great Britain is still contracting
The picture is markedly different in Great Britain, where Grafton's portfolio includes Selco Builders Warehouse and decorating specialist Leyland SDM. The retailer said "construction markets remain very challenging, with subdued housebuilding and RMI activity," and like-for-like revenue fell 5.1% "with declines across all businesses." Adjusted operating profit in the segment dropped 29.3% to £17.5m. Grafton said it had passed through supplier price increases and higher fuel costs to help protect margin, alongside "disciplined margin management" and tight overhead control. Looking to the second half, the group said UK market conditions are expected to remain broadly unchanged from H1, with the Autumn Budget seen as "key to shaping consumer confidence."
What to watch
For BHETA members, the immediate opportunity sits with Woodie's: a new store opening and an expanding dropship/next-day delivery capability both point to a retailer actively investing in range and fulfilment, which can open doors for new product pitches in garden, DIY and housewares categories. In contrast, suppliers into Selco or Leyland SDM should expect continued caution on volume commitments in the UK at least through the Autumn Budget, when Grafton expects more clarity on consumer confidence.
Want to learn more, read up on the latest reports from Grafton Group below.
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