French home improvement retailer LEROY MERLIN has opened its first store on the African continent.

Forming part of ADEO, LEROY MERLIN is the third largest home improvement retailer worldwide with a presence in 14 countries – France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Cyprus, China, and now South Africa.

Situated at Stoneridge Centre, Greenstone Hill in Edenvale, Gauteng, the first African LEROY MERLIN store boasts a total surface area of 17,000m² in which to offer the South African DIY retail market the widest selection of construction, home improvement, home decor products and tools, coupled with more than 50,000 references in large quantities and ample stock availability.

Customers can shop from various departments ranging from construction, bathroom, kitchen, home decor, garden, hardware, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, tools, fix&fasten, storage and lighting. Products range from locally produced brands and products, to internationally sourced items, 40% of which are imported from Europe. The store also offers a drive thru service.

Besides its unique offering, customers will experience a modern store with showrooms to inspire and infographics to better understand how to choose and install products. LEROY MERLIN also offers services like free wood cutting. The store has also built great partnerships with Kandua that recommends qualified contractors for various projects, as well as Coastal Hire for all tool hiring requirements.

LEROY MERLIN has been active in the community and as of 15 months ago, created a Workshop Fan Group of enthusiastic DIYers that gather together a few times a week to create and share their passion with one another. Due to the incredible success of these workshops and requests from fans, LEROY MERLIN will be hosting workshops daily.

“LEROY MERLIN really believes in the potential of the country and other stores are already in preparation,” says Cédric Sennepin, LEROY MERLIN South Africa country leader.

He continues, “I really think that our new concept we call ‘phygital’ – the best of physical and the best of digital – will offer a unique experience that South African customers deserve and when I see the energy and the pleasure our team members show towards their work, I am very confident that we will succeed.”

Images: Candace Sofianos King