A new chapter in DIY retailing is set to unfold next week as Bunnings prepares to unveil its largest store in Australia, a remarkable five-storey location in Frenchs Forest. This monumental development not only makes it the tallest Bunnings Warehouse in the country, boasting three levels of retail space and a two-level car park, but it also signifies a bold move in the hardware industry.
Store manager Paul Burgess highlighted the scale of the new store, stating, “It’s 101 aisles; it’s taken me a little time to learn where everything is.” The anticipation surrounding the Frenchs Forest location reflects its unique offerings, including an in-store tile shop and an expanded trade floor, which aim to cater to a diverse range of customers, from novice DIY enthusiasts to seasoned professionals.
Bunnings has also taken local community concerns into account during the planning and construction phases. Upgrades such as traffic lights and reduced signage size have been implemented to enhance safety and accessibility in the area. However, the expansion has raised concerns among retail experts about Bunnings’ growing dominance in the market.
According to Lisa Asher, a retail academic researcher at the University of Sydney, the company is pushing the boundaries of DIY hardware and trade. “They have reached the upper limits of DIY hardware and trade. They’re now going for other categories, which is a bad thing for small local businesses because it will absorb that into its big box,” she cautioned. This sentiment reflects wider fears that large-format retailers could stifle competition and innovation within the sector.
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The new store is set to employ an additional 120 team members, enhancing job opportunities in the local community. Burgess shared the diverse age range of employees, from 15-year-olds embarking on their first jobs to an 82-year-old contributing to the hardware department.
As excitement builds for the grand opening scheduled for Monday, Burgess noted, “the barbecues are ready,” hinting at the traditional Bunnings community barbecue that often accompanies new store launches. The Frenchs Forest location promises to be a game-changer in the landscape of DIY retailing, with implications that extend beyond shopping convenience, potentially reshaping local competitive dynamics.
