Leroy Merlin Takes On The Local DIY Scene

With experience in emerging markets such as Brazil, China and Russia, the French based conglomerate is in a keen position to give their South African competitors a run for their money.

The Dawn Of Leroy Merlin

Skip two years forward and Leroy Merlin has opened its first store in Edenvale. Taking up 17 000m2 spread across two stories, this DIY store is kitted out with a drive-through building material lane for contractors and builders, a plant hire section filled to the brim with the latest and greatest machinery needed to make any developer's dreams come true. The store is premised on six pillars: construction, hardware, kitchen, bathroom, home décor and garde. Leroy Merlin's floor plan dedicates massive section to different departments, making it easier for first time visitors to navigate the store and find what they are looking for without having to run down isles. Sections such as lighting, plumbing, and paint all have their own designated spaces ran by staff trained to assist and give input into whichever projects customers are working on. For both kitchens and cupboards, Leroy Merlin stocks flat-pack modular units that customers can assemble themselves - no tools required. That means customers can walk in, pick and choose their own configuration and do the installation without the help of a contractor. A must see is the wall of colourful toilet seats that has put Leroy Merlin on the Instagram map. Also, swing by the light studio and experience a wide variety of lighting solutions that will fit your budget and the space you plan on lighting.

Leroy Merlin Re-Invents Customer Service

The team of 130 people in the store will each have expertise in some area of hardware – and a smart device. That comes with an app, through which any member of staff can pull up a price and description, and helpful information, about any item of stock.

Leroy Merlin can be found at Stoneridge Centre, Corner Blackrock Street and, Stoneridge Dr, Edenvale, Johannesburg, 1610