TOOLS
“It seemed the answer lay in front of me: why not become the supplier?”
Fixing Departments offers the Klarna online shopping assistant, another benefit for self-builders and people with larger DIY projects to purchase power tools and other items and pay 30 days later or in instalments. FRIENDLY PERSONAL SERVICE According to Spencer, as a young company, Fixings Department can offer a friendly, personal, one-to- one service. “Our modern trade counter experience and the front- end retail on the e-commerce service the DIY enthusiast. Our staff has a background in construction and is ready to offer advice and guidance on the correct products and applications,” he added. “We will work with the client to create the correct stock profile for their demands and, if we don’t have the product in stock, we will do our utmost to source it.” MAN WITH A VISION The visionary behind Fixings Department is family man Spencer
Harrald, a Banbridge local with a construction background. Launched in January 2022, this venture was born out of a mission to help streamline sourcing and supply challenges for concrete manufacturer Taranto Ltd., where Spencer used to work as a precast joiner. “The company was having to source from various suppliers far and wide, and this often led to delays and frustration in the workplace. Taranto began to invest in their own inventory management with a new stores department, but there were still sourcing problems,” Spencer commented. “I began to
look deeper into this and found out the company was definitely in need of a local merchant with a more fitting stock profile. It seemed the answer lay in front of me: why not become the supplier?” With the approval from Taranto’s leaders, Spencer began making contacts with brands and wholesalers, and Fixings Departments was born. “Taranto gave me their full support, and still does now as a loyal client. Initially, it seemed quite simple, but once demand grew, the orders and paperwork stacked up, it became clear I had to give 100% of my time to the venture.” It is still early days, but the merchants already have big plans. “We have a fairly large online expansion in power tools and workwear booked for before the end of the year,” Spencer explained, “There are also ongoing works on expanding the range of fasteners into more specialist items by late Spring 2024. This will require a second or larger premises.”
Fixings Department Managing Director, Spencer Harrald.
Unit 4, 32 Blue Road, Craigavon BT63 6EF T: +44 (0)28 4065 8862 - E: info@fixingsdepartment.com www.fixingsdepartment.com
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