Three stores expand in Cavan town environs

Despite the downturn in the economy, three Cavan town businesses - Tractamotors, Clarkes Superstore and Poles Co-Op - are expanding their range of goods, particularly in the hardware and building supplies area with the recent departure of Homemakers from the town. Tractamotors have created three new jobs with the creation of their new building supplies yard, which complements their existing Top Line store, and they hope to create further jobs. The managing director of Tractamotors, Niall Murray, told The Anglo-Celt that they got the opportunity to employ Maurice Brady, who is an expert in the building supplies area. Maurice was formerly the yard manager in Homemakers. Mr Murray said that both Maurice and himself came to the decision that there was an opportunity for Tractamotors to put a new builders' yard complex in place to fill a void in the market. "We feel it is all about putting the right people in charge and we are confident Maurice Brady can drive this expanded area of the business." Mr Murray said there has been an extremely positive feedback from builders and the expert people from Top Line have been very helpful along the way, as the ongoing transformation takes place. Clarkes of Cavan The Clarkes of Cavan Superstore at the Moynehall Retail Park, which already covers an area of 14,000 sq ft on two floor levels, is to expand shortly by a further 6,000 sq ft to accommodate their new partnership with Expert Hardware. Gerard Clarke has truly scotched rumours that his business was in trouble by announcing this major expansion to the Cavan town store. Mr Clarke who also has dealerships in Ballyjamesduff, Kells and Roscommon explained that they were all performing better than last year. He pointed out that turnover at the group was up 30% for the first seven months of this year, compared with the same period last year. He has also employed three additional people and will be taking on more new staff when the expansion at the Cavan Superstore is complete. Mr Clarke told The Anglo-Celt that they had been carrying a 25% hardware range to date and this new arrangement will complete it. He emphasised that they are not entering the builders' providers sector. They expect to roll out the Expert Range over the next few months and it will already compliment what the store already offers. "We are buying with vision and passing on the savings to the customer. We are offering advice and better value all the time," said Mr Clarke. Poles Co-Op The progressive Poles Co-Op has also expanded to cater for a very comprehensive range of building supplies including timber, drylining and insulation. They are now stocking all roofing material, rough and planed timber, internal doors and plywood, MDF and they also have all the various slabs for drylining. They are now also stocking slates, lead and felt and of course you can visit their plumbing and heating store for all plumbing and heating requirements. They also have a very impressive range of bathroom suites and shower doors. Of course they continue to stock all the requirements and goods to accommodate the farming sector.