‘If it can be got, it has to be got in the town!’

Tractamotors Cavan got it difficult to keep stock during the pandemic and hardware manager Keith Rutherford is delighted to report that demand for home and garden products remains high as homeowners, who found a greater appreciation for their surroundings during lockdown, are keen to continue their improvements.

“We were completely flat out... I don’t think there are many houses that haven't been painted.

“We’ve grown and it hasn’t really stopped.”

Keith explained plenty of new customers came during the pandemic and have returned.

“We’re a very family-run business here,” he said when new customers came in, the team gave their “normal family business welcome” and fully believes that they received repeat business as a result.

During the lockdown, Tractamotors provided a delivery service to people's doors and said they had no problem in delivering other messages such as bread and milk to elderly people. Keith says, at one stage, there were two vans and two cars on the road.

“The nicest thing was arriving at people’s houses, and they were so grateful... We stopped a lot of people watching Netflix.”

Keith is happy to see the town reopening and says there is “no substitution for your customers coming in the door".

Tractamotors provide a range of products from hardware to home décor, outdoor furniture, paint, fixtures and fittings, wallpaper and so much more.

Upon visiting the store, Keith says customers don't just leave with a tin of paint, they also get the complete package including advice about curtains, cushions, matching colours and other tips and tricks.

Tractamotors stock a range of furniture for those wishing to soak up the sun in the garden this year.

Keith understands that his customers want to invest in a piece of furniture that “will not be put in the bin in the next few years”, which is why the store stocks “top quality” garden furniture that “can take the Irish summer". The retailer has moved away from wooden and plastic pieces and now stocks Ratten and cast iron furniture.

“What we have is quality and we can’t keep it in,” he explained. Tractamotors also stock top brands such Weber barbecues, which start at €600 and can go up to €1,800.

Not only can you furnish your garden, but you can also add a burst of colour for that outdoor gathering with a range of windmills, plants from Killeshandra Garden Centre, garden gnomes, lights, flamingos, and artificial flowers.

“With the nice bits and pieces that we have... You can put a smile on the garden.”

Keith said the team at Tractamotors had weekly meetings during the pandemic in which they had “lengthy discussions” regarding the business.

“Although it was great to be opened, it was important to be opened safely.

“It wasn’t a case of just getting the business in and forgetting about everything else.”

The team remains fully compliant with all COVID-19 regulations and guidelines and have made the store as safe as possible for staff and customers.

Tractamotors has taken the initiative to support locals to show its appreciation of the Cavan community.

“If it can be got, it has to be got in the town,” is an objective the business is pursuing.

Keith praised the loyalty of the townspeople and beyond and expressed his gratitude to them for their continuing support.