Like-for-like revenue growth for Irish DIY chain Woodie's is 3.2% up during the first six months of this year.
Parent company Grafton Group reported in a trading update for the six months to June 30 that its revenue surpassed the £1bn mark to £1.015bn, which like-for-like is up 11.3%.

The company said that its retail arm, which represents 8% of the Group's revenue, was helped by the tentative recovery in the DIY retailing business in Ireland, adding: "We continue to regard 2014 as a transitional year as the new Woodie's management team focus on improving the customer proposition."

Other areas for Grafton Group also performed well during the first six months of 2014.

UK merchanting grew 8.2% like-for-like, while manufacturing grew by a huge 38.2%.

Ceo of Grafton Group, Gavin Slark, said: "Our UK and Irish merchanting businesses have benefited from an improved market backdrop which, combined with our organic growth plans, means the Group is well placed to build on its strong first half performance."