Lambert’s Homevalue is a leading builders’ providers, hardware, DIY and agri supplier that has been serving the Carlow and Wicklow area for over 35 years. This family-run business recently scooped the coveted Guaranteed Irish Advocate of the Year Award at the 2022 United in Excellence Awards for its promotion of Irish products.
Based in Hacketstown, Co. Carlow, Lambert’s Homevalue was established in 1986 by Mick and Catherine Lambert, and has been run by Catherine’s nephew Ray McGlynn since July 2019. Ray is assisted by a 25-strong team who are industry experts that are committed to providing their customers with a friendly, knowledgeable and value-for-money service. In 2008, Lambert’s moved up the main street in Hacketstown to a new purpose-built premises. The hardware and builders’ merchant shop prides itself on keeping a wide range of stock available at all times and offering the best advice available, through its dedicated sales team.
Lambert’s Homevalue was delighted to be honoured at the United in Excellence Awards ceremony which was hosted by comedian Mario Rosenstock at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan late last year. The event saw the presentation of 33 awards over various key business categories such as paint, customer service, light hardware and DIY, merchanting and best regional store.
As part of the nomination process, every group member store across the entire network must comply with a strict set of criteria to ensure that the highest possible standards are continuously upheld. This involves an assessment by store operations, which also includes an independent mystery shopper audit by an external third party. On the night, a cheque for more than €20,000 was presented to the Peter McVerry Trust, United Hardware’s chosen charity.
“This is our first award and we are thrilled,” owner Ray McGlynn enthuses.
“It’s great recognition for all the hard work our team has put in so that we can continue to grow and meet the needs of our loyal customers. My background is accountancy, so moving into hardware was a big change for me. I’ve a great team who have helped me find my feet, and without doubt – they’re our greatest asset.
“There has always been a lot of goodwill shown to the Lambert family from our customers across Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford. Mick and Catherine ran a great business which I used to work in during my school holidays. Sadly, Mick died following a farm accident in 2016 and Catherine passed away in 2019 after an illness.
“This award recognises our commitment to Irish products and also the work we have put into revamping the shop, while remaining true to our traditional values of service, good advice and value-for-money. We strive to be strong on price, product range and customer service.”
United Hardware Group CEO Paul Candon says: “The United in Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate best in class offerings, standards and customer service across the industry. Our winning members have significantly raised the bar when it comes to excellence in retailing, and have proven that they are the very best hardware stores in Ireland.
“The awards come at a particularly interesting time for our sector as we emerge from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and we face new challenges in the future. They present a timely milestone to reflect on our journey since our last awards in 2019, and to acknowledge the incredible efforts made by all stores and the hardware sector in responding to and supporting the communities in which they operate throughout the pandemic.”
Lambert’s Homevalue has everything its customers need under one roof. From DIY products to full construction supplies and materials. Its 27,000 sq. ft. premises includes a traditional trade counter, flooring, doors, bathroom, homeware, workwear, power tool display areas as well as a new paint shop which stocks the three main Irish brands, Dulux, Fleetwood and Colortrend. The store also stocks a wide range of building, agri, fuel and garden products.
“We have everything from an anchor to a needle. That was Mick’s mantra,” Ray continues.
“Our large stock of heavy hardware makes us a one-stop shop for all your construction needs. We also have a large agri supplies section. All of our main suppliers are Irish which was a big factor in us receiving the Guaranteed Irish Advocate of the Year Award. We try to support Irish business as much as possible and get great support form Homevalue in doing so. We represent all the leading Irish brands, including Kingspan Insulation, Murray Timber, Glennons, Irish Cement, Cembrit and Dulux.”
Lambert’s has been a member of Homevalue – or Associated Hardware as it was then known – since 2005. Homevalue is one of Ireland’s leading DIY, hardware and homeware groups with a network of over 90 guaranteed Irish accredited stores nationwide who are committed to providing the best range of products at the lowest price.
Whether you’re building, repairing, improving, furnishing or decorating your home, Homevalue has got you covered. Homeowners, DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople all know that Homevalue means real value and real expertise.
As Ireland’s leading buying and marketing group for builders’ merchants, DIY and home and garden retail stores, United Hardware’s primary aim is to offer its independent members combined buying power which will enable them to remain competitive in an environment dominated by large chains.
As Lambert’s Homevalue continues to go from strength to strength, Ray would like to take this opportunity to thank its customers and suppliers for their unwavering support as well as its staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Lambert’s Homevalue
Fair Green,
Hacketstown Upper,
Hacketstown,
Co, Carlow,
R93 C590.
Telephone: 059 6471401
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, October 2023, Vol 9 No 10
