Hardware Industry’s first Economic Impact Study

Hardware Association Ireland (HAI) is delighted to announce the publication of the first Hardware Economic Impact Study (EIS). The study is based on 2015 figures but we know that the sector has grown by 10% according to our own business index of net retail sales from 2015 to 2016. HAI will look at a full revision and update of the EIS for late 2018 utilising the latest CSO data. Headline summary of the findings include:

• The hardware industry in Ireland – which includes the hardware retail, hardware wholesale and hardware manufacturing sectors – generates employment of 19,000 persons, wages and salaries of nearly €588 million and a tax contribution of close to €377 million in Ireland.
• The hardware retail sector, in particular, generates sales of close to €1.2 billion, nearly 8,400 jobs and more than €200 million in wages and salaries, and it is one of the larger sub-sectors of the wider retail sector in Ireland.
• The hardware wholesale and hardware manufacturing sectors, meanwhile, contribute an estimated further 10,627 jobs and wages and salaries of almost €384 million.
• While these levels of economic activity are well down on the industry’s contribution prior to the global economic and financial crisis of 2008-09, the hardware industry nonetheless represents a significant economic sector in its own right, making a substantial contribution to the Irish economy.
• The hardware industry in Ireland is dominated by indigenous Irish businesses, and the majority of firms are independent businesses rather than chain-based enterprises. They are therefore important providers of economic activity across Ireland, not only in urban areas but also in local or rural areas.
• The outlook for the industry appears broadly positive, driven by growth in consumer spending and an upturn in activity in areas such as construction and housing. At the same time, recovery in the industry may be somewhat uneven, with urban enterprises in particular faring better than more rural or local ones.

A more detailed report is available to HAI members please contact the office on 01 298 0969 or email.