COMMERCIAL FEATURE
Ireland’s Workwear Sector’s unprecedented growth Although Ireland is tentatively trying to return to some normality and start ‘living with Covid’, its effects on the workwear and PPE industry are far from behind us. The industry, like many others, was turned on its head last year when the pandemic hit. Retailers experienced an unprecedented boom as PPE sales went through the roof and homeowners spent their holiday funds on home improvements rather than flights abroad. From mid 2020, significant sales increases were reported by some hardware stores with the trend continuing well into 2021. The pace was relentless and suppliers had to fight hard to keep up with demand. Many of these suppliers have been forced to announce price increases due to the well documented shortage of raw materials. Shipping costs have also soared due to the slower turnaround of containers at ports and a backlog of goods now leaving the Far East from where shipping had stalled during the pandemic.
High grade dust mask sets
Not to mention the small matter of Brexit. Initial confusion at the borders over import requirements accentuated already strained shipping resources and caused chaos for couriers delivering goods of every nature. There have been some high-profile casualties within the industry as Dickies, a longestablished workwear brand, exiting the European market and some suppliers forced to introduce import tariffs on goods imported from the UK. Despite all the turbulence, the forecast for the Irish market is still positive. The ESRI expect the Irish economy to grow by 5.2% in 2022. Finally, a long overdue intervention by the HSA on fake and noncompliant PPE products that entered the market during Covid-19 will see reputable suppliers rewarded. The HSA has started conducting visits to retailers to validate product certificates in a bid to eliminate non-compliant PPE from being sold in Ireland. Thanks to Anne McNicholas from Portwest for her assistance in compiling information for this introduction.
John Stafford & Sons are happy to announce the return of their popular High Grade Dust Masks and Safety Sets. Launched in the summer of 2019 these products became a fast selling and highly sought-after product. The range consists of: •
3pc FFP2 with Valve which offers more protection than the FFP1. It offers protection from deleterious substances in the air such as lead dust, as well as aerosols, smoke, it is therefore a popular mask in mining and metal industries and agriculture.
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2pc FFP3 with Valve offers the highest protection from breathing in hazardous substances in the environment. The mask can protect from a variety of toxins, such as asbestos, bacteria and viruses.
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The 3pc Safety Set offers a 3in1 solution to your safety needs. This set includes a comfortable Ear Defender, Safety Goggles & a FFP1 Mask for the all-round protection.
For more information on all our products visit www.stafford.ie or contact the office on 053 936 7246. September/October 2021
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