I love Bunnings, the only big store/chain over here that I have found comparable to a Uk equivalent (B&Q)
As has already been said, they don't have any real competition, would be interesting to see how it would change if B&Q set up over here.

Bunnings has no competition so is constantly busy. I think one of the things I like best is that they actually trade at realistic opening hours. One of the few places in WA to stay open beyond 6pm. However I do wish it was more like B&Q and had soft furnishings, nice kitchen and bathroom displays and all the little girlie extras rather than feel like I've been dragged to a tool shop by my tradie husband.

I went into bunnings to buy a hose fitting on Sunday. $420 later I came out with the following...2 side tables for our patio, patio blind for the gazebo, BBQ tools for the old man, new mop, 6 plants and a new BBQ.

Monday I had to go back because I forgot the hose fitting. That time I only spent $1.99 I am no longer allowed to go to Bunnings with debit or credit cards. And I have to have a shopping list and only enough cash to pay for what's on it.

The WA trading laws allowed Bunnings and other hardware shops to trade late and on 7 days, although there were some items they weren't allowed to sell on Sundays. The BBC Hardware place did have kitchen stuff, can't remember about soft furnishings and other things, but I remember they had good quality kitchen equipment that otherwise you have to go to one of those expensive specialist kitchen places for, or wait for a sale at Myer or David Jones.

Not long after we arrived in Perth we went to Bunnings on a Sunday to buy a BBQ. Unfortunately the one we wanted was on a high shelf which meant that we couldn't have it until Monday as we were told that they weren't allowed to operate the forklift on Sundays

Hi Bill

I'm guessing that they might have you in mind for a new store which is about to be built near us in Neerabup on a newish and growing industrial site. Good suburbs around there are Carramar, Kinross, Tapping, all with decent schools, shops etc & not far from Joondalup. BTW my house is up for sale <URL Snipped>

It's possible there isn't anyone on a Sunday who has the proper papers to drive a forklift. We find that on Sunday it's mostly younger people working at our local Bunnings (Clarkson)

That is possible but the guy who served us said that he was not allowed to operate the forklift on a Sunday, not that there was no one available.

That's too funny!

Hi thanks for the info,house looke nice,where are you moving to Bill

I think things will change for Bunnings when Woolworths and Lowes from America open their fist venture which will be a large format store like Bunnings with white goods and soft furnishings,they have plans for 175 stores over the next 3 years,maybe you will get more choice then,
Bill

That sounds great, but will they make it to Perth? We don't have Costco or Aldi yet.

I love Bunnings... Can spend HOURS looking at power tools and gardening stuff.. Wouldnt mind one of their kitchens for the laundry when we re do it... The staff at the Rocko store have ALWAYS been friendly and helpful... They look like they're enjoying their day... And I love the diverse employee base.. And the free sessions on the weekends...

I often find it really difficult to find a staff member in Bunnings to help. I'm leaning back towards the smaller competition here in Brisbane like Mitre 10 as I often find a retired tradesman working the aisles with the time to give me comprehensive help...they also often have better quality fittings for sale eg taps etc..

Must depend on local management... I thought ALL bunnings employees were retired tradies or DIY fiends...