Bunnings Group

Bunnings Group, trading as Bunnings Warehouse, stands as the dominant retailer of hardware and garden supplies across Australia and New Zealand. While its origins trace back to a sawmilling partnership established by brothers Arthur and Robert Bunning in Bunbury, Western Australia, in 1886, the modern entity emerged when it was formally incorporated as a public company in 1952. The business underwent a significant transformation in the mid-1990s after being acquired by Wesfarmers, adopting the large-format warehouse model that first opened in Melbourne in 1994. This shift redefined the DIY experience in the region and cemented the brand's position as the market leader.

Under the leadership of CEO Michael Schneider, the group manages a vast network comprising 286 large warehouse stores, 65 Tool Kit Depot outlets, and 112 Beaumont Tiles locations. As of mid-2026, the company absorbed Blackwoods and Workwear Group under the Bunnings banner to expand its offerings for professional tradespeople. With over 53,000 employees, the organization commands approximately 68% of the Australian and New Zealand DIY market share, leaving competitors like Mitre 10 and Home Hardware to vie for the remainder.

The brand maintains a strong presence in community life through initiatives such as free workshops and sausage sizzles held at store entrances. These traditions helped secure its status as Australia's most trusted company until 2020. Recent years have seen aggressive digital innovation, including the launch of an AI shopping agent developed with Google Cloud, alongside legal challenges regarding facial recognition technology and antitrust scrutiny over new store expansions. [edit]