hardware target, page-3

Much has been spoken lately about WOW venturing into the hardware market although I hope for Luscombe's sake he's not just doing it for an ego boost.
People comment on how hard it will be for Coles to make up ground against Woolworths, but I can't see how a WOW hardware start up going head to head with Bunnings would be any easier. I'm not suggesting that it's the same thing, but Gerry Harvey (who is no mug) tried to start up a network against Officeworks and very quickly pulled the pin.
With competition in the supermarket space looking to heat up, one could argue that now is not the time to be taking on Bunnings, although with limited growth opportunities the pressure may be mounting to do something bigger than mobile phones.
Wesfarmers has invested years into getting the Bunnings recipe right and, as Goyder puts it, has a lot of stores in the pipline. With 2 years already invested in Coles and a Goliath in hardware, WES would be feeling more comfortable than some commentators suggest, although much will be revealed in upcoming numbers.

http://business.theage.com.au/business/wesfarmers-bunnings-has-no-fear-of-woolies-20090728-e05p.html