Paul's new invention packs a real punch
Tuesday August 31 2010
CARLOW ENTREPRENEUR Paul Doyle from Downings, Tullow, was out shopping one day when he was struck with a simple but useful invention that helps speed up grocery packing at check outs.
It was during his wife Anita's pregnancy that he became more familiar with the shopping process and came up with the idea for his company Trolley Bags Ltd which was introduced to Aldi stores in July and sold out within days.
Paul saw that people packing their bags at checkouts used mainly one hand, using the other to hold open the bag. He thought that if people could pack two handed into an open bag it would significantly speed things up.
The bags are four different sizes, each with two plastic handles and allows the shopper to easily load their groceries.
'It sounds and is, quite a simple idea but turning that idea in to a business didn't happen overnight,' he said.
Over two years of research and development went into the Trolley Bags system and the bags were introduced in Aldi's 80-plus Irish stores on July 8 and all 3,000 units, selling at €8.99 each, sold out.
He admits that he probably underestimated the level of demand and is now in talks with Aldi UK about releasing the product there.
Following on from this, Trolley Bags are being introduced to the market through their Irish stores.
Paul has a degree in science from UCD and spent some time working in a bank before setting up his own company providing building and carpentry services for schools.
He received funding and other assistance from Carlow County Enterprise Board and the South East Business Innovation Centre.
