Bestway has passed the 4,000 affiliated stores milestone.

The wholesaler now has 1,113 Best-one stores throughout the country while its Xtra Local retail club has 2,895 members, bringing its affiliated store numbers to 4,008.

It has also posted a 38% sales increase since the beginning of the year for its Best-one symbol group with Xtra Local seeing 29% value growth.

Bestway director of symbol James Hall attributed the growth to their “commitment to customers in promotions, chilled, own label, delivery and service levels”.

He added that more independent retailers are seeing the benefits of being involved with a symbol or retail club. “The growth of our affiliated estate shows that retailers really do want to be part of - and benefit from – a major force in UK retail,” said Hall.

“Consumers are also benefitting as more and more promotions are being passed onto them and are realising that there are many more reasons to shop and top-up locally at their local store than at the major multiples. Why would you want to go elsewhere if you are getting great promotions and service at your local store?”