Parfetts has appointed Graham Barton as general manager of its new Southampton depot, ahead of its highly anticipated opening later this year.
Barton brings over four decades of experience in the wholesale and retail sector, including a 33-year career at Palmer & Harvey and a recent management role at Bestway’s Fareham depot.
He will lead the launch of Parfetts’ ninth UK depot, which marks the first new cash and carry facility in the region in 25 years.
The 113,000 sq.ft. depot at Hedge End Retail Park is expected to create over 100 jobs and deliver a “fresh level of service and support” to indie retailers across the South Coast and Greater London, said the wholesaler.
Commenting on his new role, Graham Barton said: “It’s an honour to be leading such a committed and experienced team at a time of real momentum for Parfetts. There’s a huge sense of pride and excitement about what we’re building here, not just bricks and mortar, but a new level of service, support and opportunity for independent retailers.
“We’ve already signed up hundreds of customers, and the enthusiasm from the retail community has been overwhelming.”
Joining Barton at the Southampton depot will be Stuart Clark and Glenn Underwood as supply chain managers, Hollie Whitfield as delivered manager, Nigel Drake overseeing goods-in, and Elaine Walker managing front-of-house operations.
Guy Swindell, joint managing director at Parfetts, commented: “Graham’s appointment is a key part of our commitment to bringing Parfetts’ award-winning, employee-owned, wholesale model to the South Coast. His leadership experience and understanding of the industry will ensure Southampton gets off to a flying start.”
Noel Robinson, joint managing director of Parfetts, added: “We’ve assembled an outstanding team that shares our values and vision. This depot is a milestone for Parfetts and a significant step forward for retailers in the region. With demand already strong and customer engagement high, the opening is set to be a landmark moment for independent retail across the South.”
The Southampton depot will support Parfetts’ fascia arms Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local and Shop & Go and forms part of the business’s wider strategy to strengthen its national network.
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