A new Go Local store has launched in Cardiff - the first in the city - led by experienced independent retailer, Thushapan Luxmekanthan.
Employee-owned wholesaler Parfetts is strengthening its network with the launch of the 1,450 sq.ft. store, marking another step forward in the group’s national growth plans, it said.
Thushapan acquired the site on Holton Road in February this year, which had sat vacant since September 2025 when the previous owner stopped trading, but Thushapan’s vision has “completely transformed the space” into a vibrant community store under the Go Local fascia group.
The Cardiff outlet marks Thushapan’s second venture with Go Local, alongside his forecourt site in Worksop.
He operates an additional four sites around the UK. With more than 10 years of multi-site retail experience, he selected the Go Local symbol group for his Welsh debut, citing its “superior retail support, highly competitive pricing structure and the flexible product range that allows independent operators to truly tailor their offering to the local demographic,” Go Local said.
Demonstrating the hands-on approach that has defined his decade-long career, Thushapan spent weeks leading up to the launch engaging directly with local business owners, welcoming back former shoppers and consulting with new customers to understand what they wanted from their local store.
The feedback inspired a total remerchandising strategy that has boosted the store’s inventory to over 3,500 lines. The sustainable refit of the store’s existing equipment and fixtures saw them repurposed to transition the space into a modern Go Local environment.
The new product range features significant depth across core convenience categories as well as expanded chilled and frozen departments.
To ensure strong local provenance, Thushapan has introduced regional milk, bread, pies, and pasties, alongside the premium Praveen Kumar frozen curry range, to give shoppers quality meal solutions.
Thushapan said: “Having operated multiple convenience sites and petrol forecourts, I know exactly what it takes to make a store successful, and Go Local gives me the perfect platform to do just that.
“The brand allows me to maintain my independence while giving me the buying power and promotions needed to deliver incredible value.
“The feedback from local residents and neighbouring businesses has been overwhelmingly positive. They’ve really welcomed the new look and the vastly expanded product range. I’m excited to grow our sales and make this store a staple of the local area.”
Guy Swindell, joint managing director at Parfetts, added: “Opening our first Go Local store in Cardiff is another major milestone for the business and reflects the growing interest we are seeing from retailers.
“With over a decade of retail expertise across both convenience and forecourts, Thushapan knows exactly how to drive footfall and serve a community. Thushapan is exactly the kind of dedicated retailer we want to partner with.
“Our Go Local fascia is experiencing rapid growth across the UK, with major expansions accelerating throughout Wales, Scotland, and the South of England. Retailers are increasingly choosing Go Local because it offers total flexibility, a transparent trading model, and the retail freedom that experienced independent store owners need to thrive in a competitive market.”
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