Stockport-based wholesaler Parfetts will open a new 113,000 sq.ft. depot in Southampton to enable it to deliver across the south coast and into Greater London while also serving cash & carry depot customers.
The move will create over 100 new jobs and support the expansion of the symbol groups, which include Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local and Shop & Go.
Commenting on the development, Guy Swindell, joint managing director, said: “The launch of our ninth depot underlines our commitment to serving a national customer base. We’re determined to bring our employee-owned model to as many retailers as possible to ensure they can benefit from the industry-leading support we offer.
“We’re on track to reach £1bn turnover and 2,000 symbol group retailers. Our focus on supporting retailer margins has accelerated our growth over the last few years.”
Launching later this year, the depot will provide independent retailers across the south with access to a wide range of promotions and quarterly showcases. There are also regular three-weekly promotions and EDLP lines offering increased value and margin across key products in any promotional period.
Noel Robinson, joint managing director, said: “We continue to invest in our offer. As an employee-owned business, Parfetts can reinvest in the business and support customers. We remain focused on keeping things simple for our retailers and we’re excited to launch the new depot later this year.”
Parfetts’ current depots are in Aintree, Anfield, Birmingham, Halifax, Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Somercotes and Stockport. Following the announcement, Unitas Wholesale managing director, John Kinney, said: “Unitas member Parfetts’ second new depot in three years demonstrates the incredible strength of their retail cash and carry and delivery model.
“We’re delighted that one of our biggest members is expanding into national coverage with its Go Local proposition. We look forward to supporting the whole team as they bring their fantastic independent wholesale and symbol model to thousands more retailers in the south of England.”
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