Hancocks unveils revamped store

Confectionery wholesaler Hancocks has relaunched its Newcastle store –  one of 14 in the Hancocks UK portfolio – to suppliers and local retailers after a £60,000 refit.

The depot, based in Chester Le Street, has been upgraded both inside and out and was unveiled at a grand open day yesterday (12).

Customers from across the North-East and major suppliers all attended the event alongside Hancocks’ COO, Jonathan Summerley.

Thousands of pounds’ worth of prizes were given away, with retailers also to take advantage of hundreds of offers on confectionery which ran just for the duration of the open day.

As part of its upgrade, the interior of the store was given a new reception area to greet customers and answer queries and new racking throughout.

Checkouts, aisle end boards, promotion areas and lighting have all been replaced to make the customer experience even better, and the store has been painted inside and out.

“The Newcastle relaunch has been hugely successful and early feedback has been terrific,” said Summerley. “Suppliers and local retailers were very impressed with the refit both inside and out and were able to have a good look round on the day.

“It also gave them both time to chat and catch up and for our team time, the opportunity to reconnect with customers who have taken to online ordering during the pandemic.

“Like all out stores, Newcastle offers traditional shopping as well as a click and collect option. Our online sales have grown considerably over the last two years, but the bricks and mortar stores are still and always will be hugely important to us.

“Not every customer likes to shop online, and we enjoy offering that personal touch and sharing our extensive confectionery knowledge which face to face interaction brings.”

Summerley continued: “We’re delighted with the revamped Newcastle store and are looking forward to welcoming new and old customers back in. The upgrades we’ve made will make the shopping experience even better for them.”