York gets first Go Local Extra with experienced retailer at helm

A York convenience store, after Having undergone renovations and improvements, has become part of the Go Local Extra network.

Beckfield Lane store is the city’s first Go Local fascia store. Abhishek Sidhpura, who has operated his store since he acquired the premises in 2017, has extended his relationship with Parfetts Go Local Extra switching from previous convenience retailer Costcutter. He also has another store in Ripon, near Harrogate, which he has operated since 2019.

Sidhpura oversees the busy 1,350 sq ft store, which employs a team of ten people. As part of his move to Go Local Extra, he has undertaken significant store improvements, including Go Local Extra branding, a new front counter unit and an improved store layout with increased shelving space for greater stock variety.

Commenting on his store’s move to Go Local Extra, he said: “We’ve built up a great relationship with our customer base at this store, and I’m pleased that York has now got its first Go Local Extra. With the combination of a fresh new look and a range of relevant new offers and promotions, we are serving the local community by giving them a competitive convenience store that ticks all the boxes. Value and choice are key to my customers, and in becoming a Go Local Extra, they will not be disappointed with what we’ve got to offer.

“This store plays an important role in supporting local people in the surrounding community with their everyday shopping needs. Many of our regular customers rely on the shop for the items they need.”

New range additions to the store are designed to generate greater footfall, including an enhanced food-to-go offer featuring Tango Ice Blast and hot beverages. The store also boasts an impressive beer, wines and spirits section offering an extensive range of premium beers and spirits.

“The entire Parfetts team have been very positive, and getting hold of competitively priced stock has not been an issue. The support is also first class with a team who are always on hand to help us operate more efficiently. What I like is the feeling that, as retailers, we’re more than just a number – there’s a genuine family feel to the whole setup, which is great and perfectly suited to me as a businessman and the future development of the store. It’s great to be able to rely on this level of professional support and guidance without any interference in the day-to-day running,” Sidhpura added.

Parfetts is an employee-owned business, and its employees play a significant role in the company’s success and its retailers.

Steve Moore, head of retail at Parfetts, said: “We’ve been working closely with Abhishek to get the store ready, ensuring it is well designed and fully stocked to meet the needs of new and existing customers. As a successful retailer, Abhishek has embraced the opportunity of operating York’s first Go Local Extra store with genuine enthusiasm, which we are confident will translate into strong sales and positive customer feedback.

“We are constantly investing to enhance the experience for users of our depots, delivered service and click and collect. Our retailers like regular promotions alongside our value proposition. Everything we do is designed to give retailers improved business performance, margins and footfall.”