Parfetts’ new Southampton cash and carry depot is set to become the top go-to destination for independent retailers across south east England, the wholesaler’s top bosses have said, as the site officially opened its doors today (Sept 3).
The employee-owned wholesaler inaugurated its 113,000 sq ft cash and carry in Southampton, the ninth depot in its growing estate.
As joint managing directors Guy Swindell and Noel Robinson sat down with Asian Trader, the aisles were already buzzing with excited retailers keen to explore what the new site has to offer.
Robinson said, "The depot is buzzing with excitement. Its only noon and the car parking is already full. The cash and carry is blocked with trollies filled with supplies as we can see curious retailers all around.
"There is an air of celebration among the independent retailers here.
"Parfetts' Southampton depot will not be one of the options in the region but will soon emerge as the top most option for the independent retailers here in south east parts."
Swindell added, "Parfetts is thundering towards its £ 1 billion turnover target and Southampton depot is a huge leap towards that goal.
"The depot is going to make us accessible to independent retailers of this region and we hope to touch 2000 retailers in our symbol group very soon."
Noel Robinson and Guy Swindell (from left to right)Parfetts
The Southampton depot joins Parfetts’ existing sites in Aintree, Anfield, Birmingham, Halifax, Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Somercotes and Stockport, extending its nationwide reach to serve more independent retailers.
The depot offers a range of around 9,000 lines, similar to the offering at the 100,000 sq ft Birmingham depot but with minor tweaks to take account of local preferences.
"Since we are already operational in Birmingham, we do have an idea of this region's requirements and preferences. Our SKUs are aligned accordingly.
"Our offering is wide; we have special promotions and offers, some of which will be running for next 10 days," the duo said.
To lead the new site, Parfetts has appointed Graham Barton as general manager. Barton brings more than four decades of wholesale and retail experience, including 33 years at Palmer & Harvey and a recent management role at Bestway’s Fareham depot.
Since announcing the depot in February, Parfetts has seen strong retailer interest, with hundreds signing up ahead of the launch.
The move will also create over 100 new jobs and support the growth of the wholesaler’s symbol groups—Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local and Shop & Go.
Speaking about the independent retailers contemplating to join Parfetts' symbol group, Swindell said, "Come, try us and I am sure you will be left amazed of how smooth our service is.
"We are better and flexible; we offer larger SKUs. You will get access to timely promotions and offers as well as new launches and exclusive activations and free giveaways and you will still be independent to operate your business the way you want to be.
"So any retailer on the fence or thinking to switch his symbol group, do give us a try."
In the last financial year (2023-2024), Parfetts saw an eight per cent increase in turnover to £696 million. It saw record investments in its own label range, which now has over 200 lines designed to offer industry-leading margins.
Swindell shared with Asian Trader, "Convenience retailers are having a tough time. Margins from brands are getting squeezed so is the customer spending. Our only purpose with own-label line is to make sure retailers have healthy margins and customers get quality products.
"We are getting a very good response on our own label line. We are on the constant lookout to expand this line of products."
Most recently, the wholesaler further stepped up its push into own-label medicines with the launch of Go Local Paracetamol Tablets, following the successful debut of its Go Local Ibuprofen line in January.
Available in 16-pack tablets, the new SKU is positioned to give retailers industry-leading returns, with a POR of 62.1 per cent at a £1.00 RRP, which is more than double the average achieved on branded equivalents.
The late summer rollout is designed to ensure strong availability ahead of the peak winter medicines season.
Robinson said, "Paracetamol Tablets are so basic and a fast-selling product, especially in allergy season. No one would like to stand in queue of a supermarket when one needs it and one might need it anytime.
"Like, Guy gives me headache all the time," he chuckled.
The duo said that they strongly believe that Parfetts Go Local Paracetamol will be a game-changer for independent convenience stores and will further strengthen the wholesaler's own-label line.