Parfetts has opened its first Go Local Extra store in Portsmouth with experienced independent retailer Jose Santiapillai, marking another significant milestone in the wholesaler’s ongoing expansion across the south of England.
Pompey Foods, situated directly under student accommodation and next to Portsmouth University, has already delivered impressive results since converting to the Go Local Extra fascia in September.
Following a partial refit to bring the store up to brand standards, sales have increased by around £1,000 per day, supported by a refreshed layout, a broader product range, and an expanded food-to-go offering that includes Lavazza Coffee, Rollover Hot Dogs and Tango Ice Blasts.
The relaunch was marked by a celebration event featuring free Bud Light giveaways and exclusive glassware from InBev. The promotion, timed within the university’s freshers’ week, attracted strong footfall from students and local residents alike, helping cement the store’s growing position in the heart of the city.
Store owner Jose, said: “Since switching to Go Local Extra, the store’s gone from strength to strength. We used to rely mostly on students and people passing by, but now we’re seeing more local residents coming in regularly.
"The Go Local promotions have made a real difference, and working with Parfetts has helped me expand the range and stay on top of new products. The support from the Parfetts team has been first-rate throughout.”
The Portsmouth launch follows a series of major developments for Parfetts in the region, including the opening of the first Go Local Extra store in Southampton earlier this year and the unveiling of the company’s new 113,000 sq ft cash and carry depot in the city.
The depot supplies retailers across the South of England under the Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local and Shop & Go fascias, and forms a key part of Parfetts’ strategy to expand its reach beyond its northern heartland.
Guy Swindell, joint managing director of Parfetts, said: “Pompey Foods is a fantastic example of how our Go Local Extra format continues to succeed in different markets.
Jose and his team have done an excellent job creating a store that meets the needs of both the student community and local residents.
“Our focus is on helping independent retailers grow with the right combination of value, flexibility and support.
"The success of our southern expansion, through both new stores and the Southampton depot, underlines the strength of the Parfetts model and our ambition to be a truly national wholesaler.”