Unitas celebrates Parfetts’ 'second depot in three years'

Buying group Unitas Wholesale has welcomed the announcement made by its wholesale member Parfetts over its expansion in south of England with the opening of a new depot in Southampton.

As announced today (13), Parfetts is set to open a new 113,000 sq ft depot that will enable it to deliver across the south coast and into Greater London while also serving as cash and carry depot for retailers across the region.

Parfetts' new depot will be opened later this year. It is expected to provide independent retailers across the South with access to a wide range of regular promotions, from weekly manager’s specials to Big Ticket promotions and quarterly showcases.

Welcoming the news, 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.

"Retailers love to visit the new generation of state-of-the art depots like Parfetts Birmingham. They are perfect showrooms for suppliers’ innovative and ingenious merchandising displays and Parfetts is leading the way.

“We are delighted that one of our biggest members is expanding into national coverage with its excellent Go Local proposition.

"We look forward to supporting the whole Parfetts team as they bring their fantastic independent wholesale and symbol model to thousands more retailers in the south of England.”

Guy Swindell, joint managing director of Parfetts, said, “The launch of our ninth depot underlines our commitment to serving a national customer base.

"We are 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 are on track to reach £1bn turnover and 2,000 symbol group retailers. Our relentless focus on supporting retailer margins has accelerated our growth over the last few years.”

Currently, Parfetts has depots in Aintree, Anfield, Birmingham, Halifax, Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Somercotes and Stockport.

Parfetts has also launched a new forecourt and transient customers symbol format recently.

The new format Shop & Go offers a bespoke product range and dedicated promotions designed for specific shopper missions, emphasising impulse, confectionery, snacks, and soft drinks. It also provides food-to-go, beers, wines, spirits, and specialist ranges, including car care and maintenance.