Parfetts is readying to surpass the 2,000 milestone in symbol stores as it launches its ninth depot, in Southampton.
The 113,000 sq ft cash & carry depot, visited by The Grocer, opened this week, marking a new geographical territory for the wholesaler as it expands its presence across the UK.
It features 9,000 products, including 200 own label lines, spanning ambient, bakery, soft drinks, alcohol, confectionery, snacks, household goods, and health products, which can be accessed through the cash & carry operation or via delivery.
There is also a chilled room housing a range of fruit & veg, meats and dairy products.
Since Easter, Parfetts has been sending a team of sales reps and retail development advisers to the Southampton area to recruit a new customer base and spread the word about the upcoming depot opening.
The wholesaler had also been transhipping deliveries from its Birmingham cash & carry to retailers in the area to familiarise them with its offer and service ahead of launch. “It was a strategic move so it didn’t open on a cold start,” said joint MD Guy Swindell. “In this region, retailers have not seen anything like this before.”
While the depot will enable Parfetts to boosts its cash & carry service while allowing it to deliver across the south coast and into Greater London, it would also bring the opportunity to expand its symbol estate, the business said.
“We have a true symbol offer now,” said Swindell. “From Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local, and our new forecourt format Shop & Go, plus investment in store and merchanding teams, we’ve really upped our game.
“We’re there to support retailers as a partner. They retain their independence, and we’re here to provide strong margins, free delivery and the best promotions.”
Parfetts’ symbol estate currently consists of 1,700 stores, with trade from these retailers making up 40% of its turnover.
Joint MD Noel Robinson added: “We opened 300 symbol stores last year, and that was without Southampton. This depot will take us to Twickenham, Reading, Exeter, Oxford, and everything between. In terms of opportunity, it’s more than this depot can handle.
“I think in the next 12 to 18 months, we should be surpassing 2,000 stores.”
In July, Parfetts reported turnover had soared to £733m, up from £696m in 2024. It expects its turnover to surpass £1bn in the next three years.
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