Parfetts opens 41 fascia stores in first year of trading from Southampton

Parfetts has expanded its symbol estate in the south to 41 stores during the first year of trading from its Southampton depot.

The employee-owned wholesaler opened the 113,000 sq ft site a year ago as its ninth depot, giving it a base to serve independent retailers across the south coast and Greater London.

The expansion has included the opening of the first Go Local Extra store in London, marking a significant step in the wholesaler’s move into the capital.

Parfetts has also built its delivered wholesale operation from the depot, with over 500 active customers. Its delivery footprint has expanded to around 29 postcode areas, stretching from Dorchester and Bath in the west to Southend, Kent and East Sussex.

The retail operation is supported by eight retail development advisers and two area managers based at Southampton. Parfetts is recruiting additional staff as it seeks to expand its symbol presence in the region.

Guy Swindell, joint managing director of Parfetts, said: “Southampton has given us the base we needed to build the business properly across the south. In its first year we have grown to 41 fascia stores, opened our first Go Local Extra in London and built a delivery operation serving hundreds of independent retailers every week.

“There is still a lot of opportunity ahead of us. Our aim is to be the partner of choice for retailers, with competitive pricing, reliable deliveries and the freedom to run their stores in the way that works for them and their customers. We will continue investing in the team at Southampton and expanding our reach as more retailers choose to work with us.”

The depot marked its first anniversary with a week of promotions for retailers. The celebrations also coincided with the completion of a 369-mile charity cycle ride by Parfetts employees Simon Hardisty, Chris Hilton and Danny Seal. The team rode from the company’s northernmost depot in Middlesbrough to its southernmost depot, Southampton, over four days.

The ride raised money for Francis House Children’s Hospice and Naomi House & Jacksplace, which support children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families.