Parfetts prepares for a second wave with increased stockholding
Parfetts has completed preparations for a possible second wave of COVID-19 and associated regional or national lockdowns.
The C&C/wholesaler, which operates from seven depots and is focused mainly on retail, examined trends from the first lockdown period and moved to expand its stockholding levels with additional storage facilities.
Retail director Guy Swindell commented: “We know this year, and the lockdown period in particular, has proven exceptionally challenging for retailers. We believe the steps we have taken since March have provided an industry-leading service through the crisis. We increased staff levels, made our depots COVID secure and maintained promotions to ensure our retailers are safe and still benefit from great value.
“We already have two depots, in Manchester and Halifax, that are in areas of local lockdown and it’s clear that the Government is concerned about a possible second wave in Autumn. Rigorous planning has been completed to ensure we have adequate stocks of the essentials from flour to toilet rolls.”
In the past few months, Parfetts has employed professional security guards at each of its depots to ensure that social distancing measures are adhered to. It has also limited the number of customers that can enter a depot at any one time and implemented queuing systems.
The wholesaler has ramped up its direct load facilities, where customers pull up and a member of staff loads the stock straight into the van. It has also invested in expanding both its click and collect service and delivery capacity to reduce numbers in the depots.
Swindell said: “Our entire team has worked tirelessly to ensure that retailers have the support they need, but we know the job isn’t done yet. We hope the UK manages to avoid a second wave of the virus but feel confident that we are prepared should the government reintroduce lockdown.”
