Go Local Wholesale is adding 20 more recruits to its retail support team as it steps up plans to grow its symbol group estate across the UK.
The wholesaler, formerly known as Parfetts, said the larger team would provide more support to its 2,000 existing stores, while helping the business recruit around 500 more every year.
The retail development advisors will work with retailers to drive store performance and provide support in product ranging, promotional planning, merchandising and store development, Go Local Wholesale added.
It said the expansion to 75 advisors also formed part of its wider national growth strategy.
Go Local Wholesale has set a target of 3,000 symbol stores in the next two years and aims to increase turnover from £807m to £1bn by 2029.
The employee-owned wholesaler’s symbol estate spans Go Local Extra, Go Local, The Local, Local 4 U and forecourt-focused fascia Shop & Go.
Retailers also benefit from Go For Growth, Go Local Wholesale’s programme that uses sales data, category advice, planograms and supplier insight to identify opportunities to grow sales and margins.
“As we grow, it is important that we keep the close relationship we have with our retailers,” said Go Local Wholesale joint MD Guy Swindell. “Expanding the retail team means we can spend more time in stores, helping retailers to maximise the potential of their store space, product ranges and promotional activity.
“We are looking to bring around 500 new retailers into the group each year, but growth has to be backed by the right level of support. Our RDAs are a big part of that. They know the retailers and their local markets and can provide practical advice that makes a difference to growth and profitability.
“Our ambition to become a £1bn business depends on our retailers succeeding. Employee ownership allows us to keep investing in the people, technology, depots and services that help them build stronger businesses.”
The wholesaler operates nine depots nationwide. It expanded beyond its traditional northern heartland in recent years, including opening a 113,000 sq ft depot in Southampton last year.
Go Local Wholesale paid staff an annual sales bonus of 10% following a record financial year, rising 10.6% to £807m, reflecting the company’s ownership model.
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