Jempson’s has begun sourcing stock from Morrisons’ regular supermarket depots rather than its convenience supply chain in a trial aimed to improve availability and ranging.
The independent retailer, which operates under the ‘Together With Morrisons’ fascia, is trialling the new supply model at its supermarket store in Battle, East Sussex.
MD Stephen Jempson told The Grocer it has improved availability at the store by up to 10%, with “even bigger increases” in sales.
“Morrisons has been very supportive and proactive with us,” said Jempson. “First indications of the trial is that it has increased availability and reduced stock holding, but by far the biggest benefit to us is that we can access a bigger range for our larger stores.”
Following the trial, Jempson hopes to roll out the new supply system to its other supermarket stores in Peasmarsh and Rye. It is not targeted at its convenience ‘Local’ format, which currently consists of six stores, including in Northiam, Wadhurst, and Bexhill.
A Morrisons spokeswoman said: “We’re always looking at ways to improve our service levels for our franchise partners and are pleased this approach is working for Stephen and his Battle store.”
Jempson’s became the second retailer to operate under the Together with Morrisons model in 2023 after working with Nisa for 40 years.
Jempson’s milestone
The independent retailer recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. Over two weeks in June to mark the milestone, Jempson’s hosted a raft of activities including supplier tasting, entertainment for children, and a cooking demonstration by celebrity chef James Martin, which sold 600 tickets.
As part of the anniversary, Jempson’s announced it was planning a multimillion-pound investment at its 29,000 sq ft Peasmarsh site, including a new fuel station, jet and car washes, electric charging points and garden centre, with the aim of making it a “flagship, one-stop destination store”. The plans will be submitted this autumn.
It is looking to develop its butchery department at Peasmarsh to focus “more on traditional butchery skills”, and will be launching its own-label frozen ready meal range in six weeks.
“I’m very proud to hit our 90th anniversary, but what surprises me is the support and loyalty we get from our customers, colleagues, and local suppliers,” said Jempson. “So we like to use these opportunities to thank them for helping us progress.
“Our partnership with Morrisons has given us our credibility back and the opportunity to compete against the multiples on price and promotions. But by adding our own expertise in what we make, in local sourcing, and being a window for artisan producers is what gives an overall great offer to our customers.”
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