Parfetts has appointed Graham Barton as general manager of its new Southampton depot, ahead of its opening later this year.
Barton brings more than four decades of experience in the wholesale and retail sector to the role, including a 33-year career at Palmer & Harvey and a recent management role at Bestway’s Fareham depot.
In his new position, Barton will spearhead the launch of Parfetts’ ninth UK depot in Southampton, which marks the first new cash & carry facility in the region in 25 years.
The 113,000 sq ft site at Hedge End Retail Park will create over 100 jobs and provide services to independent retailers across the south coast and Greater London.
“There’s a huge sense of pride and excitement about what we’re building here, not just bricks and mortar, but a new level of service, support and opportunity for independent retailers,” said Barton.
“We’ve already signed up hundreds of customers, and the enthusiasm from the retail community has been overwhelming. I’m proud and excited to be part of a company that values transparency, invests in its people and is wholly focused on making a difference for colleagues and customers alike.”
Supply chain managers Stuart Clark and Glenn Underwood will join Barton’s senior management team at the Southampton depot, alongside Hollie Whitfield as delivered manager, Nigel Drake to oversee goods-in, and Elaine Walker managing front-of-house operations.
Parfetts joint MD Noel Robinson added: “We’ve assembled an outstanding team that shares our values and vision. This depot is a milestone for Parfetts and a significant step forward for retailers in the region.
”With demand already strong and customer engagement high, the opening is set to be a landmark moment for independent retail across the south.”
The Southampton depot, which joins Parfetts’ existing depots in Aintree, Anfield, Birmingham, Halifax, Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Somercotes, and Stockport, will support the wholesaler’s Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local and Shop & Go fascia groups, and forms part of the business’s wider strategy to strengthen its national network.
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