Jas Johal, managing director, Crown Cash and Carry
With a flourishing group of businesses, and a new travel agency about to open, it could be assumed the Johal family was losing its appetite for its cash and carry business serving hard-pressed independent retailers, but far from it.
Jas Johal, MD, says they will be investing in a new 35,000 sq ft purpose-built C& C to replace the depot at Ruislip, west London, in the next two years. And he adds that he has detected a new vibrancy about the independent sector.
The customer base has changed with a new generation of Sri Lankans and Afghans taking over independent stores. “They have been bringing in new initiatives and new energy, and kitting out their shops very nicely. The corner shop is here to stay.”
Johal has plenty of experience in
independent retailing, with the family having run a number of off-licences before moving up to drinks wholesaling by opening the Ruislip depot 16 years ago.
Back then, he says, with no computerisation, it was a lot more labour-intensive running stores. So, with the family business going well, stepping up into wholesaling was an attractive option.
Sixteen years on, they now have 2,000 customers on their books with 600 to 700 regulars. Some retailers visit every day, but a thriving delivered business has also been developed which accounts for 30% of turnover.
Johal and his team keep in touch with their market with regular visits to customers’ shops. “We call on customers in their shops to see what’s new and what’s selling,” he says.
His customers have two key concerns when they are in the depot, he says. “The price has to be right and availability is very important. Our customers know they can buy a lot of keenly priced items under one roof.”
As a member of Today’s, Crown also backs the Today’s own labels strongly. “It gives us an opportunity to promote brands our customers can’t get elsewhere.”
Despite the tight London job market, staffing is not a problem, says Johal. Some of the 20 depot staff previously worked in the Johals’ stores and he adds: “We are a family business and many of the staff are like extended family.”
With a flourishing group of businesses, and a new travel agency about to open, it could be assumed the Johal family was losing its appetite for its cash and carry business serving hard-pressed independent retailers, but far from it.
Jas Johal, MD, says they will be investing in a new 35,000 sq ft purpose-built C& C to replace the depot at Ruislip, west London, in the next two years. And he adds that he has detected a new vibrancy about the independent sector.
The customer base has changed with a new generation of Sri Lankans and Afghans taking over independent stores. “They have been bringing in new initiatives and new energy, and kitting out their shops very nicely. The corner shop is here to stay.”
Johal has plenty of experience in
independent retailing, with the family having run a number of off-licences before moving up to drinks wholesaling by opening the Ruislip depot 16 years ago.
Back then, he says, with no computerisation, it was a lot more labour-intensive running stores. So, with the family business going well, stepping up into wholesaling was an attractive option.
Sixteen years on, they now have 2,000 customers on their books with 600 to 700 regulars. Some retailers visit every day, but a thriving delivered business has also been developed which accounts for 30% of turnover.
Johal and his team keep in touch with their market with regular visits to customers’ shops. “We call on customers in their shops to see what’s new and what’s selling,” he says.
His customers have two key concerns when they are in the depot, he says. “The price has to be right and availability is very important. Our customers know they can buy a lot of keenly priced items under one roof.”
As a member of Today’s, Crown also backs the Today’s own labels strongly. “It gives us an opportunity to promote brands our customers can’t get elsewhere.”
Despite the tight London job market, staffing is not a problem, says Johal. Some of the 20 depot staff previously worked in the Johals’ stores and he adds: “We are a family business and many of the staff are like extended family.”
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