JW Filshill has been working with its suppliers to ensure a consistent flow of availability for customers during the coronavirus outbreak, although the wholesaler admits it has been a challenge to keep up with the surge in demand.
“Availability has been challenging but the main pressure has been volume,” said Craig Brown, Retail Sales Director. “There have been replenishment issues and it’s fair to say that everyone is struggling to keep up with demand.”
He added: “We’ve been working very closely with our suppliers so we can get deliveries out across the KeyStore estate, delivered customers, key accounts and through our Click & Collect facility at the depot in Hillington.”
However, Filshill has now introduced a 50-case cap on Click & Collect orders in order to ensure a “fair spread” of supply to retailers. “We’re not accepting any new accounts and have put restrictions on orders via the website and app – again to allow everyone to get what they need,” said Brown.
“This was essential to control manageable volume and we want to maintain availability in a calm, measured and fair way.”
He added that retailers have been receiving constant updates on the government’s coronavirus guidelines and kept informed of any changes to store deliveries. Brown also confirmed that the company has sourced social distancing floor vinyls and screens for KeyStore outlets to protect both staff and customers.
Advice on social distancing has also been issued to retailers and new measures to protect customers and staff using Click & Collect were implemented this week.
