In the wake of the government’s latest measures designed to reduce the rate of coronavirus infections, Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, has urged suppliers to work with wholesalers and retailers to ensure fair distribution of stock to all.
In a statement issued yesterday, he said: “We’re constantly monitoring changes in the economy, and in consumer shopping behaviours. And the early indicators show that consumers may be looking to purchase more of key product lines over growing concerns that we will see a return to panic shopping earlier in the year.”
While the wholesaler does not expect to see a repeat of the peak of panic buying as witnessed in April and May, Pervez highlighted that it was important to ensure supplies to local stores that played a crucial role throughout the pandemic.
“Many of the UK’s localised independent retailers are a literal lifeline for consumers who are vulnerable, cannot get home delivery slots or simply need more help,” he said.
“Recent research showed a significant uplift of 45% in shoppers using their local independent retailer and what none of us want to see, is a return to panic buying across retail in general. In particular, we want to avoid stock ‘shorting’ into independent retailers, which will simply exacerbate the challenges seen across grocery.”
Pervez stressed that Bestway was planning ahead and was already working with suppliers. It has contingency plans in place, alongside weekly, and sometimes daily, forward forecasting to ensure it can meet its customers’ needs.
He added: “We continue to operate a safe environment for our customers across our depots nationwide and, unlike many others, have continued with our pricing promotions throughout to ensure we give our retailers the optimum support and opportunity. Alongside safety in store under Covid-19 as a major factor, fair pricing has been highlighted as the most important issue for consumers when shopping in their local C-store.
“In order to give a voice and champion independent retailers, I would urge suppliers to remain diligent and aware of the importance of maintaining supplies into this vital sector, should grocery demand hit a spike in the days, or weeks, ahead.”
