After its acquisition by Bestway was completed last month, Costcutter has confirmed that its supply contract with independent convenience store operator SimplyFresh will continue and run for a minimum of two years.
The new agreement continues the existing partnership between the two businesses, which began in 2009. It aims to support SimplyFresh as it accelerates plans to develop its existing chain and attract new retailers into the symbol group.
The latest arrangement will also include Costcutter’s team expanding the day to day support and management that it currently provides directly to SimplyFresh retailers.
Dawood Pervez, Managing Director at Bestway Wholesale, said: “The continuation of this partnership is great news for all parties, especially SimplyFresh retailers who will continue to benefit from the expertise of both brands to help them meet the needs and expectations of today’s modern convenience shoppers.”
Mike Hollis, Retail Director at Costcutter, added: “SimplyFresh retailers really value the underlying offer and support that we provide them, including our extensive range and access to the Co-op own brand. Furthermore, our Shopper First business growth programme combined with our partnership approach, provides independent retailers with both the tools and flexibility to thrive in their local market.”
At the end of last year, SimplyFresh confirmed that it planned to roll out its other wholesale supply partnership with Sainsbury’s. SimplyFresh began working with the supermarket group at the start of 2020. Sainsbury’s supplied around 2,000 own label and branded grocery lines to a SimplyFresh outlet in Willesden, North London, with the trial subsequently extended to some other stores.
Tim Chalk, Chief Executive of SimplyFresh said: “Over the years our retailers have built an incredibly loyal customer base and we want to ensure they are able to continue to grow. We have always adopted a right fit model for our new and existing store selection and it is clear that having both Costcutter and Sainsbury’s supply allows us to offer unique flexibility.”
NAM Implications:
- A classic ‘if it works, why fix it’ situation.
- i.e business as usual, given excellence in execution…
- …and more of the same.
- Watch this space!
