Wholesaler Parfetts has announced the appointment of Graham Barton as general manager of its new Southampton depot, ahead of its opening later this year.
Barton has worked for more than four decades in the wholesale and retail sector, including a 33-year career at Palmer & Harvey and a recent management role at Bestway’s Fareham depot.
A native of Fareham, Barton is spearheading the launch of Parfetts’ ninth UK depot, 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 serve independent retailers across the South Coast and Greater London.
Barton said: “It’s an honour to be leading such a committed and experienced team at a time of real momentum for Parfetts. 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.
“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.”
Joining Barton at the helm of the Southampton depot is Stuart Clark and Glenn Underwood as supply chain managers, Hollie Whitfield as delivered manager, Nigel Drake overseeing goods-in, and Elaine Walker managing front-of-house operations.
Guy Swindell, joint managing director at Parfetts, said: “Graham’s appointment is a key part of our commitment to bringing Parfetts’ award-winning, employee-owned, wholesale model to the South Coast. His leadership experience and understanding of the industry will ensure Southampton gets off to a flying start.”
Noel Robinson, joint managing director of Parfetts, 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 will support Parfetts’ 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.
