OPINION
DAWOOD PERVEZ FAIR DISTRIBUTION DEAL
DON’T ‘SHORT’ INDEPENDENT RETAILERS, PERVEZ URGES SUPPLIERS
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BESTWAY WHOLESALE MD DAWOOD PERVEZ HAS CALLED ON SUPPLIERS TO ENSURE ‘FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF STOCK TO ALL’ AS THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO GROW IN SEVERITY.
n the wake of the latest government measures designed to tackle the spread of coronavirus infections alongside a return to full lockdown in certain regions, Bestway Wholesale MD Dawood Pervez has issued a forthright demand to suppliers to work with wholesalers and retailers to ensure “fair distribution of stock to all” and to avoid stock ‘shorting’ into independent retail. He says: “We’re constantly monitoring changes in the economy and in consumer shopping behaviours. The early indicators show that consumers may be looking to purchase more of key product lines and there are growing concerns that we will see a return to the panic shopping we saw earlier in the year. “While we do not expect consumer demand to reach the same levels that peaked in April and May of this year, it’s important that none of us forget the crucial role that local community stores have played throughout the Covid pandemic. Many of the UK’s local independent retailers are a literal lifeline for consumers who are vulnerable, cannot get home delivery slots or simply need more help. ”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. “Here at Bestway, we are planning ahead and working with suppliers, and listening to DEFRA for advice and to
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“In particular, we want to avoid stock ‘shorting’ into independent retailers which will simply exacerbate the challenges seen across grocery.” voice any concerns. We have put contingency plans in place alongside weekly, and sometimes daily, forward forecasting to ensure our customers’ needs can be met. “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”.
