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COVER STORY PREMIER MJ'S, ROYTON

Premier MJ’s tops £1m mark in delivered sales

JUSTIN WHITAKER'S PREMIER MJ'S STORE IN ROYTON, OLDHAM HAS JUST PASSED THE £1M MARK IN HOME DELIVERY SALES IN JUST OVER 12 MONTHS

Premier, the UK’s biggest symbol group, has announced that Premier MJ’s store in Royton has just passed the £1m mark in home delivery sales. In a little over 12 months, the 30 minute delivery service has transformed Justin Whittaker’s business – and home delivery is now the most profitable part of the business.

The store averages between 100 and 120 deliveries a day Monday to Thursday, increasing to over 150 drops on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, with an increase in demand for deliveries after 5pm.

With a minimum drop of £10 and a delivery charge of up to £3.49, the store’s catchment is only three miles, which helps Justin and his team operate a smooth and efficient service. The average basket spend is over £25 and – because of the high fresh mix – margins are over 30%.

Justin now has four vehicles, all brightly coloured and branded, to raise more awareness of the service. At peak times, there can be up to eight members of the team working on deliveries and this continues to grow.

“I can’t actually believe that sales have hit £1m already,” said Justin. “Of course, we were very lucky to launch the service when we did, however we have worked really hard to exceed our customers’ expectations. Making sure we arrive within 30 minutes is crucial.

“In a little over 12 months, the 30 minute delivery service has transformed the business – and home delivery is now the most profitable part of the business.”

“We always offer great value as a Premier retailer and this has been a real advantage for us. We also have to ensure the quality of the items we are delivering – they have to be as perfect as bought in the shop. Customers demand this as delivering a substandard or damaged product means you will probably lose that customer forever.

“This is even more important when we know the majority of our 10 most popular products are fresh, such as milk, bread, bananas and mush“In a little over 12 months, the 30 minute rooms. Covid has definitely accelerated the success of delivery service has transformed the the service, but it’s here to stay and I’d encourage all business – and home delivery is now the retailers to start a delivery most profitable part of the business.” service. We are still growing strong and as far as I can see, the sky is the limit.”

Martyn Parkinson, Sales Director – Retail at Booker, adds: “Justin is a shining example of the true entrepreneurial spirit of Premier retailers across the country. The independent sector has never been more vibrant and this is because of retailers like Justin who continue to innovate their business and push it forward through technology.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Justin on this project and support his growth. To have a £1m delivery service from a store that is only 1,400sq ft is phenomenal and with margins at over 30% it makes perfect business sense. Any retailer who would like to know more can contact their local RDM or Booker branch.”