Wholesale reliability for stock and service
chain issues even as they cope with the backlog and boom of
says Dave Francis, Sales Director of Kellars.
Richard Bailey, managing director, floorwise, emphasises the point about flexibility: “We are a network of independently owned and run distributors and this has always given us unique perspective and made us highly adaptable. With a second wave of lockdowns and a future that would suggest a rollercoaster of national and localised restrictions, this adaptability and speed of response will be even more apparent.
“Some large distributors have proven they are slower to adapt to market conditions and the trade has realised the benefit in working with smaller, independent wholesalers such as our members,” says Richard. “We’ve shown that the group can be as flexible as possible, supporting essential work throughout the lockdown and returning to normal operation much sooner than national operations have been able to manage.”
Richard added that since fully re-opening, his members have been exceptionally busy and while demand accounts for most of this, they have all reported an uptake in new customer enquiries, he said. “We’re working hard to make sure that we can continue to supply the floorwise branded range of installation products, accessories and underlays to keep the nation fitting.”
One large and growing wholesaler and distributor that has invested heavily in serving independent retailers is the
Likewise Group who open their new 80,000 ft2 national distribution hub in Morley, near Leeds, in January. This facility will complement a similar-sized centre in Sudbury in the South East and five regional logistics centres around the UK, backed by a fleet of 40 trucks and 10 vans.
Likewise’s growth has included the acquisition of key businesses including Manchester-based A&A, Lewis Abbott and Factory Flooring to help build an integrated distribution network with the highest levels of stock from some 80 suppliers in 19 countries.
As well as stock and service, CEO Tony Brewer has focused on giving retailers what they need to stay ahead of the market: “We want to ensure the retailer has a comprehensive collection of all types of flooring, including a continual launch of new products or colours to keep up with the change in consumer taste. This ongoing launch of new products keeps independents at the forefront of the market.
“Independent flooring retailers are often entrepreneurial owner/managed businesses and still secures a large share of the overall flooring market. To sustain that position, wholesalers have supplied millions of point-of-sale items to retailers which are vital to generate demand, said Tony.
Ballister is an independent distributor that serves customers in Greater London and the Thames Valley, from their West London and Reading branches. Over the past 10 months, Ballister have been very proactive in their stock management, so they have not been affected by the severe material shortages experienced by other distributors.
“Now, with only a few days left before the Christmas shutdown, stock availability and speed of service is paramount,” says Marius Lazar of Ballister. “We understand this and have taken steps to ensure we have the stock and manpower available to assist new and existing customers fulfil their promises to the end user.”
Ballister stock the most popular types of underlays, accessories, adhesives, floor preparation materials and floor fitting tools. In addition, Ballister can supply from stock a number ranges of floorcoverings, including carpets, wood flooring, laminate and LVT.
“The pandemic has been a big eye-opener for a lot of people,” says Doug Douglas of
Tradeco. “Retailers have had to question who they can rely on and make sure they are dealing with people who have the stocks and can deliver when they say the will.”
Tradeco is a fairly new wholesaler with a fairly old model of wholesaling that has all but disappeared as the sector has become more corporate. They specialise in Grade-B rolls, clearance, remnants and seconds across a full range of qualities and have seasoned flooring experts scouring Europe for the best deals.
This is a big operation with a team of 50 including 10 sales agents who can call on retailers with a sample box of 500 options. Based in Sheffield and with a fleet of 10 trucks and 10 vans serving the whole country, Tradeco has sold more than 100,000 rolls this year.
“We have had huge success,” says Doug. “The rolls racks are going
back in everywhere as retailers see the value opportunities at this end of the market.”
For more information:
Ballister • 020 8570 1668 • www.ballister.co.uk
Floorwise • 01509 673974 • www.floorwise.co.uk
Likewise • 01527 314000 • www.likewiseplc.com
Kellars • 0161 443 0970 •
www.kellars.co.uk
Solent • 01243 774623 • www.solentwholesale.com
Tradeco • 0114 212 4046 • www.tradeco.uk
