Bestway Wholesale boss Dawood Pervez has urged suppliers to reconsider their priorities as the wholesaler faces ongoing issues getting hold of retail stock during the coronavirus outbreak.
Pervez thanked suppliers who have “wholeheartedly supported” Bestway but asked those who are still basing volumes on pre-coronavirus numbers to consider the massive change in shopping habits, with more people visiting c-stores since the outbreak began.
The problems mean Bestway is not accepting new customer registrations from retailers, although a good supply of catering-sized packs and pet products means it is once again welcoming caterers and pet businesses.
“The role of the independent local community store has never been more important,” said Pervez.
He added: “We’ve been working with our suppliers and campaigning on behalf of independent retail stores and community shops to stress the importance of supply through our sector, so that vital products can directly reach people’s homes whilst staying local in the face of social isolation.”
To further help vulnerable shoppers, Bestway has fast-tracked enrolment of stores onto the Uber Eats convenience home delivery programme; over 2,000 orders have been placed in the last few weeks.
Bestway is also registering Local Authorities and NHS trusts who need products to support those who are vulnerable or shielding, while a new initiative will help retailers offer food-boxes to vulnerable people.
