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Time critical This month, John Wood is in Bristol to talk to traders about the wholesalers they use. Kanagalingam Jeevarasa Monika’s, Cotham (convenience store) Wholesalers used: I go to Bestway sometimes but mainly I shop at Booker – that’s where I buy most of my groceries, alcohol and confectionery. Bestway has a lot of spicy stuff like Indian food that Booker doesn’t have and is good for alcohol as well. I only took over the shop two months ago, and at the start I was going to Booker seven days a week because I didn’t know which stock was selling quickest. Now I go about five days a week, and I think in the future maybe four times will be enough. I visit Bestway about once a week. Plus points: Booker is close to my house. It is very quick compared to Bestway and is easy to shop. If I can’t find anything, the staff will help. If there is a queue they will call other staff on to the tills. Both are the same on price, I think, but some of my friends tell me that Bestway is cheaper than Booker. Suggestions for improvement: At Bestway I have to wait a long time at the tills. Time is important. When I go to Bestway, it takes an extra hour compared with Booker.
Plus points: Makro is cheaper and there is more variety than at Costco. I can get everything I need under one roof. I mainly buy disposables and ingredients such as mayonnaise. The prices are good at Costco, too, but the range is limited and I think it caters more for individuals than for businesses. The staff at Makro are helpful and friendly. Suggestions for improvement: When I am walking around Makro I see a lot of promotions that offer very good value but they don’t really cater for my business. I’ve never queued longer than a couple of minutes at Makro, but at Costco I can queue for up to half an hour.
Zargham Usmani Broadwalk Off Licence Wholesalers used: I use Bestway, Booker and Costco. I visit Bestway the most – about twice a week. At other times I order online. I like Bestway because I have a good credit limit, it will deliver to me, and the depot is nearer. Booker and Costco are about the same distance as each other from me, but they are a lot further than Bestway. I usually go to Booker fortnightly and to Costco weekly. Plus points: I use Costco for cigarettes and wines. It has a range of very good wines that no-one else has, and it also has some brands such as Brancott Estates that are cheaper than at other cash & carries. Bestway has more variety, although Booker has been increasing its range and now it has everything too. Costco has a more limited range, but it has the best prices, followed by Bestway and then Booker. They all do good promotions and this helps make Booker’s prices better. The staff at Bestway are helpful. Basically shopkeepers don’t have just one trolley; they have three or four and leave each trolley at the till to be processed while they continue shopping. I have never faced delays at Bestway.
Fast service is important to the owner of Monika’s.
Tracey Stones Blue Pig Sandwiches (caterer) Wholesalers used: Makro and Costco are the two cash & carries that I use. Costco is actually a lot closer to me than Makro, but I use Makro mostly because it ticks all the other boxes. I go there once or twice a week. I get my bread delivered from Herberts Bakery.
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• Cash & Carry Management • April 2013
This shop uses different wholesalers for different products.
www.cashandcarrymanagement.co.uk