Major investment and expansion boosts Savage & WhittenSavage & Whitten certainly has something

to shout about this year as it celebrates its centenary, with origins dating as far back as 1916. However, the business has continually evolved over the last number of years to become one of the largest independent wholesaler in Ireland.

Continual investment in both infrastructure and personnel has proved invaluable as the company has experienced phenomenal growth, especially during the last decade. Furthermore this certainly isn’t a company that’s stands still as 2015 was yet again another significant year for major investments and expansion.

August saw the launch of S&W’s new Chilled, Fresh & Frozen Operation, which provided an additional 1,500 products to supply the Today’s store network as well as independent traders north and south of the border. This major investment has certainly come at a most critical time as the sector is experiencing a huge shift in consumer trends toward fresh foods.

Mark Windebank, managing director, told Ulster Grocer how this new professional operation provides an excellent and complete service to all its customers.

Coupled with the new chilled launch, S&W’s investments continued and September saw the move to a new state-of-the-art, purpose-built 80,000-square-foot ambient warehouse. This move created an additional 40% capacity, which the company will require for the continual growth of the business in the coming years.

Savage & Whitten is now seen as a major employer in the Newry area with employment levels almost doubling over recent years to

146 employees, along with jobs created for a further 50 people in company-owned stores.

Investment in technology has been core to the success of the business, especially the website which now accounts for almost 65% of all orders now received plus this also allows customers more time to focus on the front end of their business instead of being tied up unnecessarily. This online facility allows customers to view 6000-plus pictorial lines, giving them access to online statements, invoices and order history at a time convenient to them.

A large part of the phenomenal growth has been attributable to the huge success of the Today’s symbol during the last six years. Since launching the first Today’s symbol store at the end of 2009, there are currently 110 stores in Northern Ireland operating under the Today’s Local, Extra and Express fascia plus a further 11 stores in the Republic of Ireland. Michael Skelton, sales director, told UG the company also has huge expansion plans for the symbol in the South.

The success of the Today’s symbol has not only been attributable to the No Fees, Non Contractual approach but more importantly to the support services given to retailers such as a full store development package including imagery, EPOS, category management, marketing, and sales support for each store.

S&W is delighted to announce an industry first with the launch of the BIG DL App (downloadable via Smart phones) which allows retailers to engage with consumers to provide a bird’s eye view of the best deals on the high street. Today’s symbol stores are now offering exclusive deals via the BIG DL App. This allows retailers to reach a demographic

which is more digitally response. This will also help increase footfall and revenue, with the added option to win prizes on a daily basis and keep consumers engaged.

Mark Windebank has enshrined a strong focus on customer service and often quotes the need to listen to our customers. With customer services always being at the core of S&W Wholesale, this was recognised earlier this year as S&W scooped one of the FWD Gold Medal Awards in London for Wholesale Service to Retailers. This award recognises the implementation of improved customer service in terms of business advice and support to retailers, as well as store standards, customer education and overall understanding for the needs of the retail customer.

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August saw the launch of S&W’s newChilled, Fresh & Frozen Operation, which provided an additional 1,500 products to supply the Today’s store network as well as independent traders north and south.”

TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DrinkS COMPAniES

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk

The BIG DL App allows retailers to engage with consumers to provide a bird’s eye view of the best deals on the high street.

Savage & Whitten Managing Director Mark Windebank.

For a profi table future, start thinking Today’s...

S&W Wholesale, Carnbane Business Park, Newry BT35 6QH T : 028302 63521 F : 028302 63143 E : info@sandwni.com www.savageandwhitten.com

...with a package that includes:• Extra, Local and Express fascia options• Full store development package• 3 weekly consumer promotions• Full store category management

• Imagery• Drop shipments• Store support• EPOS

New Chilled, Frozen & Fresh Range Now available

Todays Advert A4 Ulster Grocer Yearbook Jan 16.indd 1 11/01/2016 22:06:56