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Kitwave's growth boosted by strong demand, operational investments

Kitwave's growth boosted by strong demand, operational investments

Wholesale group Kitwave reported today (3) that it has enjoyed a "robust" summer, putting it on track for strong full-year results in line with expectations.

The North Shields-based owner of wholesale businesses for the independent retail sector said that it had seen strong customer demand over the four months to the end of August, a time that is traditionally its busiest of the calendar.


Kitwave stated today, "The Board is pleased to report that trading over the summer, traditionally the busiest period for the Group, has been robust. As such, the Group remains confident of delivering financial results in line with expectations for the full year ending 31 October 2024.

"As well as strong customer demand, the Group's performance also benefitted from operational investments made earlier in the year, including the installation of voice-picking technology at the Northern ambient hub, and the trade from Wilds of Oldham and Total Foodservice Solutions, our most recent acquisitions. The integration of Wilds of Oldham is now complete while the integration of Total Foodservice Solutions is proceeding as planned."

Kitwave has also confirmed that the construction work for its new 80,000 sq. ft Foodservice distribution site in the Southwest has been completed and is on track to be fully operational by the financial year end. This will enable the consolidation of three sites into one and further integrates the WestCountry and M.J. Baker businesses.

Ben Maxted, Chief Executive Officer of Kitwave, commented, "The Group continues to execute its growth objectives successfully. The combination of strong sales and the positive effects of the operational investment made earlier in the year, means we are confident of delivering results in line with market expectations for the full year.

"At the same time, the integration of our recent acquisitions has progressed as expected and the new Southwest distribution centre is on track to be fully operational by the financial year end."

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National President Mo Razzaq 2024 serious 1 1
Fed National President Mo Razzaq

Indies: It’s criminal police and government turn blind eye to shoplifting

Independent retailers are demanding tougher police action, more bobbies on the beat and harsher punishments as shoplifting levels reach an all-time high, a new survey reveals.

A whopping ninety-one per cent of respondents to a survey conducted by the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) called for more police patrols on streets, while a similar number - 90 per cent - said that shoplifters should be handed harsher sentences.

Seven out of 10 respondents (72 per cent) said their stores had experienced shoplifting, break ins and damage to property, while they and their staff had been physically or verbally threatened.

Just under half of respondents (47 per cent) said they and their employees had been threatened or had suffered abuse and violence when asking for proof of age ahead of selling an age-restricted product.

Forty-four per cent reported that they and their staff had faced abuse or violence because they had refused to make a proxy sale – selling an age restricted product to a customer buying for a minor.

The results of the Fed’s survey came as new figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed that shoplifting was at a record high, with almost half a million offences recorded last year.

According to the ONS, 469,788 offences were logged by forces in the year to June 2024 – a 29 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

The ONS added that this figure was the highest since records began – in March 2003.

“Inadequate responses from the police and a slap on the wrist for offenders means that shoplifting is soaring, and offenders are becoming more aggressive and brazen,” said Fed National President Mo Razzaq.

“From the responses we received, it is clear that real action is needed by police, by courts and by the government to stem the overwhelming tide of crime against retailers and their staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and for their businesses to be protected against criminals.

“Fed members are also sending a clear message that one of the catalysts for verbal and physical abuse in stores is asking for proof of age before selling an age restricted product. If the government presses ahead with its plans to phase out smoking and vaping through a progressive ban to gradually end the sale of tobacco products across the country, independent retailers will be subject to even greater levels of violence, abuse and theft.”

Calling for action from the government and not just words, Mr Razzaq continued: “Without effective deterrent, criminals and opportunistic members of the public will continue to commit crimes.”

According to Ministry of Justice statistics, during the year to March 2024, 431 fines were handed out for retail theft under £100, while Home Office statistics for the same period show that 2,252 cautions were accepted for shoplifting.

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