The Local opens new store in Hull

A new convenience store has opened in Hull as part of The Local network, completing an extensive refurbishment programme that has already proved popular with customers.

Prasath Balakrishnan, who acquired the store in February 2024, has partnered with Parfetts The Local, based on his experiences with Parfetts at his other store in Chesterfield, which he has operated for over four years. Prasath’s new store on Marfleet Lane in Hull was previously closed for five months before he acquired it, and the premises were gutted by the Parfetts shopfitting team.

Working closely with the team from Parfetts, Prasath has undertaken significant store improvements, including eye-catching fascia branding, new refrigeration units, shelving, lighting and a fully redesigned easy-to-shop interior. The complete overhaul of the 600 sq ft store layout makes it simpler for customers to shop from the wide range of produce available.

Commenting on his new store, Prasath said, “I’m very pleased with the store, and we’ve got off to a great start. With a range of offers and deals, Parfetts offers great value for money, which is what customers are looking for. This, combined with great products and a strong support team, were the main reasons for me wanting to partner with Parfetts in the first place, and as I already use Parfetts with my other store in Chesterfield, I know what they are all about. My experience tells me that price is very important to my customers, especially in the current climate, so it’s good to offer value for money, quality own-brand produce and lots of regular promotions, which helps to build loyalty.

“Partnering with Parfetts was the obvious choice for me and one that I am happy with. I wanted to offer something different to the local community from what they had before. There’s been a lot of interest since I opened at the end of last month, and weekly takings have increased week on week. With handy delivery from the Parfetts depot, I get stock delivered directly to my store free of charge, which I didn’t get from my previous wholesaler.

"The support is also first class, with a dedicated team who are always on hand to help me operate more efficiently, such as helping with merchandising when we officially opened as a new store. The level of support allows me to focus on what I’m good at, which is running the store, getting to know the customers and what they like and want to see on the shelves.”

Parfetts off-licence-focused fascia, The Local is on track to reach 100 stores in 2024. Parfetts is an employee-owned business, and its employees play a significant role in the company’s success and its retailers.

As more independent retailers choose Parfetts, the business has enjoyed record growth thanks largely to its focus on great value and service from a team dedicated to the success of the retailers it supports.

Steve Moore, head of retail at Parfetts, said, “We've been working closely with Prasath to ensure the new store is well positioned to meet the needs of local customers. He has fully embraced the promotions we offer, which saw takings increasing steadily throughout the opening period. We are working with Prasath to continue this impressive growth trend and help him maximise the potential of the business. We are looking forward to building on this impressive early success as Prasath prepares for what is shaping up to be a very busy summer season and into the second half of the year.”