Palmer and Harvey has announced plans to merge its wholesale and direct vans sales teams; a move expected to bring increased benefits to independent retailers.
The restructure will create a single, focused sales team covering independent customers.
Historically, there have been two separate sales operations. With Palmer and Harvey wholesale sales, retailers have been able to order from a range of over 12,000 SKUs, delivered to their store, checked and unpacked by the driver.
In addition, Palmer and Harvey Direct Van Sales provides a direct to store ‘mobile cash and carry’ service for high demand essential items, which allows retailers to top up on core lines. The van sales reps also provide latest category advice and merchandising.
The new single sales force will sell the benefits of both services, combining the comprehensive pre-ordered, multi-temperature category offer, with the flexible and immediate van sales service, which enables retailers to top up, replenish, uptrade and benefit from POS placement and merchandising support.
Martyn Ward, managing director of wholesale at Palmer and Harvey, said:
“The current structure has allowed a certain degree of duplication in having two sales operations which often overlap.
“The new structure, which will come into force in December, allows one single point of contact for our valued independent retailers, making their own operations much simpler and Palmer and Harvey easier to do business with. It will enable us to offer a more comprehensive service, which is superior and differentiated from our competitors.
Retailers will now have improved access to a sales force of over 300 experienced Palmer and Harvey personnel and will retain their current ordering processes.
Noel Robinson, managing director of Palmer and Harvey Direct Van Sales, said:
“My team is extremely excited about playing a pivotal role in continuing to help independent retailers grow their businesses and sales.”
