Parfetts has moved its operations to a 24/7 schedule whilst maintaining its standard depot opening hours to support its customers during the corona virus pandemic.
The company is also recruiting additional staff to enable it to cope with demand as well as absence through sickness and self-isolation. This includes field-based and head office staff being deployed in depots to help restock shelves and pick for online orders.
Furthermore, the employee-owned wholesaler has increased the deep cleaning of its depots in order to safeguard its customers and staff, with professional security teams also now employed to support staff across the estate.
Read more: Race appointed chairman of Parfetts’ trust board
Greg Suszczenia, joint managing director, says: “To date, I couldn’t be prouder of our colleagues and how the whole company has reacted in these unprecedented times. The most important thing for me right now is that our suppliers meet this change in demand and do not prioritise bigger customers; for me, it’s the reverse.
“Our customers are in the heart of communities. The overwhelming majority know many of their customers by name, and I continually hear heart-warming stories. This distribution channel must be supported because it massively over indexes in the demographics of those that are affected, particularly the elderly. Lockdown will be particularly tough for these people.
“Given the demand, we are also urging our retailers to maintain their standard pricing structure. Despite the odd one, It’s been pleasing to hear our retailers adhering to this and also introducing sensible consumer purchase limits on key lines.”
The wholesaler has also brought forward the July staff bonus payment to 9 April and paid it out at its maximum level.
Read more: Record turnover at Parfetts
