Top 50 Indie The Kay Group has re-signed with Booker to supply its 24 forecourt shops, which are to continue with the Londis fascia.
The partnership, which began in 2021 with a two-store trial, will also include a new to industry site in Stafford, which is due to open in 2027.
Recently, the Blackburn-based forecourt operator completed a range and space review, supported by the food and drink wholesaler. A merchandising programme is now being rolled out across all sites, in the North of England, North Wales and the Midlands.
The Kay Group also plans a phased internal re-branding programme as part of a site refresh, focused on celebrating the heritage of the business using local imagery. One site is already completed.
And the business, headed by Ken Kay as owner and chief executive, plans to trial Booker’s Scoot home delivery platform at selected stores this year.
Stewart Fenn, Booker’s sales director of national accounts & proposition, says that Booker is “delighted ” to renew the contract through to 2032.
”Since the initial trial in 2021, we have built a strong and successful relationship founded on shared values, mutual trust and a commitment to delivering great convenience retailing for customers,” he adds.
“The Kay Group has invested significantly in its estate over recent years, and we’re proud to have supported that growth through our wholesale expertise, the strength of the Londis brand and our dedicated support teams.
”This renewed agreement reflects the success of our partnership to date and our confidence in the opportunities ahead as we continue to innovate together, including the roll-out of Scoot home delivery and further enhancements across the estate.”
Adam Howard, operations director at The Kay Group, adds: “The Kay Group are very pleased to extend our partnership with Booker.”
He says that both companies are ”aligned to ensure that we are well positioned in being able to provide our customers with a consistent product range”, which is regularly reviewed.
”I look forward to an ongoing successful partnership to meet our retail challenges and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for both parties to benefit from.”
