Retailers who visited the annual trade day at Bestway’s depot in Brighton were given deals and free samples of products that sell well during Pride events, such as soft drinks, and tobacco and vape products.

The day was supported by several suppliers including Coca-Cola European Partners, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Red Bull and Kopparberg. 

According to Stuart Shaw, general manager of Bestway’s Brighton depot, the cash and carry benefited from a 40% increase in customers and a 65% sales rise on the day. He said: “A lot of local retailers are located on the Pride parade route and they can all cash in on the number of people who will visit the city over the weekend. We spent about six weeks planning the trade event, drumming up the interest of suppliers and retailers with flyers, emails and face-to-face contact, and thinking of ways to create theatre in depot on the day.”

He said the depot was visited by some new retailers, who received help from the Bestway team in selecting the products that will help them drive sales throughout Brighton Pride weekend, particularly beers, ciders and pre-mixed spirits. 

He added: “Most customers know about and look forward to our event and come into the depot looking for top selling products for Pride – it’s bigger than Christmas down here.”

Brighton Pride will take place from 2-4 August. 

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