Booker’s latest range consolidation has forced retailers to shop at rival wholesalers to ensure their core range is fulfilled. 

Marlene Wood, of Comrie Post Office in Perthshire, told Better Retailing the retail range at the wholesaler’s Sterling depot had been “depleted” as part of its strategy to get rid of “bloated” lines announced last month. 

She added: “I’m totally independent, and it seems like Booker is trying to edge stores like mine out. There are empty shelves and they’ve put up posters saying they’re improving their catering and non-food section. For a retailer like me, it’s a nightmare. The other nearest depots are Dundee and Edinburgh, but they require a 100- mile round trip. There’s no point in me shopping at Booker, so I’m getting stock delivered from Filshill.” 

Another retailer, who asked not to be named, claimed their depot had recently removed regional crisps and ale lines, despite Booker’s promises to maintain local products. 

They added: “I’ve also seen availability of dairy, confectionery, toiletries and wine affected. It’s affected 20% of stock I’d usually get. Booker claimed it would protect regional products as part of its review, but I’ve seen delistings of certain lines, which says otherwise.” 

Update: Booker explains cuts to ‘bloated’ retail range

One store owner claimed they were no longer able to get soft drinks, mustard and pickles from their depot due to the review. 

Another added that they were going to give some of their business to Bestway, as they would be required to shop at multiple Booker branches to maintain their core range. 

The changes have also negatively affected delivered customers. More than 700 new lines were made available to Londis retailers last month, with nearly 300 being pricemarked (PMP) products. However, one retailer claimed many non-PMP lines had been replaced in the process, potentially affecting profitability across their store. 

They told Better Retailing: “I’ve seen it across key categories on groceries and soft drinks. The predicted impact on my store is a 10% decline in gross profit across the year, equivalent to an £8,000-to-£10,000 loss. It just happened without any feedback. Booker needs to understand I’m not a volume business, and higher margins are important for me.” 

Booker failed to comment as our print title RN went to print.