Parfetts Cash & Carry is exploring the possibility of offering a delivered service to its Go Local Extra customers – the top tier of its retail club members.

Until now the wholesaler has resisted a delivered service offering for fear it could detract the rest of the business. But this could mark a change of direction as the group focuses on improving service to customers.

Parfetts chairman Steve Parfett said: “We’re currently thinking about whether we might deliver to the top tier of Go Local – that’s certainly a serious consideration.

[pull_quote_center] We’re currently thinking about whether we might deliver to the top tier of Go Local – that’s certainly a serious consideration – Steve Parfett[/pull_quote_center]

“We aren’t for the foreseeable future going to offer any sort of global delivery service to customers, but considering the importance of Go Local to us we are certainly considering the position on delivery for them.”

Parfetts is already developing a click and collect offer, aimed primarily but not exclusively at Go Local members, including wireless LAN networks in depot with wrist computers to enable accurate picking.

There are currently 1,000 Go Local members, and just over 100 have fascias so far, but the chairman says interest among retailers in having a fascia is now “snowballing”.

To read Steve Parfett’s advice for independent retailers read Retail Express on Tuesday, February 25