Bestway has increased the minimum threshold for free deliveries from £1,000 to £1,250.

A notice posted by the wholesaler in October said the newly raised minimum spend excludes tobacco and VAT. Similarly, any orders between £1,000 and £1,249 will incur a £30 delivery service charge + VAT. Any order under £1,000 will not be eligible for delivery.

One Bestway retailer told Better Retailing that the increase would be detrimental to smaller-format shops. They said: “Costs are rising everywhere and everyone has to shop around to get the best prices. The increase will make it more difficult for retailers, especially those who run small shops.”

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However, one industry source added: “If you are a reasonable convenience store with two ambient deliveries a week, it shouldn’t make a difference at all. It looks like Bestway is tightening delivery efficiencies.”

Bestway has been approached for further comment

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