Sugro has announced plans to develop the businesses of regional symbol group retailers amid senior management changes. 

Managing director Neil Turton, who left Nisa as CEO in 2015, told RN the buying group will have more involvement in trade shows, while offering more support to the wholesalers among its 77 members who have their own fascias. 

These symbol groups include Youings Wholesale’s Nearbuy fascia across Devon, and O’Reil- ly’s One 2 Shop business in Northern Ireland.  

“The huge emphasis over the next few years is helping our wholesalers improve the way they connect with retailers,” said Turton. “We have no plans to create our own symbol group.

 “However, there are a number of our wholesalers with their own fascias and we want to use our expertise to help areas such as merchandising, ranging and customer service. 

Following Turton’s appointment in September, former Blakemore Wholesale distribution director Raj Krishan joined as business development director in January. 

“Raj used to develop symbol groups for me when we were at Nisa, and one of the reasons for appointing him was to use this expertise.”

Turton added Sugro will be working in partnership with its members to launch new trade shows to demonstrate to retailers what support is offered as part of its Retail Club. 

With more than 2,000 retailers, Sugro’s Retail Club currently offers category advice, point of sale and unique promotions. 

“We want to get the message directly to retailers through trade shows, such as the upcoming event that is due to be held by Youings in February,” he said. 

“We haven’t done this before and want retailers to be able to benefit.”

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