Final Blakemore Wholesale depots to close

Swansea, Birmingham and Grimsby depots will be shut down

The remaining Blakemore Wholesale cash and carry depots are set to close after a suitable buyer could not be found.

Depots in Swansea, Birmingham and Grimsby will all be closing, following the closure on 29 June of its Bangor depot with the loss of 25 jobs. It has also closed depots in Killingworth, Barnsley and Newport.

Several depots have survived with fellow Landmark members United Wholesale Grocers acquiring Gateshead and Parfetts purchasing Middlesbrough. Bestway has taken over the Cardiff and Walsall depots.

Landmark Managing Director John Mills said: “We’re delighted that two depots were sold to Landmark members: Gateshead to United Wholesale Grocers and Middlesbrough to Parfetts. I’m confident that both depots will flourish with their new owners and are pleased that they are staying within the Landmark family.

“Two other depots are going to Bestway, so we’re pleased for the employees concerned. Obviously, it’s disappointing that the other depots are closing and we feel for the employees affected.

“The wholesale and cash & carry sector is under immense pressure with rising costs and monumental competition due to the multiple grocers’ recent moves. The UK needs a strong and vibrant independent wholesale channel and Landmark will continue to focus on providing excellent services to our many and varied wholesale members.”

Blakemore Wholesale depots