Day-Today and USave wholesaler gears up for major five-year growth plan
BOSSES at United Wholesale Scotland (UWS) have revealed their ambitious plans to grow the business and become the perfect partner for its retailers and suppliers.
The major aim is to see turnover rise to £500million by 2030 – up from about £300million at the end of 2024.
A key part to achieving that will be a focus on its Day-Today and USave symbol store retailers as well as enhancing the UWS proposition for independent operators.
And to enable that, the wholesale arm of the business will also see significant improvements, including extensions for the M9 depot at Grangemouth and Maxwell Road site in Glasgow, as well as the addition of a new depot.
Although details for the latter were being kept secret, UWS managing director Chris Gallacher said negotiations were at an advanced stage as Scottish Grocer went to press.
The focus on symbol retailers includes a target for 150 stores to get substantial refits as well as the rollout of a bespoke EPOS set-up, called Upos, that will be powered by Scottish retail tech specialists MHouse.
Dozens of stores will be digitally enabled with the likes of screens for promotions and disruptor strips on shelf edges run by partner brands to encourage impulse purchases.
Recently appointed symbol director Mike Leonard will also assist retailers to get closer to the communities they serve, for example through charitable initiatives and support.
There will also be a bigger chilled and frozen range. Meanwhile, a United Retail Club will ensure independent customers get access to promotions.
A Loyalty Programme, Vape Club and Tobacco Club are also part of the plans to encourage retailer compliance with UWS promotions, gantries stocked with devices supplied only by UWS and cigarettes sold at RRP in order to drive consumer footfall.
An improved logistics service will include new tracking software to let retailers know when to expect deliveries from multi-temp trucks and a new app/website for placing orders.
UWS is already renowned for its technologically advanced proposition but this is set to be significantly enhanced in a number of ways.
An exciting digital Spin to Win engagement for shoppers will be available across all Day-Today outlets by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, retailers and suppliers will benefit from AI-driven buying and forecasting insights, the UWS data service and speedy electronic document and payment exchanges.
The health and wellbeing of its own staff is also a priority for UWS, which is a Real Living Wage employer and offers death in service programme for all employees and breakfast for depot workers.
Sustainability plans include use of solar power, vehicle telematics, tech to highlight what eco measures the firm should take next and joint efforts with suppliers.
Gallacher said: “Our aim is to have a great customer focus on availability, competitive pricing and first-class service.
“The growth plan intends to ensure UWS leads the market when it comes to activation, compliance, technology and supplier collaborations.
“We’re excited about what the next five years will bring for us and our partners.”
