Jollyes, The Pet People, announces major North West investment with supply chain partner Wincanton

‘Backhauling’ agreements with key suppliers to help drive down road miles. First Jollyes-branded trucks to hit the road in May

Nationwide pet retailer Jollyes today confirmed it had extended its logistics partnership with supply chain specialist Wincanton for two years, in a significant and transformational contract for the business.

Since 2019, Wincanton has provided warehouse and distribution services to Jollyes stores across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, operating from its multi-user warehouse in Wigan, Greater Manchester.

The new transport and warehouse contract will see Wincanton store, pick and deliver over three million cases of products per year, replenishing all 70-plus Jollyes stores and fulfilling over 7,000 deliveries each year.

The operation is supported by Wincanton’s warehouse management system (WMS) to deliver tailored inventory management, item tracking and performance reporting.

The extended contract will help support Jollyes’ ambitious growth plans that will see it open 20 new stores in the next 12 months alongside further acquisitions which have recently seen nationwide store locations grow to over 70 for the first time.

The new contract will also incorporate ‘backhauling’ agreements that will see Jollyes take responsibility for picking up products from six key suppliers on their return to Wigan, taking lorries off the road and reducing road miles.

Suppliers involved in the programme include Mars, Gold Line, GA Pet Food Partners, Blazers, Pets Choice and Johnsons Veterinary.

Eight lorries sporting new Jollyes livery will hit the roads in May. Carrying messages such as “No Treats Are Left in This Lorry Overnight”, the lorries will bring Jollyes’ refreshed branding in support of the pet parents of Britain to the highways of Britain.

Joe Wykes, chief operating officer at Jollyes, said: “Our partnership with Wincanton is foundational for Jollyes and crucial to supporting our ambitious growth plans over the next three years. “What’s more the innovative backhauling agreements with our supplier partners to deliver significant environmental benefits as we reduce road miles”

Carl Moore, Managing Director of Digital and eFulfilment at Wincanton, commented:

“Our partnership with Jollyes is another demonstration of our strength in helping our customers ensure supply chain resilience. We relish the opportunity to continue to support Jollyes on their future growth journey and ensure we maintain consistent levels of service in tough market conditions all the way to 2024.

About Jollyes

From modest beginnings in Enfield as a single store in 1971, Jollyes has now grown into one of the leading pet food superstores with almost 70 locations across the UK alongside a market-leading position in Northern Ireland.

From Perth to Plymouth, Newry to Norwich, at Jollyes customers can find anything for their pet, from pet food, pet toys and an array of pet accessories.

Customers are actively encouraged to bring their pets into store, while customers shop because Jollyes people are passionate about pets.

Potty about puppies and crazy for cats, no matter what the animal, store colleagues are always on hand to help with anything from product advice, to picking the perfect pet and accessories.

Many stores also run community clinics offering vaccinations and other advice from trained vets. And if one of Jollyes stores isn’t close by, there’s helpful advice on Jollyes website where you can ask the expert.

Jollyes was recently named Pet Retail Chain of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards.