British Corner Shop has opened a European distribution centre as it looks to meet growing demand for British brands from UK customers living on the continent.
The Bristol-based online grocer says it is now distributing to Europe from the Netherlands, following a surge in demand for the goods it sells. This is the first time the retailer has opened a warehouse in mainland Europe, and it will serve customers from Europe and beyond from the site. British Corner Shop sells to customers around the world, many of whom are originally from the UK.
The new 125,000 sq ft unit is designed to hold a wide range of goods, including many that are not easily available in European supermarkets. It currently has 2,000 different products in stock.
The opening comes as the retailer looks to combat the “challenging effects” of trade barriers between the UK and Europe, put in place as a result of Brexit. It will also help meet demand that has been high because many British residents in Europe have not been able to travel back to the UK for some time.
Jon Farrar, head of marketing at British Corner Shop says: “Expanding our warehouse space is a crucial step in our growth strategy, so we can continue to support the expat community at a time when they need us the most. We have seen an influx of customers shopping online for both essentials and nostalgic items and the expansion of our warehouse space into Europe will have a massive impact on the speed and efficiency of our operation.
He says that delivery times to Europe will be significantly faster as a result of the new warehouse.
“We’re thrilled to be able to once again serve our loyal customers, and in return we have ensured that all European Union orders will be free of any additional customs fees or duties,” says Farrar. “We have had to adapt very quickly to the changes brought on by both Brexit and the Covid-19 lockdown and are excited to be taking this swift expansion in our stride.”
