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Founded in 1968, the Holmes Group has been an integral part of the wholesaling
landscape in Northern Ireland for well over 30 years. During this
time the company has become firmly established as the market leader
in the Province’s wholesale / cash & carry sector servicing
the independent retail trade. Holmes Wholesale Services is a trading
division of J&J Haslett Ltd, which also owns and operates the
Mace franchise in Northern Ireland.
Holmes originated from Armstrongs Cash & Carry in Newtownards
prior to the purchase of the grocery division of Robert Holmes of
Ballymoney in 1970. The company subsequently achieved rapid growth
through the acquisition of other regional wholesalers and by the
end of 1971 had a total of 12 depots throughout Northern Ireland.
Holmes pursued its growth strategy through acquisitions until as
recently as 1998, with the purchase of Knox Cash & Carry in
Lurgan, and has been instrumental in driving consolidation within
the local wholesaling sector.
Today, Holmes Wholesale Services has an unrivalled regional coverage
in Northern Ireland with seven wholesale cash and carry facilities
located within easy reach of all major conurbations. An extensive
product range ensures that the company offers a one-stop-shop supply
solution for the independent retail, catering and licensed trade
backed by an aggressive promotional calendar and a personalised
local service.
In response to the constantly evolving needs of customers in recent
years, Holmes has supplemented its traditional cash and carry service
by providing a full delivered wholesale service for added convenience.
A dedicated field sales development team supports the delivered
wholesale service with additional backing from a centralised telesales
team.
Holmes has also recently developed an enhanced support package
for independent retailers through the operation of the XL
Stop & Shop symbol group. Membership of the group offers
retailers the benefits of a large symbol group while allowing the
retailer to remain independent.
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