DRIVE-THROUGH DUCTSHOP - WORLD'S FIRST FOR BURY COMPANY

Ductwork trade supplier, Senior Hargreaves, have given their Bury ductshop a major refit and extended the range of products available to installers.  Following the lead given by retailers and fast food chains, they have made their trade counter operation a drive-through and introduced other changes to give better service and more choice.

Best known for their work on prestige buildings like Canary Wharf and Manchester's International Conference Centre, Hargreaves also have a thriving trade supplying local contractors with ductwork, fans, grilles, dampers and hundreds of other key components.  The stock range has been greatly expanded to include products relevant to electricians, plumbers and other trades.

Access to the Bury site has been improved.  A one-way system allows contractors to drive in from Cook Street, park up, place their order and wait in the comfort of a new reception with tea and coffee facilities, while Hargreaves staff pick their order and load their vehicle for them.

"The new reception is more like a car dealer's waiting room than a traditional trade counter and I am sure our customers will appreciate the improved facilities," commented Phil Johnson, Hargreaves general manager for ductshops.  Many contractors buy their supplies at the start of the day so the new drive-through at Bury will open from 7am right through to 5pm.  

Along with the new reception, Hargreaves has upgraded their IT systems to provide more information on what customers are buying.  "Just like Tesco and Sainsbury's, we will be able to look at purchase patterns and provide special incentives for loyal customers - this is a real revolution in trade retailing," Phil concluded. 

Plans are in hand to refit Hargreaves trade depots throughout the UK.  A new depot opening in Liverpool before the year-end will follow the Bury model and further refits will be rolled out through 2005.


More info: Phil Johnson, Senior Hargreaves, general manager - ductshops, Tel. +44 (0)161 764 5082 Fax. + 44 (0)161 762 2336 E: phil.johnson@senior-hargreaves.co.uk W: www.hargreaves-ductwork.co.uk

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/ha166/3868ha1a.htm

October 15, 2004