From retail to logistics: Jarrolds Logistics celebrates one year of growth with The APC

In November 2023, Jarrolds & Sons Limited, more commonly known in the retail space for its award winning department store in the heart of Norwich, took a step into the world of logistics and joined the UK’s largest independent parcel delivery network, The APC, and from there, Jarrolds Logistics was born.

Jarrolds & Sons Limited is a privately owned business that was established in Suffolk in 1770, before moving to Norwich in 1823. Originally famous for its department stores, over the years, Jarrolds has expanded its business empire and now comprises retail, property, training, marketing and business services and more recently, logistics.

Jarrolds embraced the opportunity to acquire local business, RDM Distribution Limited, which had been a part of the APC delivery network for over 20 years, after seeing that The APC’s core values and the focus on quality and service aligned with the Jarrolds & Sons brand.

The delivery firm services local businesses within the NR postcode area, and has retained all employees from its previous owner who have already built strong relationships with customers in the local area.

Tom Burdett, Group Director of Finance and Strategic Operations said: “We knew we didn’t want to miss an opportunity to be a part of the UK’s largest independent delivery network whose core values aligned so perfectly with ours. The focus on quality and customer service that The APC has was a really key point for us in making our first move into the logistics space.”

Providing a complete customer experience.

The acquisition was the start of Jarrolds’ investment into logistics solutions, focused on providing a high quality e-commerce service throughout the entire customer journey.

The brand continues to grow from strength to strength, and has been recognised in a number of prestigious awards including being awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award at EDP Business Awards and Best Independent Department Store at the Drapers Independent Awards 2024.

The firm’s revenues are now stronger than pre-Covid, in spite of the challenges the high street and the wider retail sector is facing, a point that Jarrold’s puts down to the continued loyalty they have built with customers over the years.

Jarrolds Logistics has already begun to invest in expanding and redeveloping its warehouse, which will enable the business to offer warehousing and fulfilment services to new and existing customers, in addition to its next day delivery offering.

Tom commented: “We wanted to enhance our offer to customers and provide a complete end-to-end service from warehousing and fulfilment, offering retail space in our stores and e-commerce space on our website, to delivering the product during the final mile to consumers. Our customers can feel confident knowing they are receiving the quality of service they know and love throughout the whole customer journey.”

Giving local SMEs a national presence

In addition to the many service offerings under the Jarrolds & Sons portfolio, the business is also committed to supporting the local community and local SME businesses.

Throughout the year, Jarrolds hosts business community events; welcoming guest speakers, hosting panel discussions and opening miniature markets, inviting suppliers, corporate customers and local entrepreneurs in and around Norfolk, giving people the opportunity to network with fellow local businesses and showcase their products.

As part of Jarrolds’ ongoing commitment to nurturing Norfolk’s SME business community, it also announced the launch of the Jarrolds Growth Fund earlier this year, investing in a number of local businesses. The fund will be available again in 2025, with a launch date to be announced soon.

Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive at The APC, said: “Welcoming Jarrolds Logistics into The APC network last year made perfect sense. Our shared values and commitment to supporting and championing SME businesses across the UK – offering them a unique and accessible national network that connects them to opportunities and helps drive their growth and success – is, and always will be, in the core DNA of both our businesses.”

Find out more about Jarrolds Logistics: https://www.jarroldslogistics.co.uk/