The world’s oldest department store has invested in new trucks to take it back to its roots delivering goods to its customers.
Derby’s Bennetts store, which started as an ironmongers in 1734, relaunched last autumn as an online shop selling family gifts, home, garden accessories, food and drink.
The physical shop in the city’s Cathedral Quarter went into administration in early 2019 and the assets and goodwill were bought by Derby businessman Paul Hurst – who had previously restored and reopening The Old Bell Hotel in nearby Sadler Gate.
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Now the business has invested in the vehicles which it hopes will ensure its centuries-old reputation for customer service is matched in the modern world of online shopping.
Mr Hurst and his team are also continuing to work on securing premises so that the physical Bennetts store can return.
He said: “Bennetts has always been synonymous with great products, competitive prices and enviable customer service since the store opened in Derby in 1734 and we were adamant that this should be emulated online.
“We therefore carefully chose the best brands at comparable prices.
“Customer service has included ensuring all customer enquiries are answered personally and that all stock advertised is available in the Derby warehouse, so that we can hand pack immediately with lovely finishing touches and next day delivery.
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“However, the one area of the business that we did not have control of was delivery.
“We recently found 1970s drawings in the archives of the Bennetts delivery van livery. This set the wheels in motion for introducing our latest fleet of delivery vehicles.
“Having our own vehicles gives us complete control and flexibility as well as ensuring that all parcels are delivered with the care and attention they received when being picked and packed in our warehouse.
“As the Bennetts online offering has grown, we were surprised to find that two areas that have proved incredibly popular are London and Scotland.
“So much so, that we now have one vehicle designated to national deliveries and one serving our loyal local customers. It really is great seeing Bennetts become very popular on a nationwide scale.”
He said the new vehicles meet the latest emissions standards and are primed for delivering in low-emission zones up and down the country.
They are also fitted with technology which allows head office to keep an eye on progress when delivering and ensure that they are taking the most efficient route, keeping fuel use to a minimum.
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Over the coming weeks, Bennetts is launching a same day delivery service for customers based in the Derby area.
Mr Hurst said: “This is the perfect example of the power of small businesses such as ourselves who have the flexibility to swiftly make changes that make a huge difference to the customer experience.
“Our plan was always to maintain the Bennetts brand online alongside working to secure the right premises for the physical store.
“Negotiations are ongoing but we hope to see announce progress very soon.
“In the meantime, we are excited about the new summer ranges that will feature on the website and are confident that customer loyalty will be even greater now that we have the delivery quality in our control.”