Retailers struggling to source Christmas confectionery for their stores are being reassured there is ample stock.
With some shops facing shortages due to stock and driver disruption, management at Leicestershire confectionery wholesaler Hancocks are telling customers there is no need to panic buy.
Hancocks Loughborough store manager Dean Miller said its depot in the town has seen an increase in trade in recent weeks, but said they had more than 148 tonnes of sweets on site for independent retailers, online sweet sellers and other stockists.
He said the business had seen a rush of orders online after news reports of Christmas shortages and the ongoing impact of a shortage of HGV drivers.
Its cash and carry warehouse is in Jubilee Drive, Loughborough.
Mr Miller said: “Recent weeks have been busy both in store and click and collect with customers stocking up on both Halloween and Christmas.
“For Christmas, we’re definitely seeing local retailers stock up much earlier than normal but that’s not a bad thing.
“They’re definitely planning ahead, especially with last Christmas being such a muted celebration.
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“Confectionery is central to Christmas and with families more likely to celebrate together, it will play an important part in festive indulgences and gifts.
“Like all our stores, Loughborough offers traditional shopping as well as a click and collect option.
“Our online sales have grown considerably over the last two years, but the bricks and mortar stores are still and always will be hugely important to us.
“Not every customer likes to shop online, and we enjoy offering that personal touch and sharing our extensive confectionery knowledge which face to face interaction brings. There are also great deals and offers to be had in store.
“Our message to local retailers who haven’t stocked up or need to re-stock is that there is plenty of confectionery to go around.
“You and your customers will certainly be able to celebrate the festivities with all your favourite chocolates and sweets.”
Hancocks has nationwide cash and carry stores across the 海角视频 supplying 25,000 independent retailers.