Jewson has opened the doors to its newly refurbished branch at Bridgwater, which becomes the first to feature its ‘Branch of the Future’ concept.
As part of its parent company STARK Building Materials UK’s ‘Trust in Better’ strategy, Jewson is implementing a comprehensive investment programme to optimise its branch network across the nation, including major refurbishments and new purpose-built distribution facilities. The Bridgwater branch in Somerset is the first to be totally transformed, representing a significant milestone on the national builders’ merchant’s stated “transformation journey to bring the UK’s hard-working professional tradespeople what they need to grow their own businesses.”
Featuring the new Jewson brand identity – unveiled recently at Jewson Live On Tour, the company’s industry engagement event that is currently being brought to customers at regional venues across the UK – the new look is said to symbolise the improvements the company has been making to its value proposition for customers, including range, availability, price and distribution enhancements.
For the wider rollout, Jewson has been actively asking customers for their feedback and the changes now being made are a direct response to ensure it provides an “extensive and expanding range of products” in addition to providing the high quality, consistent services professional tradespeople require.
“With our new Branch of the Future concept, we’re not copying anyone else in the market; instead, we’re carving out a new Jewson, and there is a wealth of features being implemented solely with the customer in mind.”
John Carter, CEO of STARK UK
The full rebrand and the Branch of the Future concept can now be seen at its Bridgwater depot. Previously a Jewson Civils Fraser outlet, the redesign is intended to ensure it is “easier and quicker for SME builders, carpenters, roofers, landscapers and more to find the range and availability they need for a whole job, with the product assortment positioned close together for efficiency.” SKUs have been increased from 3,000 to 4,500, for example, providing customers with everything they need under one roof.
Opening hours have been extended, with the branch open from 6:30am to 5:30pm, whilst extra vehicles have been added to the fleet to meet customers’ delivery requirements. In addition, the branch features covered drive-through loading bays and service areas so customers and their materials – including treated timber – aren’t exposed to the British weather.
The trade counter area, meanwhile, has been repositioned to occupy a central area near the front of the shop to provide a more welcoming environment for customers whilst also ensuring staff have full visibility of the shop. Clear signage directs customers to the well-merchandised product groups, whilst a separate Tool Hire counter is also in-situ close to the entrance to the warehouse area.
Further features include the availability of high quality food and drink, along with technology charging bays and modern meeting areas for project discussions and for customers to use with their own customers – all intended to ensure that it “feels like the branch is their own.”
Customers, colleagues and local dignitaries were invited to take a first look at the newly refurbished branch when it officially opened on 28th May 2024, with Jewson offering on-the-day giveaways, supplier trade deals, new account offers and free food and drink.
John Carter, CEO of STARK UK, said: “Bridgwater is the very first step on the exciting journey we’re taking here at Jewson to become the most trusted builders’ merchant for UK tradespeople.
“With our new Branch of the Future concept, we have a brilliant opportunity to create something that we believe is truly unique and valuable, with the backing of the STARK Group, Europe’s strongest and biggest chain of merchants. We’re not copying anyone else in the market; instead, we’re carving out a new Jewson, and there is a wealth of features being implemented solely with the customer in mind.”
John continued: “We’re dedicated to delivering great service, which is about the customer being acknowledged the minute they walk through the door; our teams being inherently inquisitive about what they’re working on, what’s going well, any challenges they’re facing and how we can help them. We’re relationship focused rather than transactional, and we’re there for the long-term value that we can offer to tradespeople and businesses – including how we can help them deliver an exceptional service to their own customers.
“We’ve made a commitment to listen and learn from customers when they start using our Bridgwater branch, because we want to be the very best there is out there. We want customers to be excited when they arrive and be excited about coming back again. I have every confidence that will be the case at the brilliant new Bridgwater branch, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in getting it to where it is today.”
Andy Jordan, Regional Managing Director for Jewson South West, added: “It has been fantastic to welcome so many members of the Bridgwater community to our new branch, taking a first look at everything we’re doing to look after our customers.
“Everything in our branch is designed around them to help them work efficiently, meet their own customers’ needs and to grow their own businesses. Our doors are firmly open for business, and we look forward to being an integral part of the day-to-day lives of professional tradespeople and builders from Bridgwater and the surrounding areas.”
As part of a philosophy of being a positive and active part of the communities it services, Jewson announced at the official opening that it will now be the main sponsor of the Western Football League. Formed in 1892, the league has 42 member clubs covering Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset plus parts of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The Western Football League’s chairman, John Pool, officially opened the Jewson Bridgwater branch with a ribbon cutting, with several players from Bridgwater United FC attending the event.
