A new Go Local Extra store has launched in Gillingham - the first in Kent - run by experienced independent retailer, Nallaikumaran Sivarajah.
The opening marks a “significant milestone in Parfetts’ ongoing southern expansion,” the group said, transforming a previously unaffiliated store into a modern, fully-fitted convenience hub for the local community.
Known locally as Siva, the retailer previously ran the site as a small traditional convenience store and Post Office.
To take the business to the next level, Siva chose to invest significantly in the premises, knocking down internal walls to expand the trading floor and completely refitting the space.
The larger footprint accommodates a major increase in shelving and multiple new chillers. The infrastructure upgrade has allowed Siva to introduce an improved product range tailored to the Gillingham community, with further plans to add a food to go service for commuters.
Securing an alcohol licence was important for the store’s relaunch, and Parfetts worked directly with Gill Sherratt at Licensing Matters to navigate the application process, it said, successfully unlocking a vital revenue stream for the business.
Siva said: “I’ve run this store as Wards independently for years, but when it came to investing in a major extension, I wanted the structural advice and promotional strength that comes with a symbol group. Go Local Extra gave me that backing without forcing me to lose control of my business.
“Getting the alcohol licence was a huge benefit. To be honest, I don’t think we’d have got it over the line without Parfetts and Gill Sherratt stepping in to handle it.
“The feedback from our regular Post Office customers and new shoppers has been brilliant, and the extra chilled space means we can finally offer the choice the area needs.”
Guy Swindell, joint managing director at Parfetts, concluded: “Siva has developed an impressive store and we’re proud it’s our first in Kent. Retailers are looking for a partner that offers genuine flexibility, strong pricing, and proper operational support without restrictive contracts.
“By working closely with Siva we’ve shown why more independent retailers across the south, Wales and Scotland are moving over to Parfetts.”
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