Andrew Page expands its multi-channel business by 50%

Leading supplier of autoparts and workshop equipment, Andrew Page, has reported a 50 per cent growth in its channel retail business in the first four months of the year. Driven by significant updates to its retail offering, aimed at car enthusiasts and home engineers, the growth is a result of new in-branch retail outlets and improvements to the company’s e-commerce operations.

The Leeds-based company has added 12 new retail sites to its network in the last eight months alone, strengthening Andrew Page’s coverage and reaching new areas with the launch of sites within the M25 and in Wales. The company has also refurbished its flagship store in Farnborough, Hampshire, with a new look and design and a refreshed stock profile to meet growing demand for car parts and accessories.

Working in conjunction with the physical stores, Andrew Page has added new user-friendly functions to its retail website, including live chat with ‘Mike and his Mechanic’ to provide real-time expert advice and support to visitors. The company’s online offering has been further boosted following the acquisition of specialist rival, Solid Auto, earlier this year, as well as the introduction of a click-and-collect function for all branches in the network.

Andrew Page has also launched a discount card scheme to strengthen customer relationships, providing opportunities for extra savings on all products bought through any of its channels. Card holders will have access to exclusive offers across the range, featuring products from over 200 brands covering car parts, accessories, cleaning products, maintenance equipment and fluids and lubricants.

To support the multi channel strategy, and as recognition of more car drivers searching for vehicle repairers online, Andrew Page is working closely with WhoCanFixMyCar.com to provide a fully-managed service to workshops and bridge the gap between the driver and the garage.

Mark Saunders, Andrew Page chief executive, said: “Our updated retail website reflects the growing consumer demand to be able to browse for products and complete purchases online. However, we firmly believe that you still need a physical presence so people can come in and interact with the team and the product directly. The results so far certainly support that approach, with 50 per cent of online orders being fulfilled through the in-store click-and-collect function.”

To find our more about what products are available and locate the nearest store, visit: https://retail.andrewpage.com/

ENDS

Note to Editors

About Andrew Page Limited

Having originally been founded by Andrew Page in 1917, his son James, formed Andrew Page Limited in 1946. The company is an independent distributor of quality vehicle components, workshop equipment, tools and diagnostics. From its Leeds headquarters it controls all nationwide branches and employs over 2,200 people.

The company has grown progressively and underlined its national reach. This includes purchasing the Camberley Auto Factors (CAF) branch network in the south of England in 2012, acquiring 21 Unipart Automotive branches following the collapse of the company in 2014, and more recently acquiring Japanese & Korean parts specialist Solid Auto.

Andrew Page supplies products from many of the world's leading automotive component makers, including Bosch, Unipart, LuK, Yuasa, QH and Mann & Hummel along with its own brands Solid Auto and Drivemaster.

The AP-Tech division meets customer requirements for tools and workshop equipment and reaches customers across the UK through its website www.ap-tech.co.uk. Auto Education is a training programme run by Andrew Page Limited and consists of 30 courses designed to improve and advance technicians’ skills to recognised national standards. Further information on the training courses and how to book can be found at: www.autoeducation.co.uk.

In June 2015 Andrew Page launched its online web store aimed at retail customers, including enthusiasts and professional technicians.

For further Andrew Page press information, please contact Torque:

Matt Sanger       – 020 7952 1079 or msanger@torqueagencygroup.com
Adam Forshaw   – 020 7952 1082 or aforshaw@torqueagencygroup.com