Locate

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Large wholesalers find the space they need in East Sussex while smaller independents bring character and individuality to every town.

Retail & Logistics

East Sussex is home to an eclectic mix of independent retail businesses from ground-breaking start-ups to knowledgeable family-owned businesses.

If you are thinking about starting a retail and/or distribution business, you will have thought about the location, whether physical space or online or both - all possibilities are open in East Sussex.

As the internet continues to dominate our lives, the simple high street retailer is evolving as habits and attitudes are changing. Consumers are demanding more experience-led leisure activities which have paved the way for food and drink experiences.

Retailers are utilising their creative powers of engagement and investigating additional channels to boost sales, maintain the customer experience and get people into their shops and onto their website. Physical stores have an opportunity to become attractions. For high streets to flourish - innovation, support and collaboration need to be the focus.

Locate East Sussex supports all independent sectors of the retail industry, from fashion to interiors to food and drink. We offer business advice and practical support to help new and growing retailers innovate and respond to the challenges of an ever-changing marketplace.

Facts and figures about UK Retail

Third Biggest Ecommerce Market in the World after USA and China

The multichannel high street

Technology gives retailers the chance to extend sales reach beyond the shop to distribute and export goods to the UK, Europe and beyond.

Source BMX is an example of the new generation of retail companies thriving in East Sussex. Rich and Marc Moore, the brothers behind Source BMX in Hastings, transformed their bedroom business into the world’s largest BMX retailer earning them a Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2018, in recognition of their soaring international sales. The company now exports daily to 80 countries worldwide with a £2.5m turnover.

Established 30 years ago, Gardners has grown to become a leading wholesaler of books, eBooks, music and film to retailers around the world. Based out of a 350,000 square foot facility in Eastbourne, it offers over half a million titles in stock and ready to ship same day.