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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

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.

If 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.

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Facts and figures about UK Retail

Third Biggest Ecommerce Market in the World after USA and China

In this section

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.

Source BMX

Hastings

The world's largest BMX online retailer. Queen's Award winners 2018. Ships to 80 countries from its distribution centre in Hastings.

AYM

Lewes

26-year-old fashion entrepreneur Alie Mackintosh created the £3m-turnover global fashion brand AYM in just five years.

Gardners Books

Eastbourne

Britain's leading wholesale book, DVDs, music CDs & vinyl distributor with the UK's largest in-stock catalogue. 350,000 sq ft warehouse.

King and McGaw

Newhaven

Art publisher & online retailer supplies prints and products to museums & galleries as well as direct to consumers from its 50,000 sq ft factory.

Kitty Clogs

Hastings

Combines contemporary in-house designs with the skill and craftsmanship of a small manufacturer of “träskor” [Swedish wooden clogs].

Freight HDD

Lewes

Selling commissioned household goods produced solely in the UK, opening opportunities for local invention in the retail space.

DapperM

Battle

Concept store in the heart of 1066 country, selling independent menswear & interior design to create the ultimate design experience.

A S Apothecary

Lewes

Small batch botanical distiller and apothecary, using local ingredients exclusive products and in-store treatment room.

Dyke and Dean

Hastings

Eddie Lloyd-Dyke & Oliver Dean's eclectic mix of homeware & lighting products are designed & manufactured in-house & sold worldwide.

Little Mashers

Hastings

Couple Claire & Andrew are graphic & product designers of fun, creative children's apparel, designed & made in-house, sold worldwide.

Dobell

Eastbourne

Global online retailer of men’s formal clothing, selling to over 60 countries worldwide.

Wild Bangarang

Seaford

Online clothing company specialising in licensed designs for the likes of Warner Brothers. All designed & manufactured in-house. 

One Small Shop

Hastings

Online & pop-up vegan & cruelty-free store selling natural skincare & ethical clothing, bags, accessories & homewares from the UK & Europe.

Brewers

Eastbourne

Family-run Brewers' first shop opened in Eastbourne in 1904 - now has 150 outlets in the UK supplying professional decorators.

Useful links

Guide to starting a retail business Celebrating Independents Food & Drink Health & Life Sciences Leisure & Lifestyle Get in touch
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