First London ParkerStore opens for business
Parker Hannifin, in partnership with distributor Hopespare Ltd., has opened the first London ParkerStore, creating the first self-serve supermarket for hydraulics and pneumatics products in the capital. Products in the new store, run by Hopespare at Woodall Road in Enfield, are organised into categories and part numbers, which means customers can browse at leisure for items such as air brake parts, couplers and filters. There is an in-store ‘while-you-wait’ hose assembly service, so people can take a seat, enjoy a drink and watch their product being made. All store staff have received the British Fluid Power Association’s skills training programme and are qualified to assemble a hose correctly and safely. Store manager Richard Durrant commented: “We’ve moved away from the traditional trade counter format to a much more relaxed shopping experience, complete with customer seating and refreshments. People can pop in, browse around and handle product without any commitment to purchase. They decide what they want for themselves and just tell us if they want to buy something or need help solving technical problems.” He continued: “Our team has loads of experience in hydraulics and pneumatics and we’re used to handling all sorts of queries – from very technical industry problems, to diagnosing what’s needed from a picture on a customer’s mobile. And as an official Parker store, we also sell genuine parts and fittings that are guaranteed to match. So it’s much easier than ever to buy hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and motion control products in north London.” The new format store is already proving a hit with customers. Ben Bradford of Glendining Highways said: “We buy all sorts of hydraulic parts and air tools and with old trade counters, you can’t see anything. This shop is much better. Instead of relying on a book, you have loads of products on view and advice to help you get the right parts, first time round.” Rob Mead of BIZ Karts added: “It’s really well organised. Everything’s clean and modern, and the products are nicely displayed. They’ve made hoses and fittings for us and the staff were great to deal with, we wouldn’t go anywhere else now.” The store opening hours are 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 12.00noon on Saturday. Customers can also call the technical helpline on 0208 804 9001.Related stories
Events
-
Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week
05 - 06 June, 2024
NEC, Birmingham -
HILLHEAD 2024
25 June, 2024, 9:00 - 27 June, 2024, 16:00
Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, Derbyshire UK
