Wholesale firm launches and moves into 75,000 sq ft space
A wholesale firm set up by a co-founder of Poundworld has launched and taken up 75,000 sq ft logistics space at Capitol Park, next to junction 37 of the M1 in Barnsley.
Gem Imports is a new wholesale company that specialises in Far East sourcing, supplying over 1,000 products to UK and EU markets via its website and purpose-built showroom.
The company is run by co-founder and ex-trading director at Poundworld Retail, Christopher Edwards Junior. It aims to sell to a wide range of customers including national retailers, online retailers, eBay and Amazon sellers, market traders, independent shops, cash and carry and commercial sectors.
Edwards is passionate about trading and has worked in the imports field for over 17 years’ since he co-founded one of the UK’s biggest retail chains, Poundworld Retail, after leaving school at the age of 16.
The new facility, built by Marshall Construction, has a purpose-built showroom, design studio and sourcing office. The company has recruited 20 staff and expects to grow rapidly providing a first-class service to its customers.
It has been supported by Barnsley Council’s Enterprising Barnsley investment team, who have provided help and advice alongside specialist business coaching.
Martin Beasley, Enterprising Barnsley group leader, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gem Imports to Barnsley and look forward to supporting its future growth. The company’s decision to move to the borough is great news, and we welcome the new opportunities this will bring to our local jobs market and Barnsley’s economy.”
Managing director Christopher Edwards said: “Gem Imports offers unrivalled wholesale prices, profit-generating merchandising solutions, ethical sourcing and valuable retail advice and guidance. We have a huge high-quality product range with new lines arriving weekly. I’m using my own retail experience to supply profitable, high margin products and to develop up and coming trends and craze lines to other retailers.
“Our location just off junction 37 of the M1 provides excellent access across Yorkshire and surrounding regions for our clients to visit us. Our new showroom environment is perfect for viewing the excellent range of fast-moving discount and pound line products we offer.”
