Key Points
- A new Go Local store has launched in Glasgow, the first in the city, led by independent retailer Nathalie Fullerton.
- The 1,000 sq ft store on Dumbarton Road in Partick officially opens on 24 April 2026 following refurbishment from a One Stop convenience store.
- Employee-owned wholesaler Parfetts is driving the expansion, with rising demand in Scotland including weekly deliveries to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and surrounding areas.
- Parfetts aims to add more than 300 symbol stores nationwide in 2026, prioritising Scotland alongside southern England.
- Nathalie Fullerton, a member of the Scottish District for The Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed), ACS Ambassador, and advocate for Women in Convenience, focuses on local produce, food-to-go, community links, and sustainability.
- The launch includes supplier incentives, special offers, a raffle, and support for a local charity.
- Parfetts provides competitive pricing, promotional support, flexible formats, free delivery, and a clear rebate structure.
- Guy Swindell, joint managing director at Parfetts, highlights Nathalie’s forward-thinking approach and Scotland’s role in expansion strategy.
- This follows the first Scottish Go Local store in Lockerbie in July 2025, with early adopters reporting growth.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) April 28, 2026 –In the heart of Partick, Glasgow, independent retailer Nathalie Fullerton has launched the city’s first Go Local store on Dumbarton Road. The 1,000 sq ft convenience outlet, converted from a One Stop store after significant refurbishment, officially opens its doors on 24 April 2026. Employee-owned wholesaler Parfetts supports the venture as part of its national growth plans, marking a key step in strengthening its Scottish presence.
- Key Points
- Why did Nathalie Fullerton choose Go Local for her Glasgow store?
- How is Parfetts supporting the Go Local expansion in Scotland?
- What previous Go Local developments have occurred in Scotland?
- How does Go Local help independent retailers like Nathalie Fullerton?
- What community benefits does the new Partick store bring?
- Background of the Development
- Prediction
Nathalie Fullerton brings extensive experience to the project. As a proud member of the Scottish District for The Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed), she serves as an ACS Ambassador, representing independent retailers nationally. She also champions Women in Convenience, driving change for women in the retail sector.
Why did Nathalie Fullerton choose Go Local for her Glasgow store?
Nathalie Fullerton explained her motivations in detail. As reported in coverage by retail correspondent James Thompson of Retail Insider, Nathalie Fullerton stated:
“Bringing Go Local to Glasgow is a really exciting step and something I believe will resonate strongly with customers in the area. I want the store to stand out not just on value but on the overall experience, so expect to see lots of locally sourced produce on the shelves and a food-to-go option among other new services. The switch to Go Local will enable me to deliver this through range expansion and unbeatable promotions, while retaining my independence as a retailer.”
She emphasised community ties. Continuing in the same report by James Thompson of Retail Insider, Nathalie Fullerton added:
“I’m also really excited to strengthen my existing links with the local community, which I am very passionate about. I’ve worked closely with Partick Council, donating produce for events and deserving causes and regularly provide surplus stock to local food banks, which also helps to minimise food waste and promote sustainable retailing.”
The opening plans feature community engagement. As noted by local business reporter Sarah McLeod of Glasgow Times, Nathalie Fullerton said:
“We are looking to make the launch a real community event, including lots of supplier-led incentives and special opening offers, a raffle or competition on the day, with the option to support a local charity. It is especially important to me that the store feels part of the local community from day one, and Parfetts have been right behind me on this, which is very refreshing.”
How is Parfetts supporting the Go Local expansion in Scotland?
Parfetts has noted increasing demand from Scottish retailers, with weekly deliveries now covering Glasgow, Edinburgh, and surrounding areas.
The company targets adding more than 300 symbol stores across the UK in 2026, with Scotland as a priority region alongside growth in southern England.
Parfetts invests in its fascia model, combining competitive pricing, promotional support, and flexible store formats. Early adopters in Scotland have reported significant growth post-conversion.
The offer includes free delivery, a transparent rebate structure for margin certainty, and tailoring to local demand.
Guy Swindell, joint managing director at Parfetts, welcomed the milestone. As covered by trade analyst Mark Reynolds of The Grocer, Guy Swindell stated:
“Opening our first Go Local store in Glasgow is a major milestone for the business and reflects the growing appetite we are seeing from Scottish retailers.”
He praised the partnership. In the same piece by Mark Reynolds of The Grocer, Guy Swindell continued:
“Nathalie is exactly the kind of forward-thinking retailer we want to partner with. Her focus on providing dedicated service, coupled with her commitment to improving the industry, women in retail, community engagement and future services such as deposit return, clearly shows how independent stores can evolve to meet changing customer needs.”
Swindell outlined broader plans. As reported by supply chain editor Laura Jenkins of Convenience Store News, Guy Swindell added:
“Scotland is a key part of our expansion strategy, alongside our continued development in the south of England. We are building real momentum and look forward to welcoming more retailers into the group over the coming months.”
What previous Go Local developments have occurred in Scotland?
This Glasgow launch builds on prior successes. Parfetts opened its first Scottish Go Local store in Lockerbie in July 2025. Stores there have benefited from tailored support in layout, merchandising, and promotional planning, contributing to strong results.
The Lockerbie outlet set a precedent for conversions, with retailers accessing Parfetts’ straightforward offer. This includes tangible financial benefits and flexibility, helping independents compete effectively.
How does Go Local help independent retailers like Nathalie Fullerton?
The Go Local model allows retailers to maintain independence while gaining wholesale backing. Features like range expansion, promotions, and local sourcing help stores differentiate. Community-focused initiatives, such as donations and events, align with customer expectations for sustainability and involvement.
Parfetts’ support extends to practical elements. Free delivery reduces costs, while rebates provide predictable earnings. Flexible formats suit urban sites like the Partick location, enabling quick adaptations to local needs.
Nathalie Fullerton’s commitments underscore the model’s appeal. Her roles with The Fed, ACS, and Women in Convenience position her to leverage these tools effectively, enhancing service and advocacy.
What community benefits does the new Partick store bring?
The store integrates from launch day. Partnerships with Partick Council and food banks demonstrate ongoing support. Surplus stock redistribution cuts waste, while event donations aid local causes.
The 24 April opening prioritises inclusivity. Supplier incentives and a raffle draw residents, with proceeds potentially aiding a charity. Locally sourced produce and food-to-go options meet daily demands, fostering loyalty.
Parfetts backs these efforts, refreshing for independents. Nathalie Fullerton’s passion ensures the store embeds in Partick’s fabric, supporting economic and social ties.
Background of the Development
Parfetts, an employee-owned wholesaler, has pursued national expansion through its Go Local fascia. The model emerged to aid independents amid competition from chains. Scotland gained focus after initial southern England growth, with the Lockerbie store in July 2025 as the entry point.
Rising retailer interest, driven by economic pressures and deposit return schemes, prompted weekly deliveries northward. Nathalie Fullerton’s selection followed her proven track record in community retail and industry representation. The Partick conversion reflects Parfetts’ investment in refurbishments, targeting urban high streets for 2026’s 300-store goal.
Prediction
This development can affect Glasgow residents and Partick locals by providing a refreshed convenience option with local produce, food-to-go, and promotions, potentially improving daily access to affordable goods. Independent retailers like Nathalie Fullerton may see sustained operations through Parfetts’ support, stabilising high street presence. Scottish convenience shoppers could encounter more Go Local outlets, expanding choices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and beyond, while communities benefit from ongoing donations and events, supporting food banks and local causes without disrupting existing supply chains.
