Gardners opens sister company in France to mitigate 'frustrations' of Brexit

Wholesaler Gardners is opening a separate sister company in France to mitigate the "frustrations, paperwork, and additional costs" for European customers since the beginning of 2021 due to the changes introduced by Brexit.

Gardners' (UK) parent company, The Little Group said Gardners EU "offers the same great range of 500,000 + books, film, music, and merchandise as Gardners (UK) but without the administrative complications and costs". It added: "This new business provides our suppliers and customers with the seamless service they have come to expect. As we progress into 2022 additional services will be added to our European offer, enhancing this offering further".

Gardners EU will sit alongside Gardners UK and the two businesses will "work alongside each other to form a cohesive partnership allowing customers to order quickly and hassle free from within the EU" according to a press statement. It added: "There is a focus on intra-EU trade, so currently there are no customs charges, border fees or duty at the point of delivery. There are also no brokerage fees to contend with".

Existing Gardners (UK) customers can open an EU account, with both accounts running concurrently. Gardners EU will also accept new customers who want to have a single account only with Gardners EU. 

Nigel Wyman, sales and marketing director said: “At Gardners UK and the wider Little Group, we strive to offer customers the very best experience, and the service they need in this ever-changing landscape. With the support of the Little Group, the creation of Gardners EU means customers can continue to receive the best possible service that they can expect. We are very excited to see how Gardners EU will simplify and enhance our EU customers’ experience over the coming years.”

Simon Morley, buying director, said added: “This will enable publishers to work even more closely with us enabling the depth and range of their books to be purchased with speed and efficiency within the EU and removing the possible frustrations in the chain of supply.”

Retailers who would like more information on the move have been asked to contact sales@gardnerseu.com. Those who have an account with Gardners UK should contact their account manager for more details. Publishers should contact buying@gardnerseu.com.