For top notch brands at rock bottom prices

Sep 20 2007 By The Journal

SPECIALS North-East Cash and Carry owner Warren Clarke promises that he not only offers rock bottom prices, but also top-notch brands.

He explains that he caters for all retailers – from street traders to larger scale businesses: “We are mainly for people in business and professional people.

“We deal with retailers, market traders and even car-booters.”

Warren, 40, revealed how he started out in business: “I started as a retailer in December 1987. I have six retail shops, and now the cash and carry. We offer value in choice, employ around 40 people and have a turnover approaching £2m.”

Warren’s background could not be further away from the retail mogul he is today.

In fact he started his career as a horologist – a watch repairer in layman’s terms.
He worked at Northern Goldsmiths for five years, but was made redundant.

That is when he made the shift and went into business with his brother in 1987. They established one of the first discount stores in the region to compete with the supermarkets.

The first of their “Scoop” stores was located on Newcastle’s West Road. However, in business terms, the pair later decided to go their own ways. Warren started up Specials North East, maintaining the West Road location.

Now in addition to the West Road branch the company boasts retail stores in Wallsend, Blaydon, Gateshead, Benwell and South Shields.

But what Warren is particularly ambitious about is his new cash and carry – located on Transbritannia Enterprise Park, Blaydon – that was only opened in March of this year.

Warren said: “I found that all of the cash and carries in the North-East were closing down.

“You have your Makros, but they are open to the general public.

“If businesses buy from me then they are going to make a massive
profit. I buy my stock from all over the place – it’s quite a secretive thing.

“For the cash and carry I only put on 10% or 15%.”

Warren said that the cash and carry sells a vast range of goods – from toys to food.

He bought the 3,000ft warehouse that houses Specials North-East Cash and Carry freehold: “We are self funded and all of the money that we make stays in the area,” explains Warren. He added: “Our staff are very friendly and know most of our customers by their first name.”

Warren says that his company even provides other people with the opportunity to follow his path in becoming a successful entrepreneur: “There is an opportunity for people to become self employed as they are able to buy from our cash and carry – they know that they can come to me to get their stock.”

And on the run up to Christmas businesses can stock up on their festive goodies: “It’s getting busier and the Christmas ranges are coming in – lights and fibre optic trees.”

Specials North-East Cash and Carry: Unit 3, Banks Court, Transbritannia Enterprise Park, Blaydon, NE2 5NH. Tel: (0191) 414-4911.