Find distributors and top retailers in the United Kingdom

Identifying the top retail chains in the United Kingdom where you can sell your products is relatively easy. Approaching and convincing them is a much bigger challenge.

It may be a better strategy to find a distributor first who can help you to get your products in smaller chains or individual stores, and then help you to get to the big names. Or to start online.

In this article you will find more information on the retail market and guidance on how to convince retailers and distributors to work with you.

The retail market in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is one of the larger economies of Europe, although not being part of the EU any more.

As of 2024, the United Kingdom’s population is estimated to be approximately 67.96 million. The population has shown a modest growth rate of around 0.35% from the previous year. It has a diverse set of overseas born populations, with the largest contributing countries being Poland, India, and Pakistan.

The UK has a mixed economy, which is the sixth-largest national economy in the world by nominal GDP. It is characterized by a highly developed and market-oriented sector. The largest city and capital is London, which is a major global city and financial center.

Opportunities in the UK retail market and Grocery Stores

In the United Kingdom you will find numerous retail outlets and retail chains, and this is where a lot of opportunities lie.

Apart from the bigger suppliers, the small suppliers are also making huge sales as they dominate the trends and cater to the price sensitive market. As more and more people are now using social media, small enterprises now have equal opportunities to secure a higher market share.

Another factor that has a major contribution to the growth of the grocery sector is the E-Revolution. There is a huge number of applications, delivery services and online shopping sites that enable consumers easy accessibility to a host of products.

Top-5 supermarkets in the United Kingdom

Tesco: Tesco leads the market with a significant annual turnover of €58.13 billion as of 2022. It is one of the largest retailers in the UK, operating 4,673 stores as of 2021 and employing 367,321 people.

Sainsbury’s: Sainsbury’s holds the second position with a turnover of €33.79 billion in 2021. Founded in 1869, it is one of the oldest supermarket chains in the UK and operates about 1,400 outlets.

Asda: Ranking third, Asda reported a turnover of €23.66 billion in 2021. The chain, founded in 1949, operates 633 stores and employs around 145,000 people.

Morrisons: Morrisons, with a turnover of €20.47 billion in 2021, takes the fourth spot. It has a network of 497 stores and over 100,000 employees.

Aldi: Aldi UK, with a reported revenue of €15.87 billion in 2021, ranks fifth. The chain has been expanding in the UK market and recently announced its 1,000th store opening, with plans for further expansion.

Distributor, retailer or web shop?

Most consumer products need at least one party in between. A distributor imports, stores and physically distributes your product, but rarely promotes it to consumers. A large retailer is the fastest route to the mass market, but is risk averse and often asks a listing fee.

A specialised web shop takes smaller volumes, but gives you reviews, pricing feedback and brand awareness within weeks.

Most exporters combine them: start where the barrier is lowest and use the sales data you gather there to convince the bigger names later.

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Finding a distributor in the United Kingdom in three steps

Step 1

Map the channel

List 10 to 15 distributors and retailers that already carry comparable products. Check which regions and store types they serve, and which brands they represent.

Step 2

Build a partner pitch

Your consumer sales deck is not enough. Show margin, rotation, returns and the support they get from you, with concrete figures from your home market.

Step 3

Approach and agree

Contact five to eight of them, propose a trial order or a pilot region, and settle pricing, minimum volumes, exclusivity and marketing support.