One Stop franchisee, Babu Sivaraja has just opened his fourth One Stop franchise in Craylands Lane, Swanscombe in Kent and is celebrating its success having previously only been able to run two stores in tandem.

“I was with another symbol group for eight years but I did all the cash and carry runs meaning I could only ever run two stores at a time. I joined One Stop earlier this year and have now doubled the business overnight with two more new store openings in less than six months!”

Babu is enjoying the ease with which he can run multiple sites at the touch of a button, with orders generated automatically and flexible deliveries across ambient and fresh products

Babu’s latest store is nestled in the middle of the village of Swanscombe and is surrounded by houses and a leisure centre, meaning there are plenty of customers living close by and lots of passing trade. Talking about the opening Babu explains: “Since opening we have been busy, with customers keen to take a look round the store which looks really fresh and inviting. They were interested in the fresh produce we supply and the promotions we have on offer which rival even the biggest supermarkets.”

John Miller, Head of Franchise at One Stop comments: “It’s been great for Babu to progress with growing his business portfolio quicker than he expected. He talks about finding the ‘formula’ which he replicates to open a store to the same high standard as his last one. And he’s right, there is a successful formula which allows franchisees to systematically open stores with ease and run them remotely.”

Babu explains: “The technology and back-office systems allow me to run my stores from anywhere. Obviously, I can’t be in all of the stores at the same time but now I can get a clear overview of all of them from one location – even from home.”

One Stop rolled out a brand new, state of the art EPOS system to all of its almost 1,000 core and franchise stores in 2020. The multi-million pound investment was designed to improve efficiencies in store, save colleagues’ time and provide a best-in-class platform for future developments. 

John Miller continues: “We are seeing a growing trend within our franchise portfolio for multiple store ownership and this is largely down to the technology which simplifies the systems and allows for offsite usage, as well as being able to replicate the business model across stores.  

“Alongside the EPOS system we have also invested in Wi-fi for all our stores helping to make the system real-time and improve efficiencies further. All franchisees receive the same technology as part of the One Stop inclusive package, so it’s an exciting proposition and has led to the surge in our growth.”

Babu also believes the growth in his store portfolio is also down to the relationships he has quickly fostered with One Stop Franchise and explains: “I really can’t thank the team at One Stop enough. They’re always on hand to help from the store launch to when we first had an order in. For me this has made a huge difference and instilled confidence when running my business.

“My dad always had convenience shops and I started my first business in 2014, so I can see how far things have come and how advanced One Stop is.”

John Miller concludes: “We’ve been proud to support Babu with opening another fresh modern stores that fully services the needs of and is welcomed by the local community. We provide a market leading package of tools and products to allow franchisees to offer customers the very best and we are delighted that Babu has seen so much success in his first year with the One Stop brand.”