After ten and a half years KSD Wholesale has been forced to shut the door, writes Stuart Dick.

In an e-mail note to diyweek.net, Mr Dick said the closure was forced by declining independent retailer numbers, increasing competition in the supply channel, and the omnipresent supermarkets.

In the note he outlined the factors for the wholesaler's demise, which include:

1. a reduction in the number of independent hardware shops and garden centres;

2. an ever-growing BHF Direct Company, which meant his customers were being supplied direct by manufacturers at a similar buy-price to what he was paying before adding his margin;

3. the loss of his exclusive distribution rights to the Briers garden range following its takeover by Munro Brands and its subsequent change in distribution policy;

4. the fact that in many cases it is cheaper for him to buy small quantities of stock from the likes of Asda, Tesco and Poundland rather than buying direct from the manufacturer.

Mr Dick paid tribute to all his staff who have worked with him over the past 12 years and to what he called a 'rapidly diminishing group of loyal customers'.

Set up in 1997 by managing director Stuart Dick KSD Wholesale had grown its customer base to more than 300 customers all over Scotland from the Shetland Islands south.