SPAR UK Outlines Investment Plans

Namnews, 25th October 2022

SPAR UK held its national conference in Gran Canaria earlier this month, with key executives meeting independent retailers and outlining their plans for the business.

Speaking at the event, Louise Hoste, SPAR UK’s Managing Director, said: “SPAR is delivering robust growth well ahead of the symbol sector and continues to report year-on-year sales increases. We are outperforming our competitor set in value growth and seeing smaller trips to stores growing by 10%. This footfall growth is a massive opportunity, especially when we capitalise on it with extra items in the basket.

“The convenience market is best placed for independent retailers and independent retailers are thriving with SPAR. The opportunity to grow is also supported by customer sentiment for wanting to continue to shop locally, and we want to support this sustained solid performance. That is why we are committing to investing £122m over the next 12 months in stores and supply chain, after spending £125m last year.”

She added: “There are some great customer opportunities to make us the force for the future as we continue to focus on our vision of being the most compelling and competitive convenience proposition in the country. We will do this by leveraging our unique partnership and the strength of our distinctive SPAR brand. We will provide innovative and profitable retail solutions to all our independent retailers, enabling them to serve local communities in ways that exceed customer expectations.”

NAM Implications:

• Smaller, more frequent local shopping trips suit SPAR.
• The issue is the extent to which heavy-hitting rivals drive down price to secure share…
• It’s going to be bloody out there…
• …wIth branded suppliers eager to secure brand share vs own label.
• Fingers crossed…