News and Trends

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...

Namnews, 21st June 2022 ‘New World, New Opportunities’ was the key theme at the Blakemore Trade Partners’ SPAR Retail Show last week, with executives noting that the current market turmoil makes it an ideal time for independent retailers to join the symbol group. The conference and tradeshow took place at Telford International Centre and attracted over 1,000 suppliers, staff, and retailers from across SPAR UK’s Meridian & Welsh Guild. The event addressed the opportunities ahead for independent retailers and how SPAR and Blakemore Trade Partners are positioned to help them take advantage. A.F. Blakemore Group CEO Jerry Marwood explained: “I believe we run our business and our business partnerships in a way that’s different from our competitors. “SPAR is a truly independent brand working solely to drive sales for independent retailers. We’re here only to support your desire to be a successful independent business. “If ever there was a time to be part of a collective like SPAR, then i...

  21st October 2021, Namnews SPAR UK is launching a number of new frozen own label products to capitalise on the recent strong growth in the category. The five new SPAR products rolling out from 25 October are frozen Curly Fries (£1.50), Potato Wedges (£1.00), Corn on the Cob (£1.35), Raspberries (£2), and Blueberries (£2). Dave Wright, SPAR UK Brand Manager, said: “With consumers trust in the quality of our SPAR Brand lines, the increase in sales in SPAR stores is predicted to continue as shoppers look for value and look to reduce their food waste. “We will look to capitalise on this switch of shopping habits by bringing added interest to the range with these five new product lines.” The new frozen products will be supported in-store with POS as well as featuring on the symbol group’s digital channels.

  Namnews, 28th May 2021 At its virtual trade conference yesterday, SPAR unveiled plans to invest £125m in its stores, supply chain, and IT over the next 12 months to capitalise on its strong performance during the pandemic. After benefiting from the consumers shopping more locally during 2020, the convenience symbol group highlighted that its sales were still up 8.5% over the four weeks ended 28 March 2021, compared to the same period two years ago before the crisis. This growth is being driven by bigger baskets (+31%) and changes in the chain’s product mix and pack sizes. “Last year was a year which saw accelerated growth as a result of the dedication and focus of our colleagues. Therefore, we are going to support them by investing £125m in our business in the year ahead,” said SPAR UK Managing Director, Louise Hoste. “We will invest £100m in stores and we will invest £25m in improving our supply chain and IT capability – everything from depots to vans and electric bikes for home...

 Namnews,  9th April 2021 James Hall & Co, the SPAR wholesaler for the north of England, has announced that it will be hosting a virtual ‘Meet the Buyer’ event aimed at local businesses. Open to 1,600 members of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, the event on 18 May will enable local suppliers to meet the wholesaler’s trading team, who are responsible for sourcing products for over 600 SPAR stores across the north of England. Andrew Barnes, Trading Director at James Hall & Co, said: “If the last 12 months has taught us anything it’s the importance of local family businesses supporting one another. We’ve always tried to work with local suppliers, however big or small, but it’s now more vital than ever. It puts money back into local communities, helps reduce food miles in the supply chain, minimises environmental impact and helps develop sustainable, long-term partnerships. “We look forward to working with the Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and its m...