Spar is a leading retail group that offers a range of advantages for independent retailers. By joining our group, retailers can benefit from a profitable multi-format retail strategy that caters to specific customer needs and is tailored to each store and community. We work closely with retailers, jointly developing stores to help them focus on driving sales and profit margins.
Membership with Spar comes with several attractive features. First and foremost, becoming a member is free for the first year, offering retailers an initial period to explore the benefits. Additionally, Spar provides a flexible approach to financial assistance, ensuring that each retailer receives the support they need. This includes various packages and credit terms, such as co-investment, in-store refurbishment, and equipment/leasing loans. We also offer help with third-party franchise agreements based on the size and type of store.
Our trading area agreement is dependent on individual arrangements with each retailer. Some members find value in having stores close to each other, as it enhances Spar’s overall profile within a particular area. Likewise, the minimum drop requirement is fully dependent on the specific needs of the independent retailer.
Ordering goods from Spar is convenient and versatile. We offer various ordering routes to retailers, including a full multi-temperature distribution service. This service encompasses six-day-a-week delivery, ensuring retailers have timely access to their stock. Alternatively, retailers can opt for single-pick stock ordering.
Spar takes pride in its extensive own-label range, consisting of close to 1,000 products. These products span across categories such as chilled, fresh, grocery, non-food, frozen, and beers, wines, and spirits. We ensure a diverse selection to meet the preferences and demands of our customers.
When it comes to fresh produce, chilled, and frozen foods, Spar excels in ensuring high-quality offerings. Our deliveries of fresh products, including bread, milk, and sandwiches, occur six days a week. This guarantees that customers always have access to fresh and essential items.
Spar recognizes the importance of Electronic Point of Sale (EPoS) systems to streamline operations. As such, we provide a variety of EPoS solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of our retailers. These solutions encompass stock management, promotions, electronic auditing, age-checking, customer credits and accounts, waste management, and credit and debit card processing.
Our commitment to consumer advertising sets us apart from our peers. Spar’s national marketing program focuses on driving consumer consideration, footfall, and increasing basket spend. We achieve this by delivering value through a national ‘low-prices every day’ campaign, an annual program of deals, and leveraging digital technology to drive footfall.
Spar offers a comprehensive range of promotions that are designed to drive footfall and sales at our stores. Retailers can benefit from our phased promotional program and seasonal deals, ensuring a steady flow of customers.
In terms of category management help, all five Spar wholesalers offer category management advice to independent retailers. We consistently conduct category reviews, ensuring that we promptly adopt new product developments.
Recently, Spar launched its new brand positioning, “The Joy of Living Locally,” which resonates with shoppers and sets us apart from other convenience retail brands. This positioning focuses on three pillars: “Value on your Doorstep,” “Nurture our Neighbourhoods,” and “Passionate about Local.” We have embedded this new brand positioning locally and nationally, and it is also integrated into all new store designs.
Spar understands the importance of support measures for retailers. To provide front-line support, we have dedicated business development managers in place. These managers assist Spar retailers with in-store operations, standards and compliance, sales and margin development, and business management.
Joining Spar as an independent retailer offers numerous advantages. Not only do we offer a quality range of products, but we also provide reliability to ensure a seamless retail experience. By choosing Spar, retailers can access a trusted brand that is known for its reputation. Furthermore, our wholesaler, Appleby Westward, shares our commitment to the community, aligning with the essence of what we do.
Spar stands out with an average store size of 1,700 sq. ft. and an average store turnover of £22,000 (excluding services and fuel). With 2,500 retail stores across the UK, our presence is widespread. Our fascias include Spar, Spar Market, Spar Express, and Eurospar.
Let’s hear from one of our satisfied members, Leslie Francis, the owner of Enham Shop & Post Office. Leslie has been a member of Spar for four years and has experienced a significant increase in turnover of at least 20% since joining. The store operates from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, and 8 am to 6 pm on Sundays.
If you are interested in joining Spar as a retailer or have any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us. You can visit our website, call us at 020 8426 3700, or find us on Twitter @SPARintheUK.
