Spar UK’s managing director, Michael Fletcher, has highlighted new research from IGD showing that 68% of shoppers are now purchasing more own-label products due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking at the Spar Inspire retailer event, held at the Harrogate Convention Centre, Fletcher also pointed to further insights from the research, which revealed that 57% of shoppers would be willing to pay more for quality own-label products in convenience stores.

The event brought together Spar retailers from across the UK, showcasing a series of success stories and highlighting key areas of focus for the convenience sector.

Andrew Hall, deputy chairman and joint managing director of James Hall & Co. Ltd, used the event to announce the launch of 50 additional Spar international lines now available to Spar North of England retailers.

As part of the day’s presentations, 24 independently owned Spar stores were showcased as case studies, each reporting significant double-digit growth in both sales and gross profit within their respective categories.

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Leading Spar stores highlight the impact of food to go on their businesses

Speakers also addressed other major themes in convenience retail, including the increasing importance of food to go and coffee, evolving customer campaigns, retail technology, value and promotional strategies, and the role of fresh produce.

Retailer Bhavesh Parekh, who has been in convenience retail for 15 years, spoke about how he had “redefined” his business as a Spar independent.

He said: “My stores in Southport and Gregson Lane are both neighbourhood sites and neither really benefit from passing trade, however introducing food to go, including hot food as well as Cheeky Coffee, has driven significant growth.

“My sales at Southport have increased by 70% since I acquired the store in July 2020. I wondered if I could replicate it with my Gregson Lane site acquired in July 2021 and I’m thrilled to say I have exceeded that with a store sales increase of 81%. What is more, both of my stores are delivering strong profit margins too.”

Parekh also shared insights into his store improvements. “Changing the store layout in addition to reducing the space for news and magazines have been key,” he said.
“I have also grown my fresh food ranges, my bread and cake offer, and enhanced the merchandising of customer staples like eggs to achieve improved results. I am ecstatic with the progress and grateful for the support from James Hall & Co. Ltd.”

Peter Dodding, sales director at James Hall & Co. Ltd and chairman of the Spar Northern Guild, added: “The wealth of success stories in the morning sessions from across the Spar family were very impactful. These have been achieved by utilising our dedicated category management and fresh food sales teams to support either financial investment into a category or simply devoting time into an area to deliver improved performance.”

Read more EXCLUSIVE: Spar Scotland retailer revamps food-to-go