Top Spar stores revealed at Telford retail show

Spar Port Talbot won the double at the Spar Retail Show awards last Thursday, scooping the gong for best fresh retailer and best use of investment.

The store has been trading for four years, moving into a newly-built unit and turning it into a 2,000sq ft convenience store. The team started with eight metres of fresh space and one metre of food to go, which increased by a further 2.5 metres after a minor refit.

This year the store underwent its third refit, adding a post office and more floor space. It now takes an average of £38,000 per week.

Here’s a round-up of the other eight retailer awards, hosted by comedian Jason Manford (right):

Best independent forecourt – Spar Sleaford, Lincolnshire

Spar Sleaford has been trading in Holdingham, Lincolnshire, since 1972, joining Spar in 2011. The company is currently trading 7.5% up on year on year by combating declining tobacco and alcohol sales with fresh produce and food to go.

Best multi-site forecourt – Euro Garages Holtspur, Buckinghamshire

Euro Garages Holtspur were struggling to win their customers' confidence back when they changed from a Sainsbury’s to a Spar. The team introduced premium lines and improved their value offering, enabling them to bring customers back in.

Best people development – Spar London Road, Nottinghamshire

Spar London Road is operational for 22 hours, which requires a well-trained and motivated team to drive standards around the clock. Staff that perform at a high standard are rewarded, receive more training and get a more challenging role.

The big investment – Spar Gabalfa, Cardiff

Spar Gabalfa scooped the big investment award, which will help them respond to a number of competitors moving into their area by bringing in a hot drinks machine, food-to-go area and a new evening meal range under the Spar’s Tonight’s Tea brand. The investment is predicted to grow sales by 11%.

Baldwin trophy – White's of Calver, Derbyshire

The headline award of the night went to White’s of Calver, who joined Spar in 2002 and opened the first Spar Farm Shop in 2013, combining convenience with locally-sourced lines.  Spar Calver fought off local competition in 2017 by developing its forecourt and revamping its store to look similar to the farm shop. The stores together now take an average of £60,000 a week.

Best newcomer – Roadchef Strensham South, Worcestershire

Roadchef Strensham South have executed best practice in terms of innovation, range, and layout. The exterior of the store is striking, with a whole-width entrance enticing customers in.

Best Spar brand advocate – Spar Tattenhall, Cheshire

SPAR Tattenhall sponsor local festivals and donate monies raised through the carrier bag levy to local groups. They participated in the trial of Spar's new evening meal concept; Tonight’s Tea, offering in-store sampling to customers over busy shopping times. Tattenhall has high SPAR brand participation, with 30% of products in-store being own label