Spar International

Two main retail formats are operated by SPAR UK, the SPAR neighbourhood supermarket and EUROSPAR. Of the 2560 stores in the UK, 22 are EUROSPAR. This format accounts for 3% of total retail sales.

The United Kingdom became a member of SPAR in 1957 when a group of independent wholesalers obtained the SPAR licence. SPAR UK consists of six wholesale regions with strategically placed distribution centres in each region. A Central Office located in London, which provides national marketing and buying services for the group, supports the organisation.

SPAR has led the convenience market for many years but over the last five has come under increasing pressure from the major corporate businesses that see convenience retailing as a platform for further growth within the UK. SPAR and all other retailers are also experiencing margin pressure, as a result of average industry costs rising at a faster rate than retail sales. This trend shows no sign of abating.

During 2010 SPAR UK continued the roll out of the 'Stores of the Future' initiative, which optimises the layout and range according to local customer profile. In excess of 600 stores have now been launched with this look and feel.

A 'Stores of the Future' which opened in November 2010 was Littleport. This delivered the SPAR proposition and promoted the name and history of the independent retailer. The store was also a model for demonstrating how the retailer supports the community, supports local producers and demonstrates their commitment to the green agenda.

A third of SPAR UK neighbourhood supermarkets are under 92m2 and SPAR have  developed a proposition to move away from the traditional CTN store to a more food based offer. A trial store has been launched to test the new concepts prior to a national roll out.

SPAR UK have redesigned their EUROSPAR format. The new design incorporates updated internal imagery, a new layout improved ranging and the extended use of megadeals.

The first SPAR Express store was opened in Northern Ireland. The knowledge acquired from the opening of this store will help SPAR UK with the future roll-out of this store format across the UK.

SPAR private label range became a business priority in 2010 with the redevelopment of over 80% of the range. SPAR UK aim is to make the private label a cornerstone of their business. Reactions have been positive with 83% of SPAR retailers believing that SPAR private labels are of equal quality to the big supermarkets' own brand.

SPAR UK has sponsored an inspirational cookery series called 'Meals in Moments'. This was launched to help change customer perception of SPAR from an emergency shop to a destination for meal occasions. The show was presented by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer and most of the recipes use common ingredients found in-store and can be repared in less than 30 minutes. The TV series were accompanied by a 'Meals in Moments' recipe book.

SPAR UK has continued its important association with European Athletics through their sponsorship of UK Athletics (UKA). Over the past 4 years, SPAR and UKA have further developed the 'SPAR Sprints Programme', which helps to identify and develop talented young performers in a environment that ensures they reach their full potential.

SPAR's website was re-launched in 2010 and now attracts over 75,000 viewers each month. To drive traffic to the website SPAR have run a series of competitions online, often supported by in store leaflets and radio.

SPAR UK launched a digital consumer magazine in 2010. The publication includes recipes, activities, tips and advice as well as competitions. The magazine is sent to the 27,000 customers on SPAR's online database.

SPAR UK has developed the SPAR Virtual Academy, a user-friendly and comprehensive online resource dedicated to providing the latest, most complete and relevant information to all SPAR retailers. Topics covered include finance, human resources, legal guidelines, marketing and operation excellence. SPAR Virtual Academy is one of the most powerful resources for retailers and is available to every SPAR store in the UK free of charge.