SPAR UK regional partners continue to invest in retail development of their network, leading to a series of new store openings and relaunches of redesigned stores in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Store openings in Northern Ireland and Scotland
Killyleagh in County Down in Northern Ireland, welcomed a new EUROSPAR Supermarket. This is a location for SPAR Northern Ireland’s new retail concept which focuses on local food. Killyleagh is a town which meets local residents needs, but there are also a lot of visitors seeking a convenient and accessible supermarket. The store caters to a wide range of everyday essentials and locally sourced products, as well as other services such as a post office, a six-pump Maxol forecourt, an ATM and 43 car parking spaces.
EUROSPAR Killyleagh has a select group of Fresh Produce Ambassadors instore who have been in the local fields and farms, meeting those local producers who put this area on the map as a foodie destination. They have been learning about what makes their produce so unique and have brought that knowledge back to the store for the shoppers’ benefit.
SPAR Scotland opened a new 134sqm company-owned store in Castletown, in the highlands. The convenience store has been fitted internally and externally with the latest SPAR designs. A new floor, counter area, ceiling, shelving, and eco-friendly refrigeration have been included. The store offers grocery, chilled and fresh food products, news and magazines, liquor, a Costa coffee self-service machine and a CJ’s food-to-go area featuring a range of hot and cold food.
A new store concept in England
On the Strensham North Motorway services, the 190sqm SPAR store reopened its doors after significant renovation, showcasing SPAR UK’s latest convenience store design. Regional partner, AF Blakemore, were delighted with the customer reactions on the opening day. The chilled and food-to-go areas have been completely revamped, alongside two Costa Coffee self-serve machines and a bakery unit offering croissants, pastries, and donuts. SPAR UK’s Joy of Living Locally messaging was included to tie into the overall design of the rest of the store. On the technical side, low-level refrigeration was replaced with eco-friendly alternatives and two self-checkouts were installed. Electronic shelf edge labels are placed throughout the store, giving live reporting on sales and margin, stock control and other functionalities.
Store relaunches in Scotland and Northern Ireland
SPAR Scotland has recently relaunched multiple stores across the country. A refurbished company owned store in the town of Glenrothes in Fife reopened its doors after refurbishment. Customers are greeted with new branding externally and internally, a new sales counter, new shelving, and enhanced lighting. All refrigeration cabinets were replaced with modern, environmentally friendly fridges and freezers. SPAR Scotland also presented cheques on the day for £500 to two local charities – Lomond Court Care Home and Carleton Primary School.
In Dundee, Scotland, the SPAR Supermarket on Ballindean Road was relaunched on June 30 following a refit. The 186sqm company owned store has had a new counter installed, new external fascia and window graphics, local history window graphics and signage. The entrance area was revamped and a CJ’s food-to-go area was added.
Meanwhile, a EUROSPAR Supermarket in Donaghmore in Tyrone, Northern Ireland, reopened after a multi-million pound investment from SPAR Northern Ireland’s parent company Henderson Group. The store which meets the needs of the local community is nearly twice the size it was before, leading to an increase in the store team by 11 people. There are over 2000 additional products available, as well as an extensive new offering. This includes a new food-to-go offering from Delish, offering a range of hot and cold meals, sandwiches, wraps and salads, plus the Delish Chicken Pick ‘n’ Mix bar. Shoppers can also choose from a fresh selection of baked breads and pastries from the SPAR Bakery.
Source: SPAR UK
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