Archive of all Spar articles
Spar UK is a symbol group with over 2,400 stores, many of which are independently owned and operated. It has a strong presence in forecourts and rural communities. The Grocer covers Spar with news, analysis, insight and opinion.
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NewsEat17 partners with retail media company to champion local and challenger brands in stores
The media screens have gone live in its Walthamstow store and will be launching in Eat17’s Hackney site next month
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NewsAF Blakemore extends partnership with Relex into company-owned stores
AF Blakemore is now bringing Relex’s planning capabilities into the retail side of the business, helping to unify in-store planning
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NewsCJ Lang cuts tobacco prices to support retailers
The wholesaler, which distributes to over 300 Spar stores across Scotland, said the move was designed to strengthen retailer margin
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NewsSpar wholesaler Appleby Westward launches everyday low pricing campaign
Appleby Westward will be reducing the wholesale prices on approximately 100 lines, which will be locked in for 12 weeks per cycle
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Events & AwardsThe Grocer Gold Awards 2025: Hendersons wins Independent Retail Chain of the Year
Northern Irish Spar operator Henderson Retail has enjoyed an outstanding year – outpacing both local rivals and the wider UK grocery sector
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NewsHenderson Group reports 3.8% rise in turnover to £1.4bn
Henderson Group saw growth across both the independent stores it supplies and its company-owned estate
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NewsMcVitie’s brings Club into confectionery aisle with Layers Orange
The NPD is exclusive to Spar for three weeks
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NewsIceland partners with Spar wholesaler AF Blakemore for frozen food trial
Spar shoppers will get access to products from Iceland’s exclusive brand partnerships and its own-label range, thanks to an exclusive tie-up with wholesaler AF Blakemore
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NewsAF Blakemore launches £4.5m investment package and new rebate scheme
The membership can unlock Silver, Gold, or Platinum tiers depending on a retailer’s wholesale spend with AF Blakemore
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NewsBlakemore tipped to acquire Appleby Westward from Spar Group
Spar wholesaler Appleby Westward supplies 300 convenience stores in the south west of England
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NewsEat17 Walthamstow grows sales by 35% with extended range and Good Egg concession
Following a £140,000 refit, the retailer has added 500 more lines, mainly across chilled, including a new deli selection spanning fresh bread, cheese, and cured meats
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NewsAF Blakemore hires new chief financial officer
He will start the new role on 6 May, replacing Ian Kellett who retires at the end of the month
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NewsEG On The Move hits 150th petrol station milestone
EG On The Move plans to open between 400-500 sites across the UK over the next five years
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NewsRoadchef switches supply deal from Spar to Co-op Wholesale
A new multi-year contract will see Co-op Wholesale supply Roadchef’s ‘highly sought-after’ offer and own-label range to eight stores
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NewsGirish’s Premier Glasgow store crowned Convenience Retailer of the Year
Glasgow-based Girish’s Premier picked up the top award in the industry by winning Convenience Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2025
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NewsPrime rival Más+ by Messi sports drink to launch in the UK
The hydration drink will launch exclusively in Spar stores from 10 March
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NewsSpar secures symbol group exclusive with Reese’s Peanut Butter White Bar
The convenience exclusive for Spar adds to the symbol group’s previous wins in being the first to market with NPD
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NewsSpar wholesaler James Hall drives rollout of Ann Forshaw’s milk vending machines
The 24-hour service dispenses pasteurised and non-homogenised fresh milk in 500ml or one-litre servings, priced at £1 and £1.60 respectively
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Analysis & FeaturesFranchise & fascia report 2025: convenience by numbers
A break down of the store numbers, type as well as membership costs and minimum contract terms
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Analysis & FeaturesHow can independent convenience stores defend their prices?
Supermarkets have opened a new front in their pricing battle, offering Aldi Price matching in their convenience stores. So what can independents do to persuade shoppers they still offer value?