Archive of all AF Blakemore articles – Page 11
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News
Co-op talks to OFT over Lothian deal
The OFT launched a consultation this week into whether The Co-operative Group's merger with Lothian Borders & Angus Co-op would reduce competition - in a move that could force the society to sell off yet more stores. The OFT said it would...
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Liptrot joins Blakemore to fuel delivered growth
John Liptrot, the former MD of the now-defunct buying group Key Lekkerland, has joined AF Blakemore in the newly created position of sales director for the Spar distributor's wholesale division.Liptrot has worked in wholesale for more than...
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AF Blakemore approves Spar retailer loans
Retailers are beginning to reap the rewards of a new loan scheme from wholesaler AF Blakemore for store refurbishments.Five applications to the Guaranteed Investment Scheme have been approved for loans, while a further 19 are in progress....
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AF Blakemore picks Carter to be its first marketing director
Spar wholesaler AF Blakemore has appointed change specialist Jed Carter as its first marketing director. He joined this month from Asda where he was general manager of step change and also worked on the George brand relaunch. Carter said he wanted...
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The Green Issue: Can indies go green too?
Backed by big budgets, the multiples have won a tidal wave of publicity with their environmental initiatives. But, asks Tracy West…
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Blakemore gives Spar store refurbs pledge
AF Blakemore is encouraging independents to spend large sums on refurbishments despite the gloomy economic conditions. The wholesaler, which supplies 700 Spar stores in the Midlands and parts of Wales, has offered to underwrite...
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Wholesalers
no change 1 Charles Wilson Chief executive Booker The man who was once Sir Stuart Rose's right-hand man is now a force to be reckoned with in his own right. He earns his second top spot in a row for his ability to read the...
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Well done Morrisons (but none too soon)
Sir; At a time when dairy farmers are facing rising fuel, feed and fertiliser costs, supermarket group Morrisons must be congratulated for increasing its milk buying prices and for telling processors to pass the extra 1p a litre (0.568p a pint)...
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P&H takes a fresh approach
No-one knows better than Chris Etherington how tough life is at the top. Palmer & Harvey McLane may once again have topped off The Grocer's Big 30 annual league table, but its position has looked far from comfortable with a resurgent Booker...
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Appleby Westward boosts local links
South west Spar wholesaler Appleby Westward has joined regional food marketing group Taste of the West as part of a bid to improve links with local suppliers. The company is setting up a supply chain that will enable it to offer local...
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Paul Carey
When most retailers open a new store, they're not too bothered if the local competition suffers. For Local4U, the offshoot of Parfetts Cash & Carry, however, while Tesco and Sainsbury's are fair game, independents have to be given a wide berth....
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wholesalers
No change 1Charles Wilson Chief executive BookerWilson retains the top spotsee right ??? no change 2Younus Sheikh managing director, Bestway Cash & CarryA non-mover at number two, mainly because...
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True fighters in the toughest of times
A bumper Christmas trading period for most independents and the continued spectre of competition from the multiples were the subjects dominating The Grocer's annual Top 50 and Big 30 luncheon, held this month at London's Dorchester...
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Rules on deliveries are confusing
Independent retailers feel they are unfairly penalised when it comes to parking restrictions on loading and unloading goods. Three quarters of independent retailers quizzed this month admit they are unsure about what the rules are for loading...
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Reader Survey Parking restrictions
Independent retailers feel they are unfairly penalised when it comes to parking restrictions on loading and unloading goods. Three quarters of independent retailers quizzed this month admit they are unsure about what the rules are for loading...
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Cheaper online fags, booze a 'crazy' idea
Online retailers and criminals stand to gain most from an EU ruling that could lower prices for alcohol and tobacco on the internet, wholesalers claim. The European Court of Justice will decide on 23 November whether to accept a...
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AF Blakemore makes Fitton retail director
Spar wholesaler AF Blake-more has appointed Mike Fitton as retail sales director for Spar distribution, replacing Elwyn Davies who has taken up the position of retail development director.Fitton joins the company from Musgrave Budgens...
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Spar replaces Somerfield supply at 18 Total forecourts
Spar has signed up 18 forecourt stores formerly supplied by Somerfield as it launches a five-year partnership with Total UK, its second major forecourt deal in the past two months.Speaking to The Grocer about the move, Richard Bennett,...
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Best Independent
A good independent retailer delivers great service to the local community while growing the business through strong corporate values and a clear strategy. Our winner, Tates, certainly ticks all these boxes.The stores division of Spar...
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Best Independent
Community effort sets Tates at head of packA good independent retailer delivers great service to the local community while growing the business through strong corporate values and a clear strategy. Our winner, Tates, certainly ticks...