Anne Bruce Woolworths is deciding whether to call time on its new Spar partnership as it re-absorbs Woolworths' General Stores into its main chain portfolio. It will start by removing General Stores fascias from up to nine of its 19 General Stores and replace them with Woolworths' badges as part of a drive to simplify the Woolworths brand. Instore Spar concessions will remain in place for the time being as Woolworths decides if there is a future for the joint venture, launched only three months ago. A Woolworths' spokeswoman said: "It is still a possibility that we open Spar concessions in Woolworths' high street stores, but while snacks and sandwiches do have a place in stores, if we put food in we can't sell toys. The results of a review of the situation will be announced in September." And Spar retail director Steve Blakemore said: "We are looking to see what we can do together. Our 19 General Stores concessions have made encouraging sales over the last few weeks after some teething problems. We are waiting for the results of a strategic review Woolworths is making of its whole portfolio." Spar may still strike a supply deal for Woolworths' 100,000 sq ft Big W out of town general merchandise superstores. The 14 stores are going to be renamed Woolworths Big W to bring consistency to the portfolio, and Woolworths plans to open four of the superstores this year, including one in Beckton, its first in London. Woolworths this week reported a 5.8% rise in sales to £620m from £586m for the first quarter to May 18. Big W saw like-for-like sales up 5%. First half results for the 26 weeks ending August 3 will be released on September 11. {{NEWS }}

Topics