AF Blakemore has recruited a former Premier retailer to its independent estate, with a new Spar store opening in Townhill, Swansea.
The Spar wholesaler said the move reflected “growing demand from independent retailers for a partner offering simplicity, value and long‑term stability”.
Independent retailer Mandeep Sohal, who switched the store from Premier to Spar, said the revamped chilled and fresh range had been “a clear hit” with the local community.
The store’s sales had seen an “immediate uplift”, she added, including a £140 transaction in its first week, which Sohal said “simply wouldn’t have happened before”.
“Joining Spar has been a fantastic move for our business,” she said. “Customers are spending more time in store and exploring the wider range.
“The increased fresh and frozen offer was a big driver for us, and being able to achieve up to 8% rebate is a real bonus. The support from AF Blakemore has been outstanding, and we’re excited for what’s ahead, including the Iceland rollout.”
The move comes as AF Blakemore recently announced it was taking over the south west Spar licence from Appleby Westward.
As part of the £7m deal, AF Blakemore is acquiring 71 company-owned stores, its distribution and logistics operations, located in Saltash, and will also take on the supply of 144 independent Spar retailers. Appleby Westward’s remaining 63 company-owned stores are being sold to other operators.
AF Blakemore currently supplies 609 independent retailers and 246 company-owned stores.
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