Over a four week period, an online awareness campaign highlighting practical ways to support customers with physical, learning and mental disabilities is being rolled out to all AF Blakemore SPAR employees.
The online learning module will promote effective communication, teaching participants how to create a positive customer experience and providing them with practical ways to ensure all stores are disability friendly.
In addition to the online awareness training, SPAR retailers will be encouraged to host a variety of purple themed activities instore to celebrate Purple Tuesday on 13 November.
Purple Tuesday is the UK’s first accessible shopping day, established by disability organisation, Purple, to recognise the importance and needs of disabled consumers and the barriers they face when shopping. It is hoped that it will encourage retailers to ensure their services are as accessible as possible.
Blakemore Retail Training & Development Manager, Kerry Hunt, commented: “We are extremely proud to be supporting Purple Tuesday in our SPAR convenience stores.
“We hope the online training modules and instore campaigns will enable our colleagues to provide the best possible shopping experience to all our customers.”
Source: SPAR UK
About SPAR UK
The United Kingdom (UK) became a member of SPAR in 1956 when a group of independent wholesalers obtained the SPAR licence from SPAR International. There are five regional partners with strategically placed Distribution Centres in each region. A Central Office located in London provides national Marketing and Buying services for the group and supports the development of the SPAR Brand in the UK.
SPAR has led the convenience market in the UK for many years but has faced increasing competition in recent times. Always innovative, SPAR Partners have continued to grow the brand. A combination of independently-owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores spanning forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres and local neighbourhoods can be found throughout the country.
