SPAR Scotland brought retailers, store managers, suppliers, colleagues, and representatives from SPAR UK, SPAR International and other industry bodies together for its annual trade show, titled Collaborate this year.

Power of collaboration

Collaboration was the focal point of the trade show, with the day centred on partnership, inspiration, and future opportunities. The event, held in Aviemore on Thursday 24th September 2026, brought together the SPAR Scotland community for a packed programme, starting with three business sessions before moving into the main supplier trade show.

The presentations throughout the business sessions offered insight into the convenience sector’s current position, including changing consumer behaviour, cost pressures, inflationary challenges, and an increasingly competitive retail environment. Particular attention was given to key drivers of footfall, such as food-to-go innovations and bespoke campaigns which can drive customer engagement. The overall message from the business sessions showcased that although the sector has challenges, including changing consumer behaviour, cost pressures, inflationary challenges, and an increasingly competitive retail environment, there are  also opportunities.

Supplier showcase

More than 200 suppliers exhibited the latest products and services across a range of categories. The trade show enabled retailers to meet directly with suppliers, discover new products and innovations, explore commercial opportunities, and exchange ideas on how they can continue to develop their stores and meet changing customer needs.

Sonya Harper, Interim CEO, SPAR Scotland, said: “Our retailers and store managers are at the heart of SPAR Scotland, and events like this give us a valuable opportunity to listen, learn and share ideas with them. At the same time, the support and commitment we receive from our supplier partners is hugely important to our success.

“It was fantastic to see so many people engaging throughout the day, and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to making Collaborate such a successful event.”

The trade show ended with the SPAR Scotland Awards, celebrating the successes of independent SPAR retailers, company-owned stores, SPAR Scotland colleagues, and supplier partners alike, recognising the people and businesses that make an important contribution to SPAR Scotland. The day also provided a fitting platform for SPAR Scotland to recognise the importance of its relationships across the business and look ahead to opportunities created by working together.

Source: CJ Lang & Son Ltd

Read more about SPAR UK

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom joined the SPAR retail network in 1956, when SPAR International granted a licence to operate the brand to a group of independent wholesalers. Regional organisations in the UK continually build the brand’s presence through a strong collaborative system. A central office in London provides the group with national marketing and buying services. SPAR UK comprises independently owned, licensed retailers and company-owned stores.