SPAR Australia celebrated retail excellence through a Virtual Awards night on Tuesday, 26 October 2021. The opening of the virtual event saw AU$448,000 (over €290,500) paid into the Store Development Funds of qualifying SPAR Australia retailers. 

SPAR Australia is committed to rewarding loyalty to its branded stores. Since the inception of the SPAR Loyalty Bonus Scheme 9 years ago, the Store Development Fund has grown to nearly AU$3 million. 

This year, SPAR Australia has expanded on the SPAR Better Together theme; at SPAR, we make a difference. A difference for the consumer, a difference for the retailer, and a difference for the Australian Supermarket Wholesale sector. At SPAR, we are all working better together to make a difference in the industry. 

Over recent years, the focus has been placed on our five key sales strategies: Present a Value Statement, Implement a Focused Range, Clear the Clutter, Merchandise for Sales, and Keep it Clean & Fresh. The execution of SPAR’s key sales strategies is integral in achieving positive results in this highly competitive retail environment and building a value statement for our customers.

The SPAR country operator continues to improve the network’s performance, growing sales and a more robust bottom line for retailers. It’s about creating the perfect customer experience through store development, keeping up with the times and re-investing in its stores. SPAR’s role in the independent retail landscape is vital, providing choice for retailers and ensuring competition in the sector. 

The nominees and winners were announced for the first time on the night The Store of the Year awards were presented by SPAR Australia Managing Director, Mr Lou Jardin, and SPAR Retail Operations Manager, Mr Jeremy Keeffe.

Acknowledging retailers

In a night designed to acknowledge the retailers who partnered with SPAR Australia to drive growth for businesses, SPAR would like to congratulate the following retailers on their success in their respective categories: 

• SPAR Store of the Year 2021 – SPAR Babinda 
• SPAR Express Store of the Year 2021 – SPAR Express Tallebudgera 

SPAR Australia’s Retail Awards Programme identifies and recognises Retailers who are excelling in their businesses. The past eighteen months have been challenging, with lockdowns, panic buying, and supply shortages. However, a record number of SPAR stores continue to re-invest in their businesses, mainly thanks to the funds they have received through the SPAR Loyalty Bonus.

Congratulations to the following retailers for their success in the Department Awards: 

• SPAR Grocery Award – SPAR Babinda 
• SPAR Express Grocery Award – SPAR Express Tallebudgera 
• SPAR Dairy / Freezer Award – SPAR Bourke 
• SPAR Express Dairy / Freezer Award – SPAR Express Lambton (Newcastle) 
• SPAR Fresh Food Award – SPAR Babinda 
• SPAR Express Fresh Food Award – SPAR Express Tallebudgera 
• Food To Go Award – SPAR Express Maryborough 

Store Investment Excellence Awards 2021

The Store Investment Excellence Award recognises all the stores that have gone the extra mile to improve through refurbing, hard work, new development, new equipment, or other aspects that improve the store’s perception in the local community.

• SPAR Express Maryborough 
•  SPAR Bourke 
• SPAR Coffs Harbour 
• SPAR Dorrigo 
• SPAR Chevron (Gold Coast) 
• 5 STAR Millaa Millaa 
• SPAR Express Proston 
• SPAR Urunga 
• SPAR Express Terrigal 
• SPAR Halifax 
• SPAR Express Carrington (Newcastle) 
• SPAR Express Oxenford 
• SPAR Winton 
• SPAR Express Gwandalan (Newcastle) 
• SPAR Macleay Island 
• SPAR Express Morpeth 
• SPAR Express Dunwich (Stradbroke Island) 
• SPAR Jandowae 
• SPAR Palmwoods 
• SPAR Jetty Village (Coffs Harbour) 
• SPAR Blackbutt 
• SPAR Lismore 

The last award of the night was the Community & Customer Service Excellence Award. Stores nominated for this award are actively involved in local community activities, undertake local sponsorships, provide a tailored local offer and exceptional customer service. They also demonstrate ongoing efforts to continually find new ways to better serve their local community & live both SPAR and family business values. 

• Community & Customer Service Excellence Award 2021 – SPAR Southtown (Toowoomba) 

SPAR Australia would like to congratulate all retailers nominated in the 2021 SPAR Retail Awards and made the judging process extremely competitive. 

Source: SPAR Australia

Read more about SPAR Australia

About SPAR Australia

SPAR began trading in Australia in 1994. The current company was formed in 2006. In late 2010, a new majority shareholder, Jardin Investments Pty Ltd, was confirmed. This development significantly accelerated the modernisation of the SPAR Brand in Australia.

SPAR Australia Limited is an unlisted public company with an elected Board of Directors. SPAR Australia licenses and supports independent retailers to develop the brand. In addition, it provides a range of services through its Distribution Centre and offices.