In the village of Scone in Perthshire, Scotland, is SPAR Abbey Road, which was established in 1958. Owned and operated by second generation SPAR retailer Susan Hutchison, the store celebrates 65 years in business this year which makes it one of the longest running SPAR stores in Scotland.
Susan’s father Ernie first started the business in 1958 at the site where the store still stands today in the heart of the village. What started out delivering essential items to local customers was developed by Ernie over the years into a thriving convenience store.
“My Dad always did things for people and always loved to chat. He worked in the shop all the time,” said his daughter Susan. Susan herself worked for him in the store until 2005 when her father retired. At that point Susan bought the business from him and has been running it ever since.
The Hutchinson family and their SPAR store are staples in the community. Ernie grew up in Scone, where Susan has raised her son Ryan, who has worked in the store for 10 years.
“The store really is a part of the community. Dad was brought up in Scone as was I and our son Ryan, who has been working in the store for the last ten years. We’ve all gone to the local schools and played an active role in village life,” says Susan.
As a pillar of the community, Susan has always supported the village by donating prizes and fundraising for many different things like new kit for the local girls and boys football teams or charity bingo nights. The store also provides free home delivery to anyone who is vulnerable, an initiative carried over from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Local customers to SPAR Scone enjoyed a wonderful celebration day to mark the 65th anniversary. The festivities included balloons, photography, SPAR branded goody bags, a SPAR spinning wheel to win fantastic prizes, and supplier sampling. Additionally, a Healthy Living stand supplied free fruit and bottled water for customers and a prize draw for local shoppers to win a TV and SPAR shopping vouchers.
Susan added: “It was a lovely day; so many people turned up. We hung some old photos up in store alongside newer ones of my dad and family and the reaction was phenomenal.”
Colin McLean, CEO of SPAR Scotland, said: “We wish Susan and everyone at SPAR Abbey Road in Scone every success for the future. Sixty-five years trading is an impressive achievement especially with what retail businesses have had to contend with in recent years. We look forward to working with Susan and Ryan well into the future as they continue to offer a wonderful convenience service to the local community of Scone.”
Source: SPAR UK
Read more about SPAR UK
The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR UK comprises independently owned, licensed, retailers and company-owned stores.
