British swimmer Rebecca Adlington, SPAR Parkfoot owner David Chairman, and ConvenienceStore.co.uk Editor Aidan Fortune.
Download imageJudges praised the store’s tremendous range and how it benefits from constant reinvestment to ensure it has the best possible offer for its customers. Its innovative use of technology and social media drives engagement across the local community. The introduction of an in-store butchery sets it apart from its competitors and has proven to be a real winner with customers, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
Owner of SPAR Parkfoot David Charman was delighted to win the award. “It’s been a difficult year for all of my staff, and this is a fantastic reward for them.”
He explained how his team helped customers during the pandemic. “We’ve focused on what the customer wants. We’ve tried hard to give them that, and we’ve also tried to make sure that the site runs safely and carefully throughout everything that’s happened over the past year. We’re really proud of how we’ve looked after our staff over the past 18 months, but it’s a great reward for all the effort.”
Other winners on the night included SPAR Malone Road, which won Multiple Managed Convenience Store of the Year.
Editor of ConvenienceStore.co.uk Aidan Fortune explained why SPAR Parkfoot won the top prize in convenience retailing.
“David and his team are constantly innovating and investing in the store. They place the customer at the very heart of every decision they make. Throughout the pandemic, they worked hard to ensure their shoppers had everything they needed. [This ranged] from maintaining a steady supply of grocery essentials to introducing new services like home delivery and a hot food brand.”
“It was fantastic to be shortlisted for this highly competitive awards ceremony and tremendous to see SPAR Parkfoot named Convenience Retailer of the Year. Our stores have worked tremendously hard over the last year. It is fantastic for them to be recognised for their innovation and forward thinking. In the fast-paced environment that we operate in, it is important to keep ahead of the game. This is why our stores are successful”, said Louise Hoste, Managing Director of SPAR UK.
Source: SPAR UK
The UK became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. There are now five regional partners in the UK. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group.
SPAR has led the highly competitive convenience market in the UK for many years. Always innovative, the five regional partners have continued to grow the brand. SPAR UK comprises independently owned licensed retailers and company-owned stores. These include forecourts, airports, train stations, city centres, and local neighbourhood stores.
