SPAR UK license partner A.F. Blakemore unveiled a new £4.5m investment package and a rebate scheme to earn up to 8%, heralding a new era and commercial proposition for convenience store retailers. The Blakemore Trade Partner Plus programme offers a powerful package of tools and retail expertise designed to help stores thrive in an evolving and competitive market.

With the ability to earn up to an 8% rebate, enhanced digital tools, and sector-specific support services, the new Blakemore Trade Partner Plus programme sets a benchmark in the convenience sector, reaffirming AF Blakemore’s position as the partner of choice for ambitious independent retailers.

Best-in-class capability

Developed for both existing and prospective retailers, the proposition brings together best-in-class wholesale capability with deep operational experience as a convenience retailer. From logistics to layout, insight to innovation – it’s a proposition built to deliver sustainable sales growth.

At its core is a simple idea: true partnership, working together to grow sales. Whether already in partnership or thinking about it, A.F. Blakemore delivers the support needed to succeed.

“As a convenience retailer ourselves, we know this sector inside-out,” says Tomas Blakemore, Retail Sales Director at A.F. Blakemore. “We understand the missions that matter, from Food for Now to Food for Later, and we’ve created solutions that work at store level. We have the right product ranges, in-house logistics which offer market-leading service levels, and bespoke store design that helps retailers stand out.”

Unrivalled suite of tools

Retailers joining the Blakemore Trade Partner Plus programme gain access to an unrivalled suite of powerful tools which aim to help with success. These include bespoke store blueprints and planograms, rich customer insight and tailored category advice, award-winning own-brand ranges, exclusive NPD and promotional mechanics, flexible, scalable store solutions, and ongoing support from experienced teams.

Retailers will also benefit from a market leading value and support package. This includes access to rebate advances of up to £150,000 to fund store development, discounted EPOS, digital screens, and marketing activation support. Teams will also provide expert store merchandising to maximise layout and flow, market-leading wholesale pricing and a highly competitive rebate structure.

Blakemore Trade Partners Plus is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: that true partnership means more support, more growth – and more reward.

Championing success of independent retailers

“This initiative reflects who we are as a business,” added Matt Teague, Managing Director, Retail at AF Blakemore. “A family-owned convenience retailer that understands the realities our partners face and invests in solutions that work. As a fourth-generation independent family business, A.F. Blakemore is committed to championing the success of independent retailers across its distribution area.

“We’re invested in shared success,” he continued. “It’s not about offering a one-size-fits-all model, it’s about equipping each retailer with the right tools, insight, and support to drive growth on their terms.”

Source: A.F. Blakemore

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. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence through a strong collaborative system. 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.