SPAR UK wholesaler in the South West, Appleby Westward, recognised the remarkable milestone achieved by four of its independent, family-run SPAR stores, collectively boasting over 200 years of dedicated service.

Independent, family-run retailers

Among these family stores is SPAR Supermarket Menheniot in Cornwall. The SPAR Supermarket has been part of the SPAR family since 1972. Store Manager Gary Walters is not only celebrating an illustrious tenure of 40 years managing the store, but he is also the UK’s longest-serving Postmaster.

The long-lasting legacy of family ownership is also represented by SPAR Supermarket Greenbank in Bristol, helmed by Justin Turpin and his family since 1973. SPAR Supermarket Loxton Road in Weston Super Mare, now owned by Mark Canniford, has also been operating under the SPAR brand since 1973.

Furthermore, SPAR Supermarket Pelynt, under the ownership of Paul Boxall, has remained within his family since 1978, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to local community service and excellence.

Pillars of the community

These independent SPAR Supermarkets are firmly embedded in their communities and have upheld the SPAR ethos with unwavering dedication and integrity. Their longstanding commitment to customer service and community engagement has earned them a huge amount of admiration and respect within the SPAR retail network.

In recognition of these extraordinary achievements, SPAR South West celebrated these milestones at their 2024 Tradeshow, conference and awards night, which took place on 25 April.

Speaking at the event, Mike Boardman, Managing Director of SPAR South West’s primary distributor, Appleby Westward Ltd, said: “We are delighted to recognise the hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication demonstrated by these four SPAR retailers and stores. Independent retailers are the lifeblood of communities, and it is really important that the work they have done over the decades is acknowledged. We look forward to supporting them well into the future.”

Source: Appleby Westward

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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.