SPAR UK wholesalers take home prizes at the Grocers Gold Awards

July 22, 2024 IN THE CATEGORY: Awards and prizes

At the 2024 Grocers Gold Awards held in London, SPAR UK wholesalers Henderson Group and CJ Lang & Son Ltd won prestigious awards.

Independent Retail Chain of the Year: Henderson Group

Henderson Group, the SPAR wholesaler in Northern Ireland, won the Independent Retail Chain of the Year award. It is the third time in four years that Henderson Group has been given this accolade.

With 106 company-owned SPAR and EUROSPAR branded stores, the award is a testament to the continuous growth of the business. This includes significant refurbishment projects as well as the opening of new stores across Northern Ireland. Additionally, the introduction of new and innovative offers for customers, such as the Barista Bar, as well as improving operations instore, impressed the judges.

Mark McCammond, Retail Director of Henderson Group, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team in raising the standards for community retailing.”

Technology Initiative of the Year: CJ Lang & Son Ltd

SPAR Scotland wholesaler CJ Lang & Son Ltd won the Technology Initiative of the Year award. The rollout of an instore digital innovation solution that includes digital screens linked to electronic shelf edge labels and camera technology to manage product ranges and availability is part of the biggest investment in technology in CJ Lang & Son Ltd’s history. This investment results in modernised stores, an improved customer experience, and increased productivity.

These digital investments have resulted in staff being able to focus more on sales-generating activities, as well as aiding in sustainability through the elimination of paper at point-of-sale locations. Additionally, sales and footfall have both increased in the stores which implemented digital solutions.

Chief Executive Officer of CJ Lang & Son Colin McLean said: “We are thrilled to win the Grocer Gold award for Technology Initiative of the Year. Well done to everyone in the business involved across IT, Central Operations and our team at SPAR Supermarket Crosshouse which was a competitive category against four other finalists.”

Source: Henderson Group and CJ Lang & Son Ltd

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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.

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