Spar UK has pledged to invest £122m in the business over the next 12 months.
Speaking at the Spar UK national conference in Gran Canaria earlier this month, managing director Louise Hoste outlined the group’s performance and plans for the next year.
“Spar is delivering robust growth well ahead of the symbol sector and continues to report year-on-year sales increases,” she said. “We are outperforming our competitor set in value growth and seeing smaller trips to stores growing by 10%. This footfall growth is a massive opportunity, especially when we capitalise on it with extra items in the basket.”
Hoste explained that the focus on shopping locally and communities will be key for Spar UK.
“The convenience market is best placed for independent retailers and independent retailers are thriving with Spar. The opportunity to grow is also supported by customer sentiment for wanting to continue to shop locally and we want to support this sustained solid performance. That is why we are committing to investing £122m over the next 12 months in stores and supply chain, after spending £125m last year.
“There are some great customer opportunities to make us the force for the future as we continue to focus on our vision of being the most compelling and competitive convenience proposition in the country. We will do this by leveraging our unique partnership and the strength of our distinctive Spar brand. We will provide innovative and profitable retail solutions to all our independent retailers, enabling them to serve local communities in ways that exceed customer expectations.”
The conference also saw a silent auction, raising money for Spar UK’s national charity partner, Marie Curie, as well as Caritas Diocesana, a local charity in Gran Canaria. Following the auction, a cheque presentation of £28,172 was made to Marie Curie, and £28,172 was also given to Caritas Diocesana at the end of the Gala dinner.
Hoste added: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported our conference both in the UK and in Gran Canaria. We hope our charitable donation will help Marie Curie Nurses and the volunteers from Caritas Diocesana continue with their magnificent work.”
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