Two award wins for SPAR at The Convenience Retail Awards 2024
The Convenience Retail Awards 2024 celebrated the entire convenience industry and the people who work in it and took place at the Victorian Warehouse in Manchester on 21 March 2024. Award wins went to two SPAR stores.
Independent Convenience Store of the Year: SPAR Oxford Road, Greater Manchester:
Aidan Fortune, Editor of Convenience Store, said: “Located in the heart of Manchester, SPAR Oxford Road, run by Paul Stone, is a store that is busy 24/7. The judges were blown away by the 24-hour effort that goes into making this store a success, with a huge focus on Feed Me Now and the Big Night In missions. The site underwent a major refit in early 2023 to improve its refrigeration, lighting and air conditioning while also introduce more shelf space to enhance its snacking and soft drinks offering. These changes helped contribute to an 18% uplift in sales while reducing electricity consumption by 28%. Beers, wines and spirits is a major category for the store, and the judging panel was impressed by the high standards on display that helps keep nearby competition at bay.”
Multiple Managed Convenience Store of the Year: SPAR Malone Road, Co. Antrim:
Aidan Fortune, Editor of Convenience Store, said: “Billed as a convenience store with the feeling of a community neighbourhood retailer, SPAR Malone Road is a one stop shop for everything a customer may need. Its customer base takes in business, residential properties, a University, schools and churches, making it essential for the store to cater to a wide variety of needs. The store saw a 19% year-on-year increase in weekly store sales while basket spend rose 7% which the SPAR Malone Road team attributes to increased customer loyalty driven by a strong grocery offering and in-store services options to keep shoppers coming back. The store’s ‘Tell Us First’ feedback initiative keeps customers at the forefront of change and allows management to change quickly to suit evolving shopper needs, helping create a more positive and welcoming shopper experience.”
Ian Taylor, SPAR UK Retail Director, added: “Congratulations to SPAR Oxford Road and SPAR Malone Road on their award wins at the 2024 Convenience Retail Awards. We are very proud of the work all our SPAR stores do all over the UK and delighted to see these two exceptional stores recognised for their excellent store standards, customer service, innovation and brilliant results. This recognition reaffirms our dedication to continually raising the bar and exceeding expectations in the convenience industry.”
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