With 2,600 stores, we are the largest independent group of food retailers in the UK. This gives us enormous coverage in the marketplace, with massive buying power, strength in numbers and the kudos of an internationally respected brand.

The Guild system

Thanks to our democratic Guild system, not only are we the UK’s biggest symbol group but we are also the only symbol group that can be truly accountable to our members. The Guild system has been a major factor in the ongoing success of SPAR, and is not only at the heart of the way SPAR is run in the UK, but also central to the international SPAR ethos in 33 countries all over the world.

coat of arms

SPAR was founded in Holland in 1932 under the principle of voluntary, mutual co-operation between retailers, embodied in the original Dutch SPAR slogan: 'Door eendrachtig samenwerken profi teren allen regelmatig' or 'By united co-operation, all will profit'.

The power of the founding ethos remains. This spirit of co-operative partnership between independent retailers and wholesalers to deliver a better and more relevant business has flourished ever since. To deliver this, SPAR operates a unique Guild structure, offering our independent retailers a voice and the ability to influence the decisions SPAR makes on their behalf.

How the Guild works for retailers

SPAR retailers in the UK are serviced by six regional distribution centres, which are each owned by an independent wholesaler operating within a defined territory known as a Guild. Every SPAR retailer is associated with one of the wholesalers and automatically becomes a member of the local Guild.

We know that retailers often get the best from their business when they exchange ideas with like-minded retailers and interact pro-actively and in partnership with both their customers and their suppliers, and this is actively encouraged through the Guild system. Whether you sit in on the Guild meetings representing SPAR retailers or talk to your Guild member to put forward your ideas, you can be sure that SPAR is listening. Much of the strategic direction of the business starts out with an idea or suggestion put forward by a retailer at a Guild meeting. Those that make a point of taking part find it is well worth the effort.

The local Guilds have committees of elected SPAR retailers who present their local SPAR retailers' views to the National Guild of SPAR, based in SPAR’s central offices in Harrow. This ensures every SPAR retailer is represented and has their voice heard at a local and national level.

A small proportion of the monies collected each week from SPAR retailers is retained locally and managed by the local Guild to fund regional marketing activities, local initiatives and business and social events.

The advantages of belonging to the Guild are listed below:

National Guild membership benefits

  • Access to 35 national Real Deals promotions every three weeks
  • Comprehensive point-of-sale advertising kits for all Real Deals promotions
  • Themed point-of-sale kits for key calendar events
  • 900 quality, own-label products driving cash profit and building customer loyalty
  • Cost savings through the ‘Smart Savings’ initiative, offering savings on waste collection, pest control, energy supply, ATM provision, telephone charges and more
  • Substantial savings (up to £1,500 per year) on EFTPOS facilities through SPAR Card Services
  • National terrestrial and satellite TV and radio advertising and consumer press campaigns
  • An award-winning store design and imagery package
  • In-store ‘SPAR LIVE’ radio
  • A voice with politicians through the Association of Convenience Stores, Scottish Grocers' Federation and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association
  • The SPAR consumer website and retailer intranet
  • Regular communication through the SPAR magazine, SPAR Today
  • Increased media prominence through SPAR's sponsorship of European Athletics, UK Athletics and the SPAR Sprints Programme
  • Mystery shopper programme designed to help improve store standards, with 4 audits per year looking at service, store environment, merchandising and more
  • Extensive market research, helping SPAR make key business decisions
  • National and international conventions
  • Various support schemes to help retailers and staff including The SPAR Benevolent Fund, the Legal Advice Scheme, Insurance Scheme, a counselling service and BUPA Healthcare
  • The SPAR Employee Assistance programme
  • Access to further training programmes