Recession? What recession? We might have been through a downturn, but one SPAR retailer’s business is currently 30% up on the previous year – and his accountant is completely astonished!
Sajiv's success
But Sajiv Vij – known as Saj – who runs the forecourt store at Burton Bradstock Cars in Dorset, is not surprised about his success. “I put it down to the range we offer our customers, and the brilliant team of people who work with us,” he said.
Saj moved to SPAR three years ago in an attempt to improve business in his under-performing 300sq.ft. forecourt store. “I saw an article about a successful retailer in a forecourt magazine and contacted SPAR,” said Saj. “We were approached by all the symbol groups and wholesale companies, but it was clear to me that it was the SPAR name and expertise that we really needed to get the business off the ground.
“We are in a holiday area, and SPAR is such a well-known brand both in the UK and internationally that it has undoubtedly helped the business.” Permission to run an off licence was obtained, and Saj, along with Appleby Westward (our distributor for the South and South West of England), set about redeveloping the shop to create a 1,100sq.ft. store – and business immediately took off.
“We take in one day what we used to do in one month,” said Saj. “The first year was an eye-opener, the second year was up 20% and this year we are up 30%. There is no doubt that in bringing more people to the store, it has helped boost our fuel sales, as well as car sales, servicing and MOT business. It has added £1m to our overall annual turnover so far.”
The store has proved popular with customers and won a five-star rating in West Dorset District Council’s assessment of food outlets. The accolade, which ranked the store as excellent, is what all outlets aspire to achieve from the local authority.