Blakemore Retail Launches First SPAR Market Store

Blakemore Retail has launched its first SPAR Market store in Gwynedd, Wales. 

On 18^th June, Blakemore Retail business relaunched its store in Bala under the SPAR Market fascia following a complete refurbishment. The SPAR Market format is designed especially for larger convenience stores, with a focus on fresh foods catering for customers on ‘making a meal’ or ‘grab and eat’ missions.

Customers looking for meal solutions can choose from A.F. Blakemore’s County Bridge fresh meat range and an improved selection of products across fresh, frozen and grocery categories perfect for either a daily top up or weekly shop. Hoping to attract local shoppers and tourists, the store features an extensive range of fresh produce and food from local suppliers, including Ellis Eggs, Edwards of Conwy, Blas y Fwyd, Village Bakery and Henllan Bakery.

Meanwhile, for those looking for food on the go, a new Daily Deli hot service counter offers delicious ready-to-eat food from breakfast through to the evening. A self-serve Philpotts coffee machine, Tango Ice Blast frozen slush machine and F’real shakes and smoothies bar offer immediate refreshment.

Blakemore Retail Managing Director Matt Teague commented: “SPAR Market is an exciting new format for Blakemore Retail that will help differentiate our Bala store for the location and market. New store formats and our Store Cluster Strategy mean that we are better able to design stores to reflect the core shopping missions of our customers than ever before. All of the new features have been designed with the customer in mind and offer something for everyone.”

To enhance the customer experience, self-scan checkouts have been introduced to the shop for the first time. Colleague headsets are also helping to drive efficient operations by improving communication among staff members. Home delivery is available via the Snappy Shopper app.

For customers looking for more sustainable shopping solutions, the store features a SPAR Natural refill station for dried goods. With all staff members living within a mile of the shop, SPAR Bala prides itself on being a real community store. Since opening, it has raised more than £7,000 for local communities.

Over the last 18 months, the store has supported many charities and organisations with monetary and goods donations, including Meithrinfa Akroyds Creche, Awel y Coleg and Snowdon Food Bank.