COVID-19 has certainly brought it challenges along the way but SPAR’s James Hall has helped me greatly as a retailer during this unprecedented time. The deliveries have been superb with availability being rarely affected whether it’s Fresh & Frozen or Grocery. We can only thank each and every member of the SPAR network from all the pickers who have worked tirelessly to assemble our larger than normal orders to our RSA's and Senior Management for continuously supporting us retailers in every possible way. It is most certainly a great time to be in retail but more so it’s a great time to be a part of the SPAR family of retailers.

We are a transient site which is located on the A165 between Hull and Bridlington and joined SPAR in August 2019. Pre Covid we were 43% up month on month compared with the previous symbol group. Since opening sales growth is up over 100 % and up 235% in May compared to the previous Symbol Group.

The investment in the site and change of symbol group has paid dividends because without the shop sales due to COVID19 epidemic the business may have been forced to close with the slump in fuel sales.

Since COVID-19, SPAR has kept us well stocked and sales have boomed. Customers have given us great feedback about stock levels verbally and on Facebook with some saying we were better stocked than the supermarkets. We have had many comments about how quick and safe it is to shop, this has highlighted how well planned the shop was. SPAR have a great team who do their best for every customer no matter how big or small. We made the right decision to join SPAR and hopefully we will grow together.

I was a SPAR retailer from 1995 to 2006 and left to form my own independent group. Once I did form my independent group I realised the value of the SPAR brand and the value of the SPAR support team.  My store was always known as "The SPAR" and customers regularly urged me to go back to SPAR.

Since rejoining SPAR I made full use of the development team while renovating my store. Our new store layout coupled with the return to the SPAR fascia have resulted in a 20%+ increase in turnover whilst adding 3% to my GP. The regular contact our business support team is invaluable and helps us to feel connected and part of the SPAR team to adapt our convenience offering to ever evolving trends.

Under the circumstances, SPAR wholesaler James Hall service level has been welcomed by our customers. With the restrictions in place, operating a store in today's climate is difficult, but with the support of SPAR and our fantastic staff, we certainly haven’t let any of our customers down.

SPAR wholesaler James Hall & Co’s support during the Covid crisis has been brilliant. We managed to maintain daily fresh and scheduled ambient deliveries through the whole period helping us maintain the best possible availability to our customers despite supplier shortages

My store has been well stocked since the start of the Pandemic, with my customers thankful we have been there for them. We have hopefully attracted lots of new customers, and we now hope to keep them now with our great products, promotions and prices!"